Elusive by Official Potential Badboy

London-based, legendary jungle pioneer, Potential Badboy (aka Chris Mcfarlane) releases his jungle album, Elusive, featuring previous singles such as the dubwise Ticker featuring JODIAN NATTY, Do What They Say featuring Indigo Reign and Syren Rivers, and Rise with Blackout JA, Talisman, and Coozie Mellers.

With Elusive, Potential Badboy reminds us that he was and always will be a heavyweight in UK rave culture; since the early ‘90s, Potential Badboy has remained a key architect of jungle, drum and bass, and garage, pushing the scene forward for over three decades.

Give Me A Sign symbolises a special moment in the album, where Potential Badboy’s daughter, alternative R&B/Soul artist Havana, brings her own soulful, laid-back voice and perspective to a track that was her favourite in her Dad's archives. “It became a beautiful full-circle moment, allowing her to express herself on a song that once meant so much to her”.

Commenting on the collaborative nature of the album, Potential Badboy adds: “This project is a departure from the norm. It’s built from collaboration with artists who reflect my identity and taste, blending elements of jungle and drum and bass in ways that feel raw, honest, and entirely my own.”

Elusive presents a fresh lens on jungle and drum and bass. Drawing on Potential Badboy’s deep production pedigree and his instinctive feel for what’s next, it stays rooted in the culture while carving out bold new directions for the genre.

The project blossomed from a period of seclusivity, when Chris, by his own admission became “became increasingly hard to reach—intentionally.” He adds “I took a step back from the public eye to reflect, recalibrate, and quietly reinvent myself…. For the first time, I had the freedom and autonomy to create without outside expectations—just me, the sounds I love, and the styles that speak to me. I named the album Elusive as a reflection of that period of transformation—when disappearing became a way of reclaiming myself creatively.”

Following suit is the track “Bun Dem Out,” born out of frustration with outside opinions, expectations, and the pressure they place on the creative process. “Bun Dem Out” is the pair’s response: raw, unapologetic, and heavy. Fusing metal energy with jungle rhythms, it pushes back against conformity and reclaims creative control through sound.

With collaboration at the core of Elusive, Potential Badboy invites a handful of artists to appear on multiple tracks. Junior Dangerous, appears twice —on both “Banger” and “Dangerous is Dangerous”—two powerhouse, floor-shaking tunes built for peak-time play. “Banger” blends the energy of the dancefloor with the grit of drum and bass, anchored by an undeniably catchy hook delivered with unflinching ragga-style panache.

Also making a second appearance on the album are Indigo Reign and Syren Rivers, singing about human nature, community, and trusting your instincts. Their contributions carry the theme of staying strong as a unit in the face of systems that feel as though they’re working against you. The track “Life,” featuring Blackout JA, Mikey General, Talisman, and Coozie Miller, also tackles these issues—reminding listeners that “love is the only solution to find peace within” and to “Stand up and fight like buffalo soldier.” To give this powerful message space, Potential Badboy creates a mature, grounded production. “The message in the lyrics called for a sound that felt intentional and respectful, and the result is a track that speaks to life’s truths with strength, soul, and experience,” he adds.

This message of standing your ground continues on “Dough,” where TrueMendous brings her assertive energy, demanding to be paid what she’s owed over stripped-back, hard-hitting production that drives the message home.

The track “Five Papers” featuring Uncle Nuts is a heartfelt nod to the roots of the scene. Potential Badboy recalls looking up to Uncle Nuts in his youth—watching him run sound systems and shape the local sound culture. “Five Papers” serves as a tribute, “a way to pay homage to the old school man dem—the pioneers who laid the foundation and inspired my own journey through sound,” he explains.

Staying true to his commitment to honouring the genre’s origins, the album closes with “We Are Dangerous” featuring the legendary Ragga Twins. Known for their razor-sharp flow and unmistakable energy, the Ragga Twins deliver a bold warning to the scene. “This track is a tribute to their legacy and everything they’ve contributed to the genre. We Are Dangerous is both a celebration of their impact and a nod to the foundation they helped build,” says Potential Badboy.