Itch'ie E - It's A Demo (Strictly Underground Records, 1996)
After writing about 'Back In The Daze' by Mark "Ruff" Ryder in his Urban Jungle alias on Sunday I somewhat serendipitously came across this record in a second hand store the next day. I snapped it up despite knowing nothing about it, the fact it was released on Strictly Underground was enough - well, that and it was only £1.50. This was the only release under the Itch'ie E name and though I originally thought it was probably Mark Ryder Discogs suggests it's A-Sides.
Although the two mixes of the track aren't substantially different I prefer the second one due to its hazy jazz sample of rhodes and double bass. The above video is Mix 1 though. The track uses the 'Think' break and alternates between a Reese bassline and an 808 kick bassline with two vocal samples appearing throughout. I think the "It's A Demo" line is taken from the Kool G Rap & DJ Polo track of the same name but played slower, while the exclaimation of "Funky!" is Biz Markie from the beginning of Big Daddy Kane's 'Just Rhymin' With Biz'. A nice little jump-up style tune which was definitely worth my £1.50!
Mix 1 of 'It's A Demo' is available on the Strictly Hardcore compilation The Ruffest Drum & Bass Ever. The CD states "This is not a soft "intelligent" drum & bass album to fall asleep to. It's the ruffest attitude drum & bass designed to intimidate any sound system in the car or at home... This album has the power to achieve sonic devastation!". Which is a recommendation to buy if ever I heard one.