[Image courtesy of Courtney Francis Photography]
Skepta
As a multi-faceted, quadruple threat artist, Skepta embodies a scene’s ability to shift on its own terms. The Tottenham-raised Londoner operated behind the scenes in grime’s early days with Meridian Crew in the early 2000s as a DJ and producer, providing a backbone for his younger brother Jme to take the mic alongside legends of the industry during an era of lyrical war, with calls for clashes maintaining the raw energy. Fast forward to 2015 and Skepta is leading a global Grime revolution, exposing the genre to the masses; partnering with Global superstar Kanye West for a surprise show in London and even working with Drake.
Catch Skepta at The Main Stage at Lovebox, read more here.
Preditah
The multitalented Preditah is a jack of all trades. A composer, DJ and bassist, he’s become one of the most important figures in Grime and Garage, re-energising the genres for 2015.
Catch Preditah at the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage at Lovebox, read more here.
Ghetts
Returning to music after taking time out to be a dad, Ghetts has recently released his debut studio album ‘Rebel With A Cause’ which hit number 23 in the Offical Album Chart. The album’s identity is born straight from his journey. A rebellious streak as a young man – which Ghetts describes as vibrant, energetic, and live or die – is tempered by his new ‘Cause’, a maturity that comes with age, hindsight, and his daughter’s birth.
Catch Ghetts at the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage at Lovebox, read more here.
Novelist
At just 18 years old, Novelist has already established himself as the UK’s leading young grime artist. On the mic, he displays a a natural confidence befitting of the cast of iconic spitters that have gone before him – Wiley, D Double E, Flowdan – and channels grime’s harsh, gritty realisms through his music in a way that keeps the content both firmly accessible and engaging.
Catch Novelist at the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage at Lovebox, read more here.
Little Simz
The North Londoner first attracted attention with a slew of mixtapes and EPs, and is one of those credited with helping to re-energise London’s urban scene. Her breakthrough came when her Blank Canvas mixtape was premiered on Jay-Z’s Life + Times website, since then she has been nominated for Best International Act at the BET Awards and is now working towards to the release of her debut album, via her very own label. Quite impressive if you ask us.
Catch Little Simz at the BBC Radio 1Xtra stage at Lovebox, read more here.