grime

Grime is a genre of urban electronic music that originated in London, England, during the early 2000s. It developed from the UK garage and dancehall scenes, incorporating elements of drum and bass, hip hop, and MC culture. The style emerged in the city’s pirate radio networks and small independent labels, where artists experimented with speed, rhythm, and lyrical flow.

Musically, grime features rapid, rhythmic speech over minimalist, hard-hitting beats with heavy bass. Tempos are typically around 135–140 BPM, with sparse production that emphasizes the cadence and wordplay of the rapper. The vocal approach is often confrontational and energetic, focusing on concise verses and call-and-response interactions with the audience. Lyrically, grime covers urban life, social issues, identity, and personal experience, frequently delivered with distinctive slang and inventive rhymes.

The scene grew through pirate radio stations and collectives such as Ruff Sqwad, Roll Deep, and later Boy Better Know, which helped shape its sound and culture. Early influential artists include Dizzee Rascal and Wiley, who brought grime to wider audiences, followed by Kano, Skepta, JME, Ghetts, and others. Over time grime expanded from the underground into mainstream channels, influencing other genres and receiving international recognition, collaborations, and awards.

Impact and legacy: Grime has influenced UK hip hop, electronic music, and pop, contributing to new production styles, performance practices, and a distinct urban sound. It supports a global network of artists and scenes, with dedicated events and media coverage, while continuing debates about authenticity, commercialization, and the evolution of the genre.