Dizzee Rascal, a pioneer in Grime music, discusses the rise of the genre and its impact on the UK economy. From its underground origins to becoming critically acclaimed, he reflects on the negative associations attached to Grime. Furthermore, he talks about his signing with Excel and winning the Mercury Prize, as well as the significance of UK hip hop and his influence on artists like Stormzy.
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Quick takeaways
Grime music has become one of the most commercially successful genres in Britain, contributing $2.5 billion to the UK economy.
Dizzee Rascal played a significant role in bringing grime into the mainstream with his groundbreaking album 'Boy in the Corner'.
Deep dives
The Rise of Grime Music
Grime music, a genre that emerged in London in the early 2000s, has become one of the most commercially successful music genres in Britain, contributing $2.5 billion to the UK economy. The rapid growth of grime can be attributed to its overwhelmingly young artists who create music that resonates with their peers. Dizzee Rascal, considered a pioneer and the godfather of grime, played a significant role in bringing the genre into the mainstream with his groundbreaking album 'Boy in the Corner' at the age of 19.
Evolution of Grime Music
Grime music evolved from underground dance music and sound system culture, drawing influences from genres like reggae, hardcore, jungle, UK garage, and hip-hop. Dizzee Rascal, starting as a DJ and MC, combined different elements to create a unique style. The pirate radio scene played a major role in shaping and promoting grime music, providing a platform for artists to express themselves and gain recognition. With time, grime music transitioned from underground raves to mainstream media, gaining acceptance and changing the negative perception associated with it.
Profitability and Influence of Grime
Grime music has become a highly profitable industry, with artists diversifying their income through beat sales, merchandise, podcasting, appearance fees, and record deals. The genre's influence has spread globally, showcasing the unique identity of UK rap-based music. While grime has made significant strides, some artists feel that compared to other genres like Afrobeat, the UK scene still has room for growth, highlighting the importance of government support and radio exposure to further elevate grime on an international scale.
From its emergence in London’s underground scene and pirate radios in the early 2000s, to becoming a major music genre, Grime has come a long way – contributing more than £2bn to the UK economy and creating opportunities to members of some of Britain’s most deprived communities.
Dylan Kwabela Mills - professionally known as Dizzee Rascal - is someone who has been at the centre of this genre from its inception, and who many credit for Grime’s exposure to pop culture.
Twenty years on, the electronic dance music, with rapid beats that critics described as the “soundtrack to knife crime”, is now critically acclaimed, and many of the pioneers who were teenagers at the time are now multi-millionaire business owners.
(Picture: Dylan Kwabela Mills, known as Dizzee Rascal. Credit: Getty Images)
Presented and produced by Peter Macjob
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