GRIME

Is Grime thenew punk?

Limitedediiton

May 2020 issue

Acollection of themost influential UKGrime artists.

“Grimeis theUK’Shomegrownanswer tohip hop”. -QUARTZ This is a limited edition issue focusing on the UK grime scene. With illustrations and design

by Gemma Ageraniotis. A memoralbilia of the best grime artists that have shaped the London grime scene. This issue celebrates the victory and passion of UK grime artists. Is grime the new punk? Grime is disruptive and powerful, just like punk was. Grime music and lyrics come from an extremely incensed and personal placeproducing tracks that question and probe social norms, expectations and racial politics through highly intelligent and impressive word play (Ant Lightfoot, PublicPressure). Grime has came a long way since first emerging on the scene in the 2000’s, a scene that all started on the East London tower block estates. It was generally an underground scene but has gradually gained a huge fan base and a broader recognition in the mainstream media. Grime is a genre of people who have had to struggle (Shutdown: How Grime Took Over the UK. Google arts & culture).

This issue celebrates grime in all it’s glory. With digital illustrations of the grime artists who have made a significant mark on the scene, paired with the most iconic lyrics from their songs that truly reflect grime.

These lyrcis were scouted by illustrator Gemma Ageraniotis, with help from fellow grime fans. Grime music is now the sound of the British youth, the culture surrounding it is so broad. “Grime culture is everything to me. It’s from clothes, to attitude, to the hood, the estates- Britain itself. Grime is like punk, a bunch of kids that are just into this whole thing. Grime makes the connection between everyone in the UK for me”. -Elf Kid. It has a punch, it has a meaning, it reflects youth culture in London and our frustration with the system and community. Grime is largely associated with violence, which may somewhat be holding it back. There is a resistance from certain artists to involve themsleves in the scene for this reason. But does that not enhance their anarchic, punk-ish relevance? An unwillingness to be chained to mass-produced labels and an unwavering honesty means that grime is starting a new movement of backlash to the oppressive systems of contemporary society through home-made beats, backing tracks and enraged lyrics (Ant Lightfoot, PublicPressure).

“Causethemusic originated, andwill always remaininthe streets�.

-JME

“Youcanwork a9-5if it makes yousmileat night. Money ain’t a measureof success.

Causeyoucanhavea billionanddead, or you canhave20grandflat andlivealong,longlife withnostress”.

-Dave

“Look, youcandomoves onthestreet. I’drather spit bars onthebeat”.

-Kano

“You’resteppingon thefineline, theroof will get raisedlike theLondoncity knife crime”.

-Aitch

“I wear chains likemy grandaddidinslavery”.

-SlowThai

“Thefirst grimekid tocareabout what matters�.

-Wiley

“Giveit twoyears and youwill see. Ontopof thescenewithabeat andamic”.

-Chip

“WhenBanksy put the vest onme, felt likeGod was testingme”.

-Stormzy

“Manain’t really tooconcerned withwhat doesn’t concernus. Man ain’t really too confirmingnoneof thesevermin”.

-Giggs

“That goes for the MPs raisingrent and thebankers stealing pence�.

-Drillminister

“Whenweain’t kids nomorewill it still be about what it is right now?”

-DizzeeRascal

“Boy better know manwent totheBRITs onatrain. Think it’s game. Manshutdown Wireless, thenI walkedhomeinthe rain”.

-Skepta

“Let medoaVincent Van Gogh. Causeyouknow I paint pictures with words andI’vestill not publishedonebook”.

-Bugzy Malone

May 2020 issue