Q14: The construction of the postcolonial identity of British youth through grime music (on the basis of the lyrics and Adam's article).

Question 1

What is grime?

Answer 1

grime - an innovative, eclectic genre of hip-hop which originated in the UK in the early 2000s; grime music scene is made of a crew, collectives of musicians who produce music and perform together;

Question 2

What are the characteristics of grime music?

Answer 2

• includes hip-hop, rap, hardcore techno influences
• characterized by fast beats, electronic sounds, UK accents, frenetic energy
• repetitive phrases, rapping
• focus on different aspects of urban life (also dark tones like gangs, money, etc.)

Question 3

What artist cemented Grime as a signature style?

Answer 3

Wiley: “Treddin’ on Thin Ice” (album)

Question 4

How is Grime an example of postcolonial culture?

Answer 4

• it is a vehicle for expressions of identity for young people growing up in the multicultural, postcolonial context of the UK
• it offers insight into a predominantly black, working-class urban youth
• it presents an actual, realist language of urban youth (mixture of accents, creoles, etc.)

Question 5

What does Adam’s article says about Grime music?

Answer 5

• it articulates new types of identity, manifests being a Londoner, being English
• Grime can “speak to, and for, marginalized fractions of society in diverse places, addressing and expressing the commonalities and specificities of the experiences of young people”

Question 6

Give two examples of Grime music.

Answer 6

1. Dizzee Rascal “Brand New” (carefree lifestyle, not tolerating disrespect, anti-drugs and anti-alcohol)
2. Jammz “It’s A London Thing” (changing London, gentrification)