story by Mike Scales
photo by Tim & Barry
In late 2002, after a critically successful breakout album in his native England, emcee/producer Mike Skinner (a.k.a. The Streets) unleashed his infectious brand of Brit-hop on an unsuspecting American populace. With its danceable U.K. garage beats, London slang and smartass day-in-the-life tales of the average "geezer," some who were tuned into the Skinner sound (particularly yours truly) became a bit obsessed. But just as Nirvana exposed the masses to the world of underground rock and the undeniable talents of their peers, so too did Skinner & Co. inadvertently usher in the worldwide acknowledgment and acceptance of various takes on U.K. urban music — most notably the darker, more raw and chaotic sound of grime...led by one of the subgenre’s most recognized and revered figures, Dizzee Rascal.
Once a part of London’s Roll Deep crew and mentored by grime innovator Wiley, Dizzee struck out on his own with his highly-successful debut Boy In Da Corner, earning him three U.K. “Top 40” singles and the honor of being the youngest recipient (at age 19) of the coveted Mercury Prize for "Best Album of 2003". Needless to say, this was just the beginning for the thirsty emcee.
DIZZEE'S INNER VIEW |
“Festivals are people out of their face on drugs and drink. They’re definitely not there to stand around and pose.” |
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By 2007 Dizzee Rascal had courageously survived the sophomore slump with the high-charting Showtime (2004), recharged his old imprint Dirtee Stank into a full-fledged record label and released the critically-acclaimed Maths + English LP, the rapper’s third and most innovative grime record to date with guest spots from Lily Allen, Alex Turner of Arctic Monkeys and, after a much publicized pilgrimage to Houston, the legendary UGK. Dizzee also played SXSW in March with some special new friends, revealing his latest and greatest plan to bring grime ever closer to the mainstream — the April 29 U.S. release of Maths + English via indie heavyweight Definitive Jux Records and a 12-date North American tour alongside rapper/producer/label head honcho El-P.
"These people really understand and actually really care about my music," says Dizzee of the soon-to-be legendary union. "They not only have a great understanding of hip-hop, but also the music business structure in America. I only met El-P once before, but we clicked straight away and he gave me a clear understanding of where I’m at in America and, kind of, what I need to do as well. I think it’s gonna be a great partnership."
Dizzee couldn’t be more excited about playing out in the States again. "I think it had been about three years since I did SXSW," he says. "We did a show with Bun B [of UGK], a Pimp C tribute. That was more of a hip-hop crowd, they don’t jump around and mosh as much, but the other show was quite lively, man! I have a way — wherever I go in the world, it ends up being lively!"
Chicago crowds will be especially lively for Dizzee this summer as he is set to play a regular club date on tour as well as a prime spot on the Pitchfork Music Festival, a vibe the emcee is stoked about experiencing once again. "Festivals are people out of their face on drugs and drink," says Dizzee. "They’re definitely not there to stand around and pose. I love it!"
With all the hype, publicity and business to attend to in his thriving career, Dizzee Rascal never loses sight of where he came from and always tries to give something back. He was recently invited to participate in the 2008 London Students Awards and one of his b-sides "Dean," written about a friend’s suicide, has been given the special recognition of headlining CALM (The Campaign Against Living Miserably), a charity set up to help young suicidal men. "At first I didn’t really want that responsibility," Dizzee confesses, "but it’s kind of in me anyway. The sense of fulfillment I get after I do things like this is a really positive and inspiring thing."
Dizzee Rascal :: with El-P and Busdriver :: Abbey Pub :: May 15.