S2 EP6: Nicky Black Market - evading the DTI and providing cultural meeting point for Jungle and Drum & Bass at Black Market Records

This week on the show, we have the legendary Nicky Black Market. He has a rich history in London Pirate Radio, playing on all the top stations during the 90s, and he continues to play on Kool FM today. He’s as well known as a DJ as he was for being the face of the Jungle and Drum & Bass department at London’s iconic Black Market Records. We cover some really interesting ground, and it becomes clear just how important this particular record shop was.

Black Market Records opened in 1988 and was a pillar of London dance music for 27 years before closing in 2015. Nicky Black Market and the whole Black Market Records family were a massive influence on me. I used to go there weekly—sometimes up to three times a week—to stay connected with what was new. That included buying records, finding out release dates, discovering which clubs were hot, and just hanging out and making connections. Like most great record shops, Black Market was much more than just a place to buy records. It was as important to Jungle, Drum & Bass, UKG, Dubstep, and other genres as any other component in the growth of the music.

I’ll also be answering some listener comments and questions at the end of the show, so keep it locked for that. If you want to get involved, you can join the Discord.

Some footage of 90s Black Market Records HERE and HERE

First record I bought in Black Market Records - DJ SS ‘Rollige’ or as Nicky describes it ‘Omlette & Chips’

My Rinse FM residency archive HERE

Join the Discord HERE to discuss, feedback and suggest anything for the podcast

My new album SLOW860 is out now HERE