Slarta John was perhaps best known for his contributions to Basement Jaxx’s 1999 track, “Jump n’ Shout.”
Mark Lebert James, a Birmingham, UK MC known professionally as Slarta John, has died of unspecified causes.
London DJ duo Basement Jaxx broke the news to the broader public in an Instagram tribute. They did not mention when James passed, nor any of the other details surrounding his death.
“Thank you for all you gave us and for sharing your great gift and energy with the world,” reads part of the tribute. “Love to Carol and all your family. Sending you much love and peace as you venture out to the world beyond this one.”
Basement Jaxx members Felix Buxton and Simon Ratcliffe discovered James via his “melodic, joyful and vibrant” vocal stylings on Bizzi‘s 1997 track “Bizzi’s Party.” They approached him to collaborate, and he featured on their widely successful 1999 single “Jump n’ Shout.”
“Wherever we’d go he’d perform with strength, vigour and gravitas, commanding the crowd like a king, proudly parading a Jamaican flag along with a flag of the country we were visiting as a symbol of unity and a nod to sound system culture,” wrote Basement Jaxx in their trbute. “He loved, laughed and was loved by many, going on to collaborate with many other artists and to produce music of his own.”
Among James’ other collaborators were Hatiras and DJ Zinc. The former featured James on his 2001 track “Space Invader,” and the latter on his 2004 cut “Flim.” New versions of both tracks, along with a re-edit of “Jump n’ Shout,” would appear on James 2012 debut artist album, The Many Moods of Slarta John.
We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to the family and loved ones of Mark Lebert James aka Slarta John during what can only be a difficult time.
