UK Jungle Pioneer Lennie De Ice Dead at 54

Lennie De Ice was a key personality in the jungle sound that emerged from breakbeat hardcore in the early ’90s.

Yet another original junglist has breathed his last in 2024. Lenworth Green aka Lennie De Ice, a producer with a music recording often cited as the first belonging to the jungle genre, has passed away at age 54 of unspecified causes.

The news of his death was made public by Matthew Copeland aka Mystic Matt on Facebook. Copeland credited Green as “the man who introduced you all to the AMEN BREAK in jungle,” arguing that he will “forever be the soundtrack of our generation.”

Indeed, many consider Green’s 1991 debut single “We Are I.E.” to be the record that laid the foundation for the jungle genre. In addition to tracks by 808 State and Chaba Fadela, it notably samples the drum break from The Winstons‘ 1969 recording, “Amen Brother” — a ubiquitous staple of hip-hop and electronic music.

Green had begun dabbling in music production as early as 1986 after growing up influenced by hip-hop acts like Mantronix and Afrika Bambaataa in East London. His introduction to acid house came courtesy of a DJ set by A Guy Called Gerald, and he joined a sound system shortly thereafter. In the years that followed, he also released music under projects such as Body Snatcher and Lick Down Crew.

A number of jungle and drum and bass icons have died in 2024 alone. DJ Randall, another jungle pioneer who helped popularize “We Are I.E.,” passed away in July, following the deaths of both MC Conrad and MC Duke in April.

No memorial details for Lenworth Green aka Lennie De Ice have been shared with the general public at the time of writing. We here at EDM Identity express our sincere condolences to his family and loved ones during what can only be a difficult time.