How to Create Dark Y2K DnB: Rufige Style Tutorial

[@STRANJAH]

𝗕𝗨𝗬 𝗦𝗨𝗕𝗖𝗥𝗔𝗙𝗧 (𝟯𝟴% 𝗢𝗙𝗙) → rebrand.ly/yt-subcraft-stranjah 𝗣𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗: Just to clear things up for everyone-'𝗥𝗨𝗙𝗜𝗚𝗘' was a term my crew and I started using back in the day to describe that dark, raw DnB sound we loved. When a track hit hard with all the right elements, we’d say, '𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩’𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚 𝙍𝙐𝙁𝙄𝙂𝙀.' It started as a casual remark, but over time, it became the label we used in the studio when working on tracks with that specific vibe. I get that this term didn’t catch on globally, but for us, it was a way to define a sound we were passionate about. As someone who was heavily involved in creating and shaping this style, this is my way of contributing to the culture and making sure this sound doesn’t fade into history. Respect to everyone who's been riding with jungle and DnB since day one-let’s keep the sound alive!

[@BlackSuneEmpire]

How do I get the discount? The link just tells send me to the main page. I live in the UK. Do I need to use a VPN?

[@STRANJAH]

@@BlackSuneEmpire It is already discounted when you add to cart. Do you see the original price has a strikethrough? I believe the discount is available until sometime in December.

[@BlackSuneEmpire]

@@STRANJAH I see a discount provided by the website. But It's not the one you are offering at 38% Maybe I will wait, maybe I will just work an extra shift :D

[@STRANJAH]

It really is a great plugin and makes getting unique bass sounds a snap!

[@SerendipityForever]

@@BlackSuneEmpirealso interesting as I was doing the math from what they told me and it worked out to 38% for Canadians. Let me look into this again.

[@hiddentechno8266]

Digital is one artist who doesn't get the credit he deserves

[@STRANJAH]

Definitely. Top producer for sure!

[@alexwild1435]

Gateman is one of the best DnB tunes of all time in my opinion.

[@DiiGiiTAL]

Appreciate it, thanks.

[@richardlock4120]

100% I used to rinse his tunes. Deadline still kills it... Same as Phantom Force. (him and Spirit RIP)

[@aaronmcaninch1255]

The greatest era of dnb ever!

[@untitled746]

Agreed

[@TekMerc]

RIP Spirit.

[@PhoenixBlack_741]

Aw man, he was one of my faves…

[@bardistass]

RIP

[@peaterrepeater4441]

I remember back in the days when Hotline Server was a thing. He logged into my place by chance , we chatted. After a while he told me who he is and we had a lot of nice communication and he gave me tips for my productions as well . Cool dude.

[@Pa_963]

Stranjah, you've been the biggest influence on my Drum & Bass production journey! Your way of explaining things just clicks with me, and thanks to your guidance, I've had my best successes so far. Keep up the amazing work! Greetings from Germany

[@STRANJAH]

This is great to hear, thanks so much! I wish you all the best in your musical journey!

[@Pa_963]

@@STRANJAH 🙏

[@datapusher-]

I survived Milton. Big up!!! This was good.... I have recently been listening to dnb from this era (early 2000s) recently. The photek remix of silent weapons... way ahead of its time. A lot of "minimal" tunes sound like that today.

[@STRANJAH]

Wow, so you are in Florida? I was quite relieved when I heard the strength of the storm had degraded by the time it hit land, but it was still definitely bad for the residents there. Really glad to hear you are well and all the best in recovering from the damage.

[@datapusher-]

​@@STRANJAH Yes and with Milton, it was the storm before the storm that got a lot of people. There were large tornadoes touching down all along the east coast. Too many fatalities... Its awful. It could happen to anyone here. Watching the radar and hearing the alerts at night is unsettling. I never sleep ever single time we go through these.

[@STRANJAH]

@@datapusher- I'm glad you are safe and I hope your friends and family are as well. I know it has been a challenging time down there. Where in FL are you?

[@datapusher-]

@@STRANJAH Thanks man!! Im in Orlando. We got lucky with the flooding! There are road closures and power outages nearby.

[@morionheyn7976]

just came come from the 30 years metalheadz party in berlin and saw your video. awesome job, you 100% got the vibe, great variations. im motivated af to try and make some dirty rufige! thank you!

[@STRANJAH]

Definitely have a go at it! It is tons of fun to make and once you get into the zone, it all falls into place in no time!

[@ujamInstruments]

Thanks so much for showcasing our Subcraft! 🙏🏼 💕 🔊

[@STRANJAH]

You are most welcome and thank you for the great plugin! 😎

[@ASH-ou4cg]

Gotta love the Hoover. From 91 to now, it never gets old!

[@STRANJAH]

Definitely! This is one of those timeless sounds that will always be usable and exciting to hear!

[@mattmcg3760]

Man, I wish i'd had some VSTs like Subcraft 20 yeas ago. Think it would have saved me hours of setting up sidechains and matching transient sounds to sit on the sub. Modern production is lit.

[@danieltheis4016]

Still the easiest to follow tutorials to get started. Thanks.

[@papazenism]

Super helpful tutorial as always man! Ive been creating some tracks lately that take influence from this era, so you uploaded at the right time

[@STRANJAH]

Glad to hear it and hopefully you got something from this video to aid in finishing off that current track in mention, as well as any future ones. 😎

[@craigburton4447]

That tune is sick mate. You should finish it and release it

[@STRANJAH]

I plan to!

[@JumpGlxtch]

This tutorial helped with my intelligent dnb production for sure

[@TheAccountant-e9k]

I remember seeing Evol Intent and the music that night changed my life, it was the best music I ever heard at the time. dnB fan for life. I grew up going to Carlos Soul Slinger's parties back in the 90's. Loved those days of desert raves and just smashing dnb. AK1200, Ed Rush and Optical, damn you really got my old memories going!!

[@subkulturebeats]

Great thumbnail! Exciting topic!🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@electric_bimma]

been waiting for this one!!! Antidote would also be an honourable mention for this style (RIP)

[@STRANJAH]

Good internet friend of mine, and dirty tunes, RIP

[@drumandbassonvinyl]

Proper Bizness! Great tutorial! I’m all fired up to turn something out now!

[@STRANJAH]

Glad I can provide the inspiration, what breakbeat will you use?

[@drumandbassonvinyl]

@@STRANJAH I have yet to choose, but this weekend session should yield something pretty awesome…… i hope 🤪

[@STRANJAH]

Just try the best you can and have fun. You will grow with it over time, just don't give up!

[@sehnsound]

You have mastered the art of tutorial, it’s literally perfect especially because it’s a tutorial that ends up making absolute stinkers!! Thank you so much mate

[@STRANJAH]

You are so welcome and thanks for letting me know that you are getting something from these tutorial videos. The entire purpose of these videos, is to teach you what I have learned over the years, so you can apply that knowledge to your own tracks!

[@sehnsound]

@@STRANJAH Thanks mate, I've released my first tracks on a small label thanks to your tutorial! I have one suggestion for a tutorial that would be sick because no one has done it before : making a tutorial on how to switch up the vibe of a track, I'm trying to figure it out myself by analysing the tracks of artists like Deaton Chris Anthony, analysing what makes the vibe switch so smooth (what is the key element that ties everything together (a vocal for example) By switching up the vibe I'm talking changing the drum pattern + the sound, changing the synth, changing the melody pattern, the bass etc almost like there is two tracks in one

[@STRANJAH]

@@sehnsound do you have any D&B tracks as examples? I'm not familiar with Deaton but I can look it up

[@sehnsound]

@@STRANJAH Deaton makes Jungle tracks and breakbeat in general but you can find examples of the switch up technique in the following tracks : - Ralphie Choo Choo - 1999 She - Sircles DnB tracks using this technique : - Where is the Promoter by Napes (slowing down the tempo like you showed in a video) In other genre I have a typical example : Groove District by Starjunk 95, or Stardust District by the same artist

[@STRANJAH]

Interesting idea! Let me see what I can come up with. Great job on getting your first tracks out and thanks so much for the support! I am humbled to be of help to you and everyone else who gets anything out of these videos!

[@simeonmatthews4584]

Stranjah is just the best dnb tutor ever

[@KelmoMusic]

This is sick, been wanting to try something in this style for a long time. thanks for the tips!!

[@bongoloid4780]

I was looking for a video on this exact subject last night. fuck yeah, stranjah!

[@STRANJAH]

I’m your DnB genie 😉

[@ASH-ou4cg]

Nice! Loving the quality of that artwork too!

[@STRANJAH]

Thank you, are you familiar with this genre?

[@ASH-ou4cg]

@@STRANJAH Ya, I would say this was when DnB dabbled in bringing back the oldskool hardcore sound from the early 90's, into a more modern sound.

[@boootros]

Looking forward to this.. Keep on Keeping on!! 🎯

[@BenDiGedigMusic]

Recently signed up to your mailing list to get the drum breaks samples and today I received my first recap email for this video, absolute game changer having a set of written notes to work from. Great content, as always, I have a particular love of this style of D&B

[@STRANJAH]

Thanks so much for joining the list and I am glad you are getting something out of these videos. More to come for sure!

[@Jocasta2801]

Really wicked track!! That amen with the hi res snare is so cool, is it in any of your packs?

[@STRANJAH]

Yes it’s in the ICONS pack which is free with a purchase of another pack

[@Jocasta2801]

@@STRANJAH oooh, gonna have to flip a coming between OG jungle and AcidLab fr

[@STRANJAH]

@@Jocasta2801 reach out to us if you want both, we can see what we can do

[@Jocasta2801]

@@STRANJAH ooh, I’ll bear that in mind!

[@VKNGofficial]

Nice one for another blast from the past Stranjah. Keeping the history of dnb well known. Big ups 👊🏼

[@jumanjidnbuk6152]

Love this, been trying to make the rufige style for ages and not found Any tutorials on it at all please make a series about this style that would be awesome 🤩 ❤

[@STRANJAH]

Glad this helped and all the best in making this dark and grimey genre of DnB!

[@JockJaimeRadfordBromley]

Man, you make it look so easy. OG stuff for sure

[@joeford454]

This was a great video stranjah,you got the rufige vibe spot on,love it,peace.

[@rickyspanish4792]

that opening video with u dancing in the greenscreen club 🤣💯

[@severalcircles1]

This tutorial tune needs a release

[@karimayoubi74]

Concise, great pace, stay on point all the way through, really good video. 👍

[@cypress22369]

ngl intro sounds to me like Source Direct track (which is good) great video, now i can try to struggle even more 🗿

[@bcrydah]

🤯 Damn this brings me back! Got me hella inspired. Bout to hit the studio now 👊🏿

[@Numatixdnb]

Welcome home Stranjah my g! The Messiah has returned. Time for you and the crew to repair what the majors have destroyed over the last 2 years 😩😩

[@STRANJAH]

😗

[@MrZensphere]

Good one bro! 🤘🔥 Definitely a sound 😤

[@apothicon81]

Best vid so far man, big up

[@MF_Plissken]

i always used to spell "rufige" like its a german/dutch term. it gave it a little mean touch i thought :D "de ruffige kru". nice tutorial tune^^. i wouldnt wonder if your "sounded deadly" at the end will be sampled and used in a ruffige tune sooner than later ;P. lets go folks

[@STRANJAH]

A prize for someone who makes a sick tune with that vocal sample lol

[@QWLMusic]

In your element! Great video!

[@lafluerpeter9]

Nice, liked that, still waiting for you to do a 96 dope dragon/joker records type tutorial. 😂😂

[@STRANJAH]

Great suggestion, noted.

[@lafluerpeter9]

@@STRANJAH Nice, something you could imagine Brockie playing and Det spitting over. 😁😁

[@sportsman2103]

Digital was the one for me

[@onesmallthought]

IS the one.

[@TekMerc]

Track was pretty sick.

[@0e0]

yup!

[@StuSiney]

Playing by ear and vibe.... I finally found my niche

[@ASH-ou4cg]

This was great. Loving the oldskool elements found in these dnb tracks. Would you say John B - Up All Night would fall into this category?

[@STRANJAH]

No, I wouldn't say that track falls directly into this category, despite it having the hardcore rave stabs. Up All Night is kind of a thing on its own!

[@iamdoomedmusic]

reminds me of spy! love the result.

[@champab5857]

Great tutorial!

[@themongoose7318]

Sick video mate! ❤

[@windowbreezes]

Rufige - Rhythm Killa!!

[@STRANJAH]

That's a classic rufige tune!

[@windowbreezes]

Whenever Goldie does the “Cow Mooing” , it Trips me out. haha

[@STRANJAH]

@@windowbreezes Goldie - Hyena is another good one

[@VOID78]

Love watchin your vids, they give me inspiration for my own projects 😁👍

[@deniskesiov3594]

GrEAT TO Have something so perfect explaining

[@0e0]

True knowledge imparted from someone that was there. Who else on youtube giving these sorts of tutorials has a discogs that's as legit as Stranjah?

[@STRANJAH]

You're too kind! But seriously, thank you for all your support over the years. I have learned a lot from you too! 😁

[@cidst8]

Stranjah knows his shit when it comes to making dnb but can’t dance. Stranjah dances better than me!

[@Nocular]

Yeah he dances better than me, I just nod my head... A lot.

[@chriswftdj]

Great idea this video man

[@bruiseviolet7382]

sick as brudda

[@JAVONJUAN]

Been looking for a tutorial like this thank you!!

[@4CRTN]

Great video!.

[@bencove717]

Amazing video!!

[@AndySo2000]

Great videos man! I always catch myself trying to figure out what key those Mentasm samples are. I have a hard time figuring them out, so you're saying it doesn't matter which is interesting. Im interested in where that sample originates from and what was used to make it. It seems to fit in any dnb track honestly and it has a nostalgic vibe to the way it sounds. It has been resampled in so many different ways over the years.

[@STRANJAH]

The Mentasm is heavily processed and manipulated from its stock source (which is the Roland Alpha Juno BTW - Patch 86 (What The?). Just go by ear and if it sounds good and fits, then use it!

[@drudj]

i love this style of DNB

[@STRANJAH]

Me too! Any particular tracks you in this style that you like?

[@drudj]

@@STRANJAH Dark 97' by Philth, Ant TC1 and Immerse

[@JustanyguyOfficial]

Sick 🔥

[@PhoenixBlack_741]

What’s up, new here. First off, great video… However, I don’t ever remember it being called ‘Ruffige’ over here in the U.K. it went by ‘Darkside’… I used to spin back in the day, and trust and believe I never heard it being referred to as Ruffige. The closest anyone would get to that was describing the sound. For example: “That’s Metalheadz!” You just knew! Metalheadz/Reinforced had a particular sound. Hardware had theirs. 31 records. No Entry (Ed Rush & Co) I could go on, lol Also from the US you had Gein with a track called ‘Vector Burn’ 👀 Banger! Anyway, subscribed. Much respects 🫡 [Edit] I had to try not to write an essay and stop myself! It wasn’t easy. 😅

[@danmorrison667]

If you google 'rufige dnb' then all you get is links to Goldie's group Rufige Kru....'rufige' was never a sub genre of dnb'!

[@STRANJAH]

Welcome to the family and thank you for your support on the channel! I see what you are saying. Sometimes genres overlap and sometimes they are referred to by different names, especially in hind sight, when they are branded years after they already took place. This could be the case here!

[@YellowFTO]

I have no idea what he's talking about 😂 Ive literally been buying jungle / DnB records since 1993 and ive never in all that time heard anyone call it Rufige.

[@PhoenixBlack_741]

@@YellowFTO Lol Cut him slack, he was gracious enough to answer my little steward’s enquiry. For all we know, that’s what it was known as in his part of the world…. Well that’s what I took from his reply. And I’m with you, I still got them vinyls, CD’s and MP3’s… I’ll be an old man blasting that shit! There’s nothing like it! Respects 🫡

[@STRANJAH]

So what do you label this genre then?

[@Nocular]

Great tutorial. Just wondering did u do any processing to the acid lab break? Or is ut just chopped up and dropped in?

[@STRANJAH]

Not really, they are processed and ready to go from the start. Of course, you are more than welcome to process further for your own use, in context to the track you are working on. EQ, saturation, Compression etc would all compliment these breaks perfectly!

[@Nocular]

​@@STRANJAHok thanks for taking the time to reply to me.

[@PhoenixBlack_741]

⁠Thank you for the welcome 🫡 I get you, it’s just a case of a different name for a different time/region. I just had a ‘Wait a minute!’ Moment. On another note, do you sell your tunes? I’d like to support, especially the one you was working on in this vid. Had me nodding my head like a madman! Those elements you put in? Perfecto 👊🏾👊🏾 Have a good one sir, all the best!

[@STRANJAH]

I don't currently make as much music as I would like, with being so busy with other things. Most of my older tunes were released on vinyl, but you can still find some of my digital releases around, if you search my name. Sample and Preset packs are what I am focusing on now, giving you guys the tools needed to make tunes like in the videos I put out. Thanks again for your support!

[@PhoenixBlack_741]

@@STRANJAH Say less, I’m going to look that up! Does your sound packs work with the Maschine DAW?

[@STRANJAH]

@@PhoenixBlack_741 We have users that use Maschine with success so I would say yes, but you'd have to be knowledgeable on how to import third-party samples into Maschine. If you have any issue just reach out.

[@PhoenixBlack_741]

@@STRANJAH Thank you. You are truly a great one with a good heart, man. A rare commodity in this day and age! 👊🏾🫡

[@darthcheeseburger]

Oh wtf can you release this tune?! Banger!

[@0e0]

Total Science and Hive did a lot of great stuff in this style too. I really love this era of dnb. I think there are some points in the Noughties that are basically equal for with 1994 for me.

[@STRANJAH]

That's true in hindsight, I was thinking darn I didn't mention Total Science! It was definitely a fun era

[@amali9044]

how can i learn to make drum patterns like this in the piano roll? like at 1:05 when you have the drum sounds in the piano roll?

[@STRANJAH]

Hey, I put out a few videos on this topic in the past. Try these: kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3eYeGSNmsqEbqM and kzbin.info/www/bejne/sKK3c2iOiM-gsKs You can find others by searching through past videos on my channel. I hope this helps you get better sounding drum rhythms!

[@amali9044]

@@STRANJAH thank you so much

[@DedezaoYT]

Just got here randomly, I want to try to learn to produce some DnB music, but don't know how to start, any recommendations? Like.. Which program do people use?

[@xyxyndr]

origin of halfstep dnb

[@STRANJAH]

Yes you could very well say that, Gremlinz and I also made a lot of "halftime" dnb in that early Y2K period

[@oxygencube]

Filth! This was sick!

[@STRANJAH]

Thank you, how familiar are you with this style?

[@oxygencube]

@@STRANJAH I'm quite old school, I am kind of stuck between 1994-2004. I love old metalheadz stuff and virus!

[@martindewhurst2485]

No style, of any music, ever has done it for me as much as this genre and era of dnb. It’s just so right, and you’ve done it real justice in this video

[@reggieking1045]

Man i wish modern dnb used these kind of hard stompy drums. I find modern snares to be very weak and kicks sound like a popping sound. I also feel like drums are almost an afterthought or sort of in the backround these days, like producers just want to get the drums done quick so they can concentrate on making weird overpowering bass noises that don't really match with the minimal drums.

[@STRANJAH]

Well this is definitely up to the producer, but drums should definitely NOT be an afterthought when making "drum" and bass! As an artist, do the opposite of what you don't like. Use thick snappy snares and heavy pounding kicks! It will definitely go over well, even today!

[@reggieking1045]

@@STRANJAH Yeah totally agree mate. Also i love the little boogie dances you do on your videos lol. Respect.

[@STRANJAH]

LOL. This is a longstanding theme of mine. I did take a break from it, but have recently brought it back due to fan request!

[@geneybaby]

I have a certain dnb Playlist that sounds different than other dnb. I'm starting to think it's rufige. Cam I send you the link to the Playlist to confirm?

[@STRANJAH]

Let’s hear it

[@geraldgoodiii6993]

U should do a vid on how to MAKE those rave stabs I can never em to sound like those old B-Key sounding ones

[@STRANJAH]

Almost anything can be made into a stab. Just have a very quick/sharp attack and no decay (or very little) and play the sample as a chord. Try minor, Minor 7th etc. Play the stab in a staccato fashion and you're done!

[@GOLABStudio]

Cool, where is the Amen from Paradox …?

[@whitecliff4361]

When can I find drum samples that are this good

[@whitecliff4361]

Commented way to early 😂😂😂😂

[@STRANJAH]

😉 Definitely check out the products on our Deviant Audio label. We only put out quality sounding packs, with samples and presets just like these!

[@daverecon7694]

Bboy🖤

[@KOLEMusicUK]

👌👌👌

[@apoplexiamusic]

"Stares Bumboclatly"

[@lowdestyo]

nice

[@Dorian-vm8xu]

Me When i saw Rufige Style Tutorial😲

[@ZebbMassiv]

I read that wrong and was like whoa refugee dnb😂

[@STRANJAH]

😮

[@george.r2164]

this video accidentally made me discover breakage makes dubstep lol

[@NIRVANABLEACH2]

Might have heard of... Stranjah? Never heard of him.

[@STRANJAH]

😂

[@iheartdnb]

what funk break are you using in the video?

[@STRANJAH]

It's a sample taken directly from our Acid Lab Sample Pack: deviantaudio.com/product/acid-lab/

[@rodrigojeronimo5655]

Y2k what is

[@mariusgm2]

Been on a major nostalgia trip lately, turning 40 soon and reminiscing about how much I love this era of dnb. Love to see the vibe still alive and new stuff being released

[@STRANJAH]

Is this your favourite genre of Dnb? What is your favourite if not?

[@WOLFanddBEAR]

[@ventoilin5938]

isn't this just old tech-step ?

[@viktorvigh4513]

No

[@Monkeymagic-y8k]

💀

[@flyfrun2563]

I think that bass needs tweaking man. It sounds a bit too flat and dare I say a bit colourless. I think it's me. Even back then in the mid 90''s onwards only about like 3 percent of dnb tune were really good. What's the reason for that?

[@leftmono1016]

The reason is that we all like different things 👍

[@STRANJAH]

This was just a rough tutorial, not mean to be the final product. Of course there is always room for further processing as you see fit.

[@liorsilverstein9802]

this is ganja I mean garbage

[@STRANJAH]

Hey, thanks for checking it out! Glad you liked what you heard! 🥰

[@liorsilverstein9802]

@@STRANJAH yeah its sheet thx for sharing

[@cckeysify]

dude has no style, just cheap remixes and copy cat stuff 🤮

[@blueberrimuffin6682]

he was MAKING THIS SHIT. DURING Y2K. he's released on multiple labels for decades. like, cmon.

[@windowbreezes]

RIP SPIRIT. 😢

[@STRANJAH]

He made a lot of legendary tunes, may he rest in peace, his legacy will live on through is music

[@windowbreezes]

Legendary Dark Horseman.

[@VKNGofficial]

Legend ❤