The tag of ‘Grime 2’ has sent purists into a frenzy over the new year. When you tune out from the noise, it’s a way for the artists who orbit the tag to create grime music in their own vision. Calling it a sub-genre would feel at odds with how grime works, while trying to put a concrete definition around it would defeat the object. R&G, sino-grime and tropical are the closest thing to grime ‘sub-genres’, but they don’t work in the same way as black metal would in comparison to traditional heavy metal. ‘Grime 2’ feels half tongue in cheek, half rip it up and start again. It’s ultimately up to the artists to define it, but the idea of MCs & producers injecting a dose of anti-nostalgia into their work is interesting, because opportunities for an unheard take on the form become possible.
Squintz is an MC who came up a couple of years back, featuring on DJ Argue’s under 19 sets and being a member of Mob Set. His latest track ‘Grime 2‘ – produced by SBK and As If Kid – is anything but tongue in cheek. He goes on the warpath in the opening minutes of the track, positioning himself as the superior lyricist in the face of any potential microphone challengers. It’s not just hype bars, though. He contorts his vocal and stretches his flow over the pattern of the beat, choosing to end his opponents with hype and technique. As the track unfolds, he touches on negative experiences in his past, then lays into former MC idols with poise.
‘Grime 2′ is an injection of energy. The combination of instrumental and bars never really give you time to breathe, creating an electrifying vibe from start to finish.
Download it for free, here.
Listen
The Art of Grime 