I was contacted by someone with a passion for Yaman tapes who wanted to buy my copy of “Marsin Out” by LTJ Bukem. While rummaging through a very large box of cassettes I took out a batch of mixes to listen to. While a lot of people are nostalgic for records, which the ever-increasing value of original jungle vinyl confirms, its mixtapes which I have a passion for. Often bespoke or produced in very limited batches, below are some of my favourites.

Domu – From Here To Just Over There (2003)

I used to visit Dominic at his home studio and come back armed with white labels, CDR’s and most importantly a freshly mixed cassette, often recorded that morning. You couldn’t get more upfront and personal, this tape contains some of the tracks that went to feature on the Rima mix CD “Rebel Soul From A Deep Galaxy”. Soulful and positive.

Pavel Kostiuk – From 2000 Black To Nippon Crew (2000)

As far as I know, this tape was only available to those who attended the 2000 Black Japan Tour of September 2000. It contains tracks by Likwid Biskit (IG Culture & Kaidi Tatham), G Force & Seiji, Domu and Neon Phusion. A gem in my collection, this is Dego in great form. Just like the Domu tapes, this mix also helps document the formative period of broken beat.

Volcov – Altered Soul Experiment 01 (2015)

This mix launched the Altered Soul Experiment series, a range of tapes from Berlin that later spawned sets by Marcellus Pittman, GE-OLOGY and more recently Sassy J. Recorded live, this cassette is a classy 90-minute blend of soul, disco and boogie. “Altered Soul Experiment 01” has been re-issued twice now, both times with alternative artwork. The version I have, and pictured, is the original 2015 release.

AME & DVL – The Sith Eleptikcal Gems Part 1 (2001)

Put together by The Rotobotnus-Twins, AME & DVL, this collection of “original breaks and beat mash-ups” features additional scratching by DJ Grazzhoppa. Constructed with two turntables, an 8-track minidisc recorder and a guitar effect pedal this tape is a wild journey of obscure breaks, skits and movie quotes. As it says on the cover “sample this and go act a fool”!

Beyond There – Something For The Radio (1998)

Mixtapes are, and always have been, a pivotal part of hip-hop culture and this selection from British crew Beyond There is a superb example of DJs being able to join the dots between jazz, funk, soul and rap. A good example being Ramsey Lewis following Mr Complex. The tape features a decent variety of old and new (at the time) underground hip-hop and iconic artwork by Mode 2.

Phantasy And Gemini – Equinox 2 (1992)

Quite simply, the favourite rave tape I own. Official cassettes from Milwaukees were virtually impossible to get, this one purchased directly from the club cloakroom. Pure DIY, the cover is a cut-up flyer with Phantasy & Gemini written in gold ink down the spine. The cassette is jet black with no markings. Recorded on Friday the 22nd of May 1992 and hosted by an in the zone MC Juiceman, the set is wildly energetic. If anything captures the euphoria of the 92 hardcore scene, it’s this.