The track remains a staple of "old skool" sets and is often revisited on platforms like TikTok and YouTube , proving the enduring appeal of the Shola Ama and MJ Cole collaboration.
Are you interested in a deeper of the chord structures MJ Cole used, or perhaps a look at other UK Garage anthems from 1999?
The track features the signature "shuffling" 2-step beat that moved away from the standard 4x4 house pulse, creating a more agile and swing-heavy foundation. Shola Ama - Taboo [Mj Cole Vocal Dub]
The dub focuses heavily on Shola Ama's smooth, soulful delivery, chopping and repeating key phrases to create a hypnotic effect that served both the dancefloor and radio rotation. Cultural Impact and Success
The of "Taboo," performed by Glamma Kid and Shola Ama , represents a landmark moment in the evolution of the UK Garage (UKG) scene. Released in April 1999, the track is an interpolation of Sade’s 1985 classic "The Sweetest Taboo". While the original version was a dancehall-infused hit, MJ Cole’s remix transformed it into a definitive 2-step anthem that captured the sophisticated, "champagne garage" aesthetic of the late 90s. Architectural Elegance in 2-Step The track remains a staple of "old skool"
Mixmag cited the remix as one of the " 16 of the Best Uplifting Vocal Garage Tracks ," cementing its status as a foundational piece of the genre.
MJ Cole’s production style on this vocal dub is characterized by its . Unlike the more aggressive, "darkcore" styles of the time, Cole utilized: The dub focuses heavily on Shola Ama's smooth,
Known for his classical training, Cole layered the track with lush Rhodes pianos and jazz-inflected chords, elevating the production quality above standard club loops.