Grooverider remains an influential figure in the worldwide drum and bass scene, in part due to his successful radio show on BBC Radio 1 (presented in conjunction with Fabio) which has attained a devoted audience outside the United Kingdom. Consequently, he is in great demand as a DJ and works extensively abroad as well as in the UK. Although Grooverider is known primarily as a DJ and presenter, he is also a recording artist and runs one of the most prestigious drum and bass imprints; Prototype Recordings. Prototype is known for its sporadic, yet highly-anticipated, releases showcasing productions from many of the biggest names in drum and bass, including Dillinja, Ed Rush, Photek and Optical. As a recording artist, Grooverider has released one album, Mysteries of Funk (Sony 1998), produced in conjunction with Optical, and a number of acclaimed remixes. As of 2005, he is currently working on a new album. Grooverider was arrested 24 November 2007 in Dubai after flying in for a nightclub gig with 2.16g of cannabis and a pornographic DVD in his luggage. Grooverider had been employed on a freelance basis and has not been paid by BBC Radio 1 since November. Four years is the minimum sentence for drug trafficking in the United Arab Emirates. “I must have forgotten the spliff,” he said in an interview. “It was a small amount. Back home I would not even get prosecuted.” On February 19, 2008, Grooverider was sentenced to four years imprisonment. He was pardoned and released on Wednesday 3 September 2008, during the holy month of Ramadan that traditionally sees the pardoning of select prisoners in UAE. In an interview with BBC, Grooverider described his experience as “appalling” and described the conditions in which he was placed. |
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