With over four decades of influence on London’s soul and club scene, Aitch
B is a true legend. From his early days with the iconic East London sound
system F.B.I. in the late 1970s to his instrumental role in Soul II Soul, Aitch
has continuously shaped the music culture with his deep knowledge and
passion for soul, funk, boogie, and reggae.
A rare figure in the early rave scene, Aitch bridged the gap between two
contrasting youth cultures—soul and reggae—bringing them together in
a unique and revolutionary way. His collaboration with Daddae Harvey and
later Jazzie B in the 1980s marked the dawn of a new musical era, with
Aitch cementing his place as one of the “Original Funki Dreds”
.
Between 1988 and 1992, he spun tracks at some of the hottest spots in
London, from the blues parties to the warehouse scene to the birth of
London’s Original Rare Groove era, to the groundbreaking Sunday nights
at the Africa Centre to the then legendary Friday Nights at The Fridge,
Brixton. Aitch was at the forefront, playing tracks the audience hadn’t
heard in a long time or brand-new tunes, some of which are still part of
many DJs’ sets today.
More than just a DJ, Aitch played a pivotal role in shaping the iconic sound
of Soul II Soul. As a lyricist on unforgettable tracks like “Feeling Free,
” “Get
A Life,
” and “Our Time Has Come,
” his creative genius left an indelible
mark on the music that defined an era. But his influence didn’t stop
there—Aitch collaborated with global legends like James Brown and The
Jones Girls, further cementing his status as a trailblazer. A central figure in
the rise of the Rare Groove and London Sound scenes, his contributions
helped lay the foundation for a movement that
continues to inspire.
Today, Aitch B remains an active force in the
music world as a respected radio presenter
and club DJ, continuing to share his vast
knowledge of Soul, Funk, R&B, Soulful House,
and Reggae.
Whether in the club or on the airwaves, his
influence is undeniable—Aitch B is a true master of the groove
