Jungle pioneer Renworth Green (also known as Lenny de Ice) has died at the age of 54.
The East London producer’s death was confirmed yesterday (December 10) by his friend DJ Mystic “Dubplate” Matt (real name Matthew Copeland). Copeland shared a photo of the two on his official Facebook page with the caption: “True brothers for life.”
“The man who introduced you to Amen Break in the Jungle, the first man of our generation to have a truck in the Ridge Racer video game, and the founder of the legendary Arms House Crew. A true Gentleman – You will be missed, to those who know and love you, you will forever be the soundtrack of our generation. God bless you my brother, fly high and party. Continue above, Lenny We R I De Ice Respect!”
As of this writing, the cause of death has not been disclosed.
Influenced by early hip-hop, electro, rare groove, and acid house tracks, Glee used drum machines, synths, and the famous Amen break to create their own unique sound.
In 1991, Green released the single “We Are IE”, which is cited as the earliest or first jungle track made in the UK. It was included on the Reel 2 Reel Productions EP.
“We Are IE” features an amen break, 808 State’s “Firecracker,” the Algerian live song “N’Sel Fik,” Spaghetti Western gunshots, backspin, and “Let Me” from “The.” It was created from various samples, including the vocals from “Hear You Scream.” Bagger Groove”.
The track became a staple in fellow jungle pioneer and De Underground co-owner DJ Randall’s sets. Speaking to Spins Cycle about the song in 2012, Randall said: That was a real moment. ”
During the ’90s, Green continued to release music under the names Body Snatchers and Rick Down Crew. He also collaborated with various collectives such as CIS Production and Madd-Ice. In the 2000s, Green slowed down and took a hiatus from production overall.
Reflecting on the song, which was featured in the 2021 jungle drum and bass history book Who Say Reload, Green said, “It’s an honor to be considered one of the pioneers of the jungle template.” by DJ Mag).
Sister Bliss of Faithless paid tribute to Green on her official X/Twitter account, writing, “Ah, I just saw the news about Lenny De Ice…’We are IE’ is so original. It was a song. I still play it.”
Exit Records founder DeBridge paid tribute to the late jungle icon in an Instagram post, saying: He released our first Dub Hustlers record and introduced me to other labels that I would later release music on. I’m sure Lenny was the one who took me to music houses for the first time…I’m so grateful to Lenny and the world he introduced me to. ”
Check out more tributes below.
Oh, I just saw the news about Lenny de Ice… We are IE was a very original track – it’s still being played 🖤#RIPLenniedeice
— Sister Bliss (@thesisterbliss) December 11, 2024
When this track came out a long time ago, it changed the game, changed programming, and set the standard for jungle drum and bass music. ⁰⁰ Salute to Lenny de Ice 🙏🏾 #jungle #junglemusic #dnb #drumandbass pic.twitter.com /7ndENYIOFx
— Bassline Smith (@basslinesmith) December 11, 2024
