An Alternative To The Mainstream Grime List
I first became drawn to Grime back in the Channel U days. I was fascinated with the flows and characters, as well as its fast paced nature and harsh frank lyrics. The production was there to hit you, it was clunky and steely, and for it's time a touch futuristic but stepped gritty. Watching MC's pitch their witt in Jammer's dungeon or going on YouTube and discovering new grime artists and crews was exciting. Getting high and roaming the internet for Grime music became a common occurrence. Even though I lived miles away from where it was happening, I loved to follow camcorder recordings from various London boroughs.
There are some artists and tracks that have my attention forever. Some are old and others are newer. Here are a few personal favourites from my 11 years of listening to Grime:
Sick Sense Cru (Beezwax production) - They Should Know
Style: Fast Old School Sounds.
Heavy beat from Beezwax; this one has one of the best classical music loops in Grime. Relentless early grime vibes from Sick Sense Cru.
Essentials: Featuring J2K & Dynasty - State Your Name
Style: Classic.
This is a big favourite of mine. I love the instrumental, any MC could sound dope on this track. J2K and Jendor are both two of MCs I follow as solo artists.
Trim with Last Japan - East
Style: Roller.
This one is to be listened to loud with a nice bit of bass. Champagne rolling beat with Trim bossing the mic. Former Roll Deep member, vet in the grime scene and undoubtly has respect from his Grime peers. He always brings unusual patterns and unique vibes to the table, someone I've followed straight from the early days.
Roachee - SITH Lord
Style: Banger.
Distinct sample and remix of The Prodigy - Breathe, Roachee brings a taste of filthy Dubstep. I usually hate it when Grime crosses with Dubstep but this is a just too gritty.
Wiley - Pies
Style: Legendary Distinct Eskibeat.
One of the tracks that first introduced me to Grime. I was hooked by the calypso chimes of Wiley's iconic eskibeat sound. Confident and clear spitting from a youngish Godfather of Grime. I have to say if I do listen to Wiley it's almost always prior Rolex Sweep.
Big H - Practise Hours 2 DVD Freestyle
Style: Gangster.
Big H from the Meridian crew. Formally made up of other MCs Skepta, JME and Bossman. I was drawn to Big H for his outrageous attitude to selling drugs and spraying rounds. Although many Grime artists spread bullshit in regards to their criminal careers it seems that Big H is quite a raw guy, and in my eyes this freestyle is a classic with a striking last verse.
Rival - Winning
Style: Fresh.
Part of Grimes younger rivival is Rival. A talented and versatile MC who sounds fresh to fuck on Hip Hop as well. Sick hook paying tribute to the famous "winning" Charlie Sheen interview.
Bloodline - Us
Style: New Wave Crew Theme.
Polished and advanced Grime sound. Warm bassline and nice verses from 9 Milli Major and Meridian Dan. Almost US G style.
Crazy Titch - I Can C U
Style: Vintage Grime Sound.
Crazy T. Such a vintage track, tight funky beat and typical Crazy Titch aggyness. Certified trouble maker and grime don, rips appart crews and microphones with confidence.
Roll Deep - When I'm Ere
Style: Come On Then.
Legendary collection of Grime MCs. Unnerving instrumental and timeless energy.
Calibar - F64
Style: Bars, Bars, Bars.
Stylish flow and swagger but comes with big bars.
Black The Ripper - My Lyrics Are Forever
Style: More Hip Hop but had to throw it in.
Seeing as it's a Hip Hop site I thought I'd round it off with Black The Ripper. Grime is in his DNA but he sounds too good on hip hop.
