Research Investigation

Research Investigation

I have chosen to research How UK Rap/Grime has influenced youths 'in particular Grime music'. Throughout my investigation I will concentrate on the way U.K artists are being portrayed in the media, embedded in my investigation there are many themes, topics such as violence, crime, sex and power are often shown in many of today's music.

"I’m sick and tired of hearing U.K Hip-Hop doesn't get credit and success when I am working to get it for myself and others" Estelle.

East London is known for its cultural diversity and is the place grime originated from. This is reflected in the musical taste of the local area. The combination of the various sounds assisted in the creation of a new genre, grime an amalgamation of drum 'n' bass, garage, hip-hop, Jamaican dance-hall, reggae and techno.

This is UK Grime, is a good overview of the modern “grime scene” the former political stance that was held by many grime artists has since changed into a competition between rival artists, It features most of the front-line artists who made the genre what it is over the past decade names such as JME, Skepta, Ghetts, Badness, Blacks, Mz Bratt and many others including a often controversial lyricist, Crazy Titch, with a song that he recorded whilst in jail serving a 30 year sentence for a fatal shooting which seemingly took place in an over exaggerated dispute over lyrics.

"Grime artists are helping to create a culture were killing is almost a fashion accessory." Kim Howells (Former Minister) 2007

Hip/Hop Rap and Grime have endured much criticism over the years, this has been seen especially from politicians,in 2003 a government official named David Blunkett described rap lyrics as "appalling" he went on to say those who made music which glamorised gun violence would be made aware of "what is and isn't acceptable", others agree with Blunketts view, former minister Kim Howells refers to influential artists in the Grime/Rap community as "boasting macho idiot rappers".

Jeff Chang stated in an article in The Village Voice "Dizzee Rascals often violent and sexual lyrics capture, encapsulate, and preserve" the life that myself and my peers live on the streets every day.

 BBC1 Radio 1xtra has often promoted grime in a good light its fire in the booth edition of its shows often draws millions of listeners and viewers on YouTube who can relate directly to the music and live similar or identical lives to those that they idolise, Radio 1xtra in 2012 release a show dedicated to the last 10 years of grime.

Artist Such as Lethal Bizzle, Dizzie Rascal and JME have been accused of promoting violence, David Cameron commented on Radio 1's music policy for Saturday nights known for Tim Westwood's hip-hop show and implied that the music contributed to the country's increasing problem of knife and gun crime. Bizzle came to his friend's defense with a joint venture to solve the problem and limit the language allowed to be used pre-watershed . He received a positive reply from Cameron's correspondence secretary, who reasoned with the rapper.

"David believes there is a lot of good music out there, and some musicians have been very positive role models and have highlighted important issues." 

Although the argument seemed over, days later, after Cameron launched a direct attack on the U.K based rapper in The Mail on Sunday, claiming Bizzle was talking "rubbish". in response to Cameron's statements Lethal Bizzle was quoted to have said

"[Cameron's comments] really peed me off. You've got big people like Cameron who can make a difference, and you've got me trying to help people... trying to get them out of the hood and pursue a career, give them a little future, something for them to look forward to doing and getting their lives in order. You've got people like Cameron who can really press the button and he's... doing nothing." 

Glossary

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b01gnsy2 (Radio 1xtra 10 years of grime)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/2632343.stm (David blunkett)
http://www.independent.co.uk/arts-entertainment/music/features/hiphop-under-fire-404145.html(davu