New Boys on the Scene

There's a new group in town. Newham Generals have bursted onto the UK grime scene this month releasing their debut album. Their first single, "Head Get Mangled" (sounds lovely doesn't it) has been met with popular response...making its way onto Dizzee Rascal's own MySpace page no less.

Their latest track release from the album "Genrally Speaking" features Dizzee himself, possibly more of a reason why the generals feature on his MySpace page? But who knows!

However, taking nothing away from this new act I have to say I enjoyed listening to their music. It gives a more upbeat sound, offering less of a hip/hop vibe and more of a mix with drum & bass.

If you're into your grass roots Grime, I would say "Generally Speaking" is definitely worth a buy or a download...and it's out now.

You can also listen to a few of the Newham General's tracks on my video bar.

Grime vs. Crime

It's no secret that Grime has often been accused of glamorising knife and gun crime. It is therefore a relief that two big names on the scene have stated publicly in an interview that they are completely against the issues that seem to be going from strength to strength in this day and age.

Tinie Tempah and Bruza were in unanimous agreement on the subject, "It's got to a position where it's just ridiculous and something needs to be done." I think you'll agree it's quite refreshing to find a couple of new grime artists, who in their regular environment, would find it very easy to get caught up with the "hard" image that is supposedly linked with owning a "shooter" or a "blade" but instead choose to oppose it.

On top of this...Tinie released a record named, "Put the Guns and Knives Down." One of life's great lessons!

"Urban Classic"

Something recently came to my attention...an event aptly named "Urban Classic" was held in Hackney Empire in east London on the 16th of Feb.

Many of London's newest grime artists collaborated with the BBC's Concert Orchestra at the venue and the event was a big success.

Artists included Bruza, Purple, Pase and the beatboxer Face, as well as female rapper Tor.

This new prospect was masterminded by Bigga Fish, a not for profit youth organisation that helps budding rappers and musicians, alongside the BBC, and to be honest, I didn't think it would work.

Collaborations such as Wiley and Daft Punk and Dizzee Rascal and Calvin Harris have proven nationwide hits but the grime and dance genre has always been a suitable and obvious match.

However, classical music and grime are at such opposite ends of the musical spectrum, I thought this may have been a case of one step too far. But then I listened to the stream on BBC's 1xtra radio show and what can I say, I guess opposites really do attract!

From Grit to Grime

Hey, my name's Rich and I've just moved to London to study, as a first year, at London Metropolitan University.

Now, moving from deep rural Gloucestershire to the big smoke might have been a lifelong dream, but that doesn't stop it from
being a bit, er, daunting.

I've learned a few things. blah blah blah. But out in the country, when we think of grime we think of ...... but now I know it, I love it.

I'm sure you can imagine that coming from the heart of the countryside, not many people, even 19 year olds like myself, have listened to, or even heard of, the "Grime" genre. It's fresh, it's new, and the sound doesn't just belong to commercial mainstreamers like Dizzee Rascal, Wiley and Kano.

So just how big is the world of grime? I intend to find out. Keep an eye on what I learn, and I'll reward you with videos, upcoming gig details and just that little bit of info on London's top and aspiring grime artists.