Basement Jaxx collaborator Slarta John dies

The Birmingham MC was the voice behind the 1999 classic ‘Jump n’ Shout’.

Photo credit: Basement Jaxx – Instagram

Mark Lebert James, better known as Slarta John, has died. The Birmingham-born MC rose to prominence after featuring on Basement Jaxx’s 1999 single ‘Jump n’ Shout’. The duo announced his passing on August 5 via Instagram, remembering him for his “confidence, energy and conviction.” No cause of death has been disclosed.

Basement Jaxx first connected with Slarta John after hearing his work on Bizzi’s 1997 track ‘Bizzi’s Party’. Their collaboration on ‘Jump n’ Shout’ led to a lasting live partnership, with Slarta joining the group on stages around the world, including Fuji Rock, Glastonbury, and the Hollywood Bowl. Known for carrying both a Jamaican flag and the flag of the host country, he became a symbol of unity and a nod to soundsystem culture.

In 2012, he released ‘The Many Moods Of Slarta John’, an album that featured Basement Jaxx, DJ Zinc, Mani Hype, and Hatiras. Remembering him, the duo wrote: “He was an emotional, very funny, loving man. Some people leave an indelible print on the landscape, and Slarta was one of them.”

View the official statement below.