They called it young black kids’ punk rock - a genre that radio stations wouldn’t play and records that labels refused to sell. But grime would not be stopped. With machine-gun lyrics that shred the eardrums and syncopated electronics that pound the chest like a sledgehammer, grime was a product of social unrest, urban culture and disenfranchised youth colliding in early 2000s UK. It didn’t just rouse a grassroots audience, however. Today, grime is surging in popularity all over the globe and widely influencing the music charts. This is the story of the genre’s roots.

Genres

Cast

Julie Adenuga

Self

Lethal Bizzle

Self

Jamie Adenuga

Self/JME

Skepta

Self

DJ Target

Self

Ashley Walters

Self

Jammer

Self

Tinchy Stryder

Self

Kane Robinson

Self/Kano

Dizzee Rascal

Self

Chip

Self

Ghetts

Self