What is Grime music?

Origin of Grime

East London, early 2000s. Grew from UK garage, jungle, and dancehall. The pirate radio station scene around Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, and Skepta defined the sound. Dizzee Rascal's Boy in da Corner (2003) won the Mercury Prize and brought it to critical attention. Skepta's Konnichiwa (2016) triggered a mainstream revival.

Era: 2002--present

Defining sound of Grime

140 BPM instrumental beats with stuttering synthesizer figures and skittering drum patterns. MCs deliver rapid-fire, staccato bars. The sound is colder and more angular than hip-hop. Sub-bass is prominent.

Pioneers of Grime

• Wiley
• Dizzee Rascal
• Skepta
• Jme
• Kano

Key Grime artists

• Stormzy
• Dave
• AJ Tracey
• Little Simz
• Novelist

Related genres

Frequently asked questions about Grime

When did Grime start?

Grime originated 2002--present. East London, early 2000s.

Who invented Grime?

Grime was pioneered by Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Skepta, Jme, Kano. East London, early 2000s. Grew from UK garage, jungle, and dancehall. The pirate radio station scene around Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, and Skepta defined the sound. Dizzee Rascal's Boy in da Corner (2003) won the Mercury Prize and brought it to critical attention. Skepta's Konnichiwa (2016) triggered a mainstream revival.

Is Grime still popular?

Grime continues to be listened to and has influenced countless artists since its origins. Key contemporary artists in the genre include Stormzy, Dave, AJ Tracey, Little Simz.

What does Grime sound like?

140 BPM instrumental beats with stuttering synthesizer figures and skittering drum patterns. MCs deliver rapid-fire, staccato bars. The sound is colder and more angular than hip-hop. Sub-bass is prominent.

What is the difference between Grime and hip-hop?

Grime and hip-hop are related genres that share some characteristics but differ in origin, instrumentation, and production approach. See the hip-hop definition page for a full comparison.