Every generation cries out to be defined by it’s own specific genre,
wishing for artists that will reflect the issues and feelings which are
particular to its own particular cultural and political perspectives.
Where the 80’s opened up it’s heart to punk, the kids today have
strapped themselves tight to the genre of Grime: with it’s industrial,
frenetic rhythms trapped in a homemade sound, it conjures up images of
the urban landscape of today in a way that few other art forms have
managed to do. At the frontline of this embattled and emerging genre is
the lyrical mastery of Dylan Kwabena Mills, more familiar to the world
at large as the unforgettable Dizzee Rascal. Concert tickets to a Dizzee
Rascal show give you a small piece of the grime zeitgeist: be prepared
to jump, dance, and be bowled over speechless by this mans virtuosic
lyrical talent, and his own unique way of doing it.
Dizzee’s voice is recognisable to millions thanks to his highly original
approach to rap: it is this combination of uniqueness in his production,
lyrics and delivery that has merited him the astronomical success he
enjoys today. This winning concoction was unearthed to the public in
2003 with the album “Boy In Da Corner”: the critical reaction was
overwhelmingly positive, and the album eventually went on to win the
much coveted Mercury Music Prize later that year. It was clear from the
word go that Dizzee Rascal was something exclusive and inimitable: here
at last was a voice for the Grime genre that the mainstream was prepared
to celebrate.
This success was followed up by three further phenomenal releases:
“Showtime”, “Maths + English” and “Tongue n’ Cheek”, his first album to
enjoy a platinum success. They are characterised most interestingly by
Dizzee’s experimentations with different styles in his sampling, lending
them a pastiche-like charm that seems to draw on the whole world for
inspiration. “Maths + English” is a good example of this, with the
single “Sirens” including nu-metal distorted guitars whilst “Wanna Be”
borrows musical ideas from a Bugsy Malone number. It also sported a wide
range of a-list guest stars, demonstrating Dizzee’s new influence from
his enduring success.
Whether on the stage in your home town or at a summer festival you will
see this excellent performer in his element, giving you a selection of
his hits that will surely go on being regarded as classic rap genius.
Full bio can be found on his
offical site and the
BBC.