Grime Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Skepta has teamed up with Idris Elba and Odumodublvck to create ‘Jangrova’, the first song from the Tribal Mark soundtrack. Check out the single below.Released yesterday (January 19), ‘Jangrova’ sees Skepta, Idris Elba and Odumodublvck rap in English and Nigerian Pidgin.

Dizzee Rascal has revealed that he was originally given the beat to Beyoncé‘s 2013 single ‘Partition’, but gave it up because he “couldn’t come up with” anything.The grime pioneer was the first-ever interviewee on GRM Daily‘s new YouTube series Thoughts In A Culli. While chatting with the blog’s founder Posty, Rascal reflected on the time he spent in LA in the early 2010s and how he stumbled upon the instrumental that is now synonymous with the Houston singer.“This time I was around in LA – it was 2011, 2012 or something,” he began.

Wiley has been stripped of his MBE for “bringing [the] honours system into disrepute”.The British Grime artist had received the honour back in December 2017 for his services to music. However, according to a list published on the Cabinet Office website, it appears that he has forfeited the MBE (via The Mirror).The honour being revoked comes in light of the numerous anti-Semitic statements made by the musician, which stem back nearly four years, and calls for action from the Campaign Against Anti-Semitism (CAA).Back in 2020, the London MC faced backlash after making anti-Semitic comments on Twitter, going on a rant about the music industry, Israel and Jewish people.

D-Block Europe‘s Young Adz has opened up about his ADHD and how it fuels his bad habit of leaking their new music.The London grime duo – comprised of Adz and Dirtbike LB – stopped by Capital XTRA Breakfast with Robert Bruce and Shayna Marie – on weekdays from 6:30am – 10am, and on Global Player – to discuss the release of their third studio album ‘Rolling Stone’. Marie went on to address Adz’s “bad habit of leaking a lot of music”, asking him if he does it “on purpose now, just to stress [Dirtbike LB] out?”“No, this is my brother, I never want to stress him out but I’ve got ADHD so I get really strong urges,” shared Adz.

Skepta has revealed the line-up for his inaugural Big Smoke Festival this summer – check it out below.The new event is due to be held at Crystal Palace Park in south-east London on Saturday, July 6, and will feature a bill curated by the Tottenham rapper himself. Tickets are available here.Skepta will be performing too, marking his only UK performance of 2024.

Skepta has issued a statement over claims that the artwork for his upcoming new single references the Holocaust.The London rapper is due to release the song ‘Gas Me Up (Diligent)’ on January 26 as the first preview of his sixth studio album, ‘Knife And Fork’.On Monday (January 8), he shared the official cover art for the track, which was created by artist Gabriel Moses. The image depicts a group of men with shaved heads and in matching uniforms.

Ghetts has teamed up with London rapper Skrapz on his latest single ‘Twin Sisters’ from his forthcoming LP ‘On Purpose, With Purpose‘.Produced by frequent Ghetts-collaborator TenBillion Dreams, the track opens up with a cheeky and explicit verse with the rapper saying: “One night I stayed round / Now I know my way round / Used to wonder what the pillow saw when you’re faced down / I’ve been fucking twin sisters / they don’t make the same sound”.The song also comes with a head-spinning visual by Dutch director Geerten Harmens (A$AP Rocky, Lil Wayne, Gunna). The video sees Ghetts sitting on an invisible chair in a puffer jacket in a white room.It features trippy camera movements as the rapper walks around and is surrounded by other things, such as a couple dressed in what appears to be Victorian garb, a butler holding a plate of spaghetti bolognese and more.‘Twin Sisters’ follows Ghetts’ previous release, ‘Laps’ featuring the South African singer Moonchild Sanelly, which marked his first new single in two years.

Aitch has spoken to NME about his upcoming ‘Lost Files’ EP, dreams of working with Liam Gallagher and how 50 Cent inspired him to become a rapper.Last week (November 9), the rapper performed a one-off, intimate live performance at Lafayette in London, hosted by YouTube. The small 600-capacity venue was a stark difference from his last show in the capital, performing at the massive London Stadium back in September at the halftime performance for 2023 Sidemen charity football match.“We can always do a big show and sell out arenas and that, but sometimes, it’s nice to do something a bit more intimate, something a bit that doesn’t necessarily feel like a big performance show,” he told NME.

D Double E has spoken to NME about the hardship of early grime stars, Jamaica’s influence on the scene and UK rap’s evolution as a whole.The East Londoner became synonymous with the UK grime scene as a part of the Newham Generals alongside Footsie, before having a thriving solo career and releasing grime classics such as ‘Street Fighter Riddim’ and ‘Bad 2 Tha Bone’.While many grime stars have become household names – such as his longtime friend and frequent collaborator Ghetts as well as the likes of Kano, Asher D (better known as Ashley Waters) and Skepta – the MC and producer, real name Darren Jason Dixon, hailed how the scene had “come a long way”.I love when people can and do what they want to do,” said the MOBO Award winner. “When I hear Kano’s album [2019 ‘Hoodies All Summer’] and he’s got the tunes with Popcaan [‘Can’t Hold We Down’], then I’ll hear Skepta with A$AP Rocky [ on 2017 track ‘Praise Da Lord’] or Wizkid [on 2016 ‘Ojuelegba (Remix)’] – I just love it that everyone is free and that’s what I’m trying to do for myself.”However, when it came to figures from grime becoming more well-known for their successful TV work away from the scene – such as Kano and Asher D playing Sully and Dushane in Top Boy – Dixon said: “I don’t really like that, man, but it adds a little bit more sauce to the person, I guess.

READ MORE: Dave at the Brits – how his searing performance of ‘Black’ took on every racist tosser in the countryThe Music Is Black: A British Story will feature new contributions and BBC archive material from contemporary Black British music acts including Little Simz, Stormzy and Jorja Smith.A soundtrack spanning generations alongside an “evocative” set design will be on display at the exhibition, which charts the impact of early 20th century pioneers including Samuel Coleridge-Taylor through to later century stars Sade, Joan Armatrading and Tricky on British music culture.The V&A East Museum is set to open in 2025 as the latest offshoot of South Kensington’s The Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A), the world-famous museum founded by Queen Victoria and Prince Albert in 1852.The V&A has expanded in recent years, with The V&A Dundee having opened recently. Bethnal Green’s The Young V&A also reopened in June.Its upcoming expansion is in Stratford’s Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in an area called the East Bank, which is home to a new arts, innovation and education hub.

Dizzee Rascal and Wiley have seemingly put their two-decade feud behind them after appearing onstage together in Dubai this weekend.Dizzee was performing at Emirates Golf Club in Dubai on Saturday (October 28), when he introduced Wiley to the stage in an apparent gesture of the pair’s mended relationship.According to footage shared from the gig, Dizzee can be heard joking as Wiley emerges from side stage: “Oh shit. Get off my stage, man.

Hak Baker has spoken to NME about his single ‘Windrush Baby’, sound system culture and why he thinks pirate radio won’t be returning.The East Londoner has been championed for his introspective take on music, culminating in the release of his debut album ‘Worlds Ends FM’ back in June. The album followed Baker’s highly acclaimed 2017 debut EP ‘Misfits’, the 2021 EP ‘Misled’ and his recent ‘Babylon’ mixtape.This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Windrush Generation, a group of Afro-Caribbeans who migrated to Britain in the ‘40s in the hope of better opportunities.

Ghetts has shared his first single in two years, ‘Laps’ – featuring South African singer Moonchild Sanelly.Earlier this month, the east Londoner announced his fourth studio album, ‘On Purpose With Purpose’, the follow-up to his critically acclaimed 2021 album ‘Conflict Of Interest’. Now, he has shared the opening track to his upcoming LP.‘Laps’ was produced by TenBillion Dreams and has the same ominous sound as much of the MOBO winner’s previous work.

Ghetts has announced a 2024 UK ‘On Purpose, With Purpose‘ tour in support of his fourth album of the same name. Find ticket details below.The tour will see the grime star make his way through the UK in March next year. Kicking off on March 22 at the O2 Institute in Birmingham, Ghetts will then make his way to Manchester March 24 to play the New Century.

Skepta has put out a casting call for actors to play a young version of him in an upcoming project.The grime artist shared the listing from his creative agency Big Smoke Corporation on social media today (October 17), where it states that he’s looking for male actors aged 16-21 “to play a young Skepta”. Those wanting to audition must be based in the UK.The post invites candidates to send their showreels, portraits and other information to the email address listed below.

Ghetts has announced details of his fourth album ‘On Purpose, With Purpose’.The album serves as a follow-up to his 2021 major label debut ‘Conflict Of Interest‘, which featured Wretch 32, Skepta, Stormzy and more. His third album went on to be nominated for a Mercury Prize, an NME award for Best British Album and a BRIT award for Best Hip-Hop/Rap/Grime.Today (October 16), Ghetts teased his new album via an Instagram video, captioned: “ON PURPOSE WITH PURPOSE.

Stormzy and Adidas have announced the expansion of #Merky FC by sharing a report highlighting the impact of allyship within the football industry.The Croydon grime artist teamed up with the athletic apparel and footwear corporation last year in a bid to improve diversity in the sport.At the time, the initiative said it was aiming to address “the lack of diversity off the pitch in football, and provide access to a host of multi-year, paid professional placements across the industry”.Today (October 5) Stormzy and Adidias have ushered in the next chapter of their #Merky FC partnership. They’ve said that the scheme will “broaden its scope and impact by tripling the number of roles available”.A new report published by #Merky FC highlights “the barriers faced by young Black people” in football, as well as the initiative’s “approach to changing the game” to make it more inclusive.#Merky FC will this year increase the number of off-pitch roles from 15 to 50, with both Adidas and Stormzy bringing together a collective of allies to form part of a careers programme kick-starting in January 2024.These include placements at 25 leading brands including Manchester United, Arsenal, Sky Sports, LADbible, EA, ITV and Women In Football (see the full list below).Candidates can visit merkyfc.com to find more information and register their interest in the roles from today until October 19.Each placement will provide work opportunities spanning operations and community to creative and marketing, in an effort to change the game for Black and Black mixed heritage youth.#Merky FC is back, but this year, we've got to go bigger.Share one of the 50 #MerkyFC roles with a friend now to change the game.

LEGACY later this year.LEGACY shall explore the untold stories of Birmingham’s grime, hip-hop and rap scene, showcasing the artists, tastemakers and entrepreneurs who are responsible for the city’s influence on Black British music; allowing many more new genres and artists to follow in their footsteps.Set to be released on November 15, the LEGACY mini-series and book will feature Brum trailblazers such as Jaykae, Lady Leshurr, MIST, Sian Anderson and many more talking about their part in the Birmingham music scene.A post shared by Jess Monroe (@jessmonroex)However, the book – co-written by Jess Monroe and Casey Bailey – will dive deeper into the history of the Birmingham Black music scene, writing about the evolution of radio, the producers who influenced the UK sound, iconic clashes (rap battles) and other cultural moments that made the city famous for its Black music.In the book, Lady Leshurr reminisces on how “it’s not as hard as it used to be” to blow up in Birmingham. “I had to leave Birmingham to make a name in London,” she explained.

J Hus and Burna Boy have been announced as the headliners for the inaugural Afro Nation Nigeria, happening later this year.Earlier this month, it was announced that Afro Nation Nigeria will take place on December 19 and 20 this year at Lagos’ Tafawa Balewa Square. This will be the second time Afro Nation has been held in Africa – last December, it was staged in Ghana.Yesterday (September 26), the festival revealed the first acts on the 2023 line-up, confirming Burna Boy and J Hus as the headliners.

BRIT Awards 2024 has been revealed – you can find all the details below.Next year’s ceremony is due to take place on March 2 at The O2 in London. It’ll mark the second consecutive year that the show has aired in a primetime Saturday night slot on ITV1 and ITVX.Damian Christian, Chair of the BRIT Committee, said: “The move to a Saturday night for the first time proved to be a huge success, so I’m delighted we’ll be back in a primetime slot again in March.“A Saturday night show helped us lock in our most engaged audience ever, and we’ll be looking to build on that base as we connect with even more fans in 2024.”He added: “Next year’s BRITs will be our most ambitious show yet, with a host of exciting performances from incredible artists, as we look to celebrate the music that soundtracked our 2023.”It has not yet been confirmed whether Mo Gilligan will return as host.

Stormzy is set to perform at the 2024 Formula One British Grand Prix.The grime artist will take to the stage at Silverstone on Friday, July 5 as part of an “unprecedented four-day festival line-up” at the legendary motor racing circuit.On Saturday (July 5), Pete Tong is due to present his Ibiza Classics set alongside Jules Buckley and The Essential Orchestra before Rudimental closes the weekend on Sunday (July 6).The headline and support acts for Thursday night’s Opening Concert will be announced in the coming weeks.Per a press release, the festival “will see Silverstone take its new-look music and arts offering to the next level – cementing the British Grand Prix as a summer highlight on both the British sporting and music calendar”.Nick Read, Silverstone’s Commercial Director, said: “Our long-term ambition has always been to establish Silverstone as a venue that attracts the biggest and best artists in the world to put on a spectacular show for the British fans.“It’s an honour to announce Stormzy, Pete Tong and Rudimental as the first names on our line-up for the 2024 British Grand Prix.”He continued: “We knew we had a massive job on our hands following the great success of this year’s music offering, so we are thrilled to be able to take things up another notch – with more huge global acts still to be announced!”Tickets for the 2024 British Grand Prix are available now – you can buy yours here.This year’s event saw performances from the likes of Calvin Harris, Tom Grennan, Cat Burns and Black Eyed Peas.Stormzy played his only UK show of 2023 last month as part of this year’s All Points East gig series in Victoria Park, London.His third and most recent studio album, ‘This Is What I Mean’, was released last November.

Example has announced details of a lengthy UK and Ireland tour – kicking off in February 2024.The grime-pop crossover star (real name Elliot Gleave) is known for his electro-pop chart-climbers such as ‘Kickstarts’, ‘Unorthodox’ with grime star Wretch 32, and his first UK Number One ‘Changed The Way You Kiss’.Today (September 4), the BRIT Award-nominated rapper has unveiled his 17-stop headlining ‘Bangers, Hits And A Couple New Bits’ tour – which will start in Bridlington Spa on February 2 next year, stopping in Nottingham, Cardiff and more, before ending in his hometown of London on February 24.Those with access to the pre-sale, fans can grab tickets this Wednesday (September 6) at 10am, before tickets go on general sale this Friday (September 8) at 10am. Fans can find the datse below and can buy any available tickets here.FEBRUARY2 – Bridlington, EN – Bridlington Spa4 – Lincoln, EN – The Engine Shed5 – Buckley, EN – The Tivoli7 – Glasgow, SC – O2 Academy8 – Newcastle, SC – NX9 – Nottingham, EN – Rock City10 – Manchester, EN – O2 Victoria Warehouse12 – Bristol, EN – O2 Academy13 – Bexhill, EN – De La Warr Pavilion14 – Bournemouth, EN – O2 Academy16 – Birmingham, EN – O2 Academy17 – Leeds, EN – O2 Academy18 – Norwich, EN – UEA20 – Belfast, IE – The Limelight21 – Dublin, IE – 3Olympia Theatre23 – Cardiff, WLS – The Great Hall24 – London, EN – The Roundhouse Bangers, Hits and a Couple New Bitshttps://t.co/bRO4Dw4xdxPre sale at the link above.

Stormzy performed a powerful rendition of ‘Blinded By Your Grace, Pt. 2’ during a huge rain downpour at All Points East festival yesterday (August 18) – watch footage below.The British grime legend was headlining his ‘This Is What We Mean‘ day at the East London festival in Victoria Park when heavy rainfall started in the middle of his set, making for a memorable moment when the crowd sang along to his song from 2017 album ‘Gang Signs & Prayer‘, which features MNEK on the recorded version.Video footage shows festival goers singing passionately in the rain, which was especially fitting when it came to the lyric, “And the rain was pouring, ’cause the sun faded away”.Watch footage of the moment below.Honestly, this video does it no justice:But it absolutely pooooouring with rain the second @stormzy played Blinded By Your Grace – with 50,000 people singing along – was absolutely magical One way to feel alive.

Giggs has returned to Fire In The Booth to perform a new freestyle ahead of the release of his new album ‘Zero Tolerance’. Check it out below.The new freestyle marks the fifth time the London rapper has visited the booth for the Charlie Sloth Rap Show and has been a part of the Fire In The Booth segment. Giggs first stepped up to the mic in 2011.

All Points East has confirmed the final acts for its 2023 edition.The festival is due to take place in Victoria Park, east London between August 18 and August 28. Kicking off with Stormzy’s ‘This Is What We Mean Day’, the series will also feature the headliners The Strokes, Jungle, Dermot Kennedy and HAIM.Other previously announced names include Yeah Yeah Yeahs, The Walkmen, BADBADNOTGOOD, Olivia Dean, Girl In Red, Confidence Man, Kehlani, Sampha, Knucks and Romy (The xx).Today (August 10), organisers have added the last batch of artists to the APE ’23 bill ahead of the festival starting next week.Joining Stormzy and co.

Giggs has released his first single of the year ‘Mandem’ from his upcoming sixth album ‘Zero Tolerance’, featuring Diddy. Check out the video below.The ‘Peckham Landlord’ hasn’t put out much solo music since his 2020 second mixtape ‘Now Or Never’, which featured Meek Mill, Ray BLK and Ghetts, but last year hopped on Aitch’s ‘Just Coz’ and Tion Wayne’s ‘Suffer’.Today (August 4), Giggs dropped ‘Mandem’ and its accompanying music video.

Bob Vylan have released new single ‘Dream Big’, their first new music of 2023 – check it out below.The fierce new track was inspired by the younger self and serves as a tribute to Bobby Vylan’s daughter, nieces and nephews, whose backing vocals feature on the chorus.“As I see them growing and finding things they’re passionate about, it reminds me how important it is to continue having those childlike dreams of what we can accomplish in our lives,” Bobby Vylan said in a statement.Listen to ‘Dream Big’ below.Bobby Vylan explained of the track: “Growing up, dreaming of making some kind of positive change in the world or doing something you love wasn’t presented as a realistic option. Working class people are often too focused on getting by to have the luxury of ‘dreaming big’, fortunately, I was delusional. And we want to encourage that ‘delusional’ belief in oneself to accomplish whatever they want to in this world.“We want to inspire people to achieve what they truly wish to achieve.

Stormzy has pledged to fund 36 black Cambridge students over the next three years.The Stormzy Scholarship was launched in 2018 and by 2026 it will have supported 81 students through their studies at the prestigious university.Each student will receive a £20,000 annual scholarship to cover tuition fees and maintenance costs through Stormzy’s #Merky Foundation and the bank HSBC.The bank has pledged £2m to support 30 new Stormzy Scholarships over the next three years, while #Merky Foundation will continue to fund a further two students a year.A post shared by STORMZY (@stormzy)“For a further 30 black students to have the opportunity to study at Cambridge University – the same year we celebrate five years of the scholarships’ launch – feels like an incredible landmark moment,” the grime star told BBC News.Prof Bhaskar Vira, pro-vice-chancellor for education, also said he was “delighted” the collaboration was continuing.“We know these scholarships are truly transformative in the opportunities they provide and we look forward to welcoming more Stormzy scholars to Cambridge over the next few years,” he added.Meanwhile, Stormzy and RAYE recently teamed up for the sultry and 2000s-reminiscent collaborative single, ‘The Weekend’.It is the grime artist’s second single of the year. Last month, he and northwest Londoner Fredo released the Dave-produced ‘Toxic Trait’ alongside an equally high-concept music video where TV presenter Allison Hammond acted as the duo’s therapist.

In an era of the social media drip of snippets and IG Live previews, big ticket album releases right now can feel like the full stop on a conversation that began months (or maybe even years) prior. J Hus is different, though. Through a combination of lengthy absences from the spotlight and a refreshing musical unpredictability, his albums still feel like events that demand more discussion.

Stormzy and RAYE teamed up for the sultry and 2000s-reminiscent collaborative single, ‘The Weekend’. Check out the track and the video below.‘The Weekend’ is the second collaboration from the two south Londoners have together – following the Norbury grime star hopping on the R&B singer’s single  ‘Ambition’ back in 2016.Yesterday (July 19), Stormzy and RAYE dropped their new London-produced single.

NME about being a part of a viral cypher with Dave and Central Cee, as well as radio and grime culture.Cyphers (also known as radio sets) are when multiple rappers come together and share a microphone, rapping over randomly selected beats. Before mainstream media aired the underground genre, pirate radio, handmade mixtapes and DIY videos were the only way fans could hear these rhymes.

J Hus has announced the imminent arrival of his first new album since 2020’s Big Conspiracy. Due out July 14 via Black Butter, Beautiful and Brutal Yard will feature two previously released tracks: his May solo single “It’s Crazy” and the Drake-featuring “Who Told You,” shared earlier this month.

J Hus has announced details of his third album ‘Beautiful And Brutal Yard’, alongside news of a UK tour.The Stratford rapper’s next record – the follow-up to 2020’s acclaimed ‘Big Conspiracy‘ – will arrive on July 14, and feature the likes of Burna Boy, Popcaan, Jorja Smith, and Naira Marley. J Hus and Burna Boy previously previewed their new track ‘Masculine’ at Burna’s history-making stadium concert in London earlier this month, while ‘Beautiful And Brutal Yard’ also features the viral Drake-assisted Afro-swing track, ‘Who Told You’.In his 2019 residency at London’s The O2, the Canadian juggernaut brought out J Hus after he had spent eight months in jail for carrying a knife.A post shared by Squif (@theuglygram) Check out the tracklisting below and pre-order the album here.The news also comes with new tour dates, at which J Hus promises special guests.

N-Dubz have announced details of free pop-up gig in London this Friday (June 30) ahead of their upcoming album.Last year, the trio reunited after an 11-year hiatus, before sharing comeback single  ‘Charmer’ and embarking on a 27-stop reunion tour which was mostly sold out.This Friday (June 30), the iconic British pop–grime band will perform a free surprise show for 2,000 fans at BOXPARK Wembley. The concert is set to start at 6pm and end at 8pm, with tickets available here.The pop-up gig, in partnership with Festival Republic, will warm the duo up for their headline show at Gunnersbury Park on August 11, with Tion Wayne and Venbee set to support. N-Dubz will finally release their fourth record ‘Timeless’ next month.

Stormzy and footballer Wilfried Zaha are set to buy AFC Croydon.The musician and forward player – who both grew up in the south London borough – have agreed a deal to acquire non-league club AFC Croydon, according to reports.Both are also part of a three-man consortium alongside former Crystal Palace head of player care, Danny Young, and the Croydon team to compete in the ninth tier of English football.The team was founded in 2012 after Croydon Athletic folded. Speaking of the new agreement, they said (via BBC Sport): “The consortium will own, operate and develop their childhood hometown football club.

Stormzy has returned with a brand new single featuring Fredo that’s produced by Dave – watch the video for ‘Toxic Trait’.The new song is the London rapper’s first material since his third album ‘This Is What I Mean’, and comes with an official video featuring daytime TV legend Alison Hammond, among others.Discussing the video, director Femi Ladi said:“After listening to the lyrics, I wanted to have fun with this video.