In the early noughties, grime emerged from the electronic dance scene – helped by the underground and pirate radio stations.
Grime MC D Double E says the authentic nature of these live sets – which at times have a pirate radio feel – reminds him of his own journey.
“I learned this from lockdown. Everyone was going online, doing sets and it was a great look.
“When it stopped happening – I was like ‘why has it stopped?’
“To see people doing it now – like it’s new. It’s great.”
The record producer, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, says he “broke out in the same way”.
“Doing a set for no reason. But it wasn’t being recorded and people couldn’t watch it.
“This is the difference now – you can actually see it. Some of our famous sets, Roll Deep [the grime collective], Dizzee Rascal, you can’t see us, only hear us.”
“You’re gonna see more talent. More windows [opening]. That’s what’s supposed to happen when the light’s shining.”
And he says it will bring more originality, after a period of things feeling “a bit robotic”.
“For some reason, everyone just went international and the UK voice wasn’t there.
“Now it’s just straightening up a bit more.”
