Top 10 GRIME ACTS of all time (5-1)

Following on from the first half of this article, which you can read here: http://www.flavourmag.co.uk/top-ten-grime-acts-of-all-time-10-6/ We are now counting down to the No.1 spot for the Top 10 GRIME ACTS of ALL TIME.

5. Chip/ Jahmaal Noel Fyffe

Chip formerly known as Chipmunk hit the scene as a witty 16 year-old grime MC under the guidance of Wiley, the Tottenham born MC has since rose to fame with chart topping hits ‘Oopsy daisy’ ‘Diamond rings’ and ‘More money, more gyal.’ His debut album ‘I am chipmunk’ peaked at #2 on the UK album charts gaining Platinum status selling over 300,000 copies, following the release of his second album ‘Transition’ which featured the hit single ‘Champion’ featuring Chris Brown in 2011, Chip has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s best, even branching out to the US market after he signed to Hip-Hop artist T.I.’s Grand Hustle Label, he released his first project in December 2012 the mixtape entitled ‘London Boy’ which featured a hybrid of UK/US features British rappers such as Wretch 32, Blade Brown and Skepta as well as American artists T.I. Meek Mill and B.O.B.

4. Wretch 32/ Jermaine Scott Sinclair

Tottenham’s own Jermaine Scott Sinclair aka Wretch 32 came up from the Grime scene with fellow North London MC’s Scorcher and Ghetts as part of the group ‘The Movement’ after leaving the grime group ‘Combination Chain Gang’. Following the release of his first single ‘Traktor’ which gained him local attention, Wretch released his second album ‘Black and White’ in 2011 which featured 6 singles, 3 of which landed top five spots including ‘Don’t go’ and ‘Unorthodox.’ The album received good acclaim earning the North London MC a BET award for ‘best international act’ in 2012.

3. Tine Tempah/ Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu

The London born MC propelled to mainstream success following the release of his hit single ‘Pass-out’ which topped #1 on the charts and his second single ‘Frisky’ featuring UK artist Labrinth. Contrary to the traditional urban grime sound, Tine branched out to a more up-tempo and electronic style, his debut album ‘Disc-Overy’ featured hit singles such as ‘Written in the stars’ and ‘Miami to Ibiza’ featuring Swedish House Mafia; the album went double platinum reaching #2 on the US billboard, winning Tempah two Brit awards. Tine Tempah has also headlined various music festivals such as Wireless and Glastonbury.

2. Dizzee Rascal/Dylan Kwabena Mills

Another East London MC takes the second spot on the list, Dizzee Rascal emerged as one of grime’s brightest and best with his debut album ‘Boy in da corner’ which peaked at number at #40 on the charts in 2003 and has since then gone on to sell multiple chart topping singles, including ‘Dance wiv me’ ‘Sirens’ and ‘Bonkers’. His last album ‘tongue and cheek’ went certified platinum selling over 300,000 copies, Mills has become one of the UK’s biggest artists winning various awards such as the Brits ‘Best British Male’ and BET award for best international act, including performing at the London 2012 opening ceremony. Dizzee Rascal is also the CEO of his own record company ‘Dirtee Stank’ recordings.

1. Wiley/Richard Kylea Cowie

The East London born MC tops the list and is considered by many as a true pioneer of the Grime scene. Nicknamed the ‘Godfather of Grime’ Wiley burst onto the scene in 2000 and rose to fame as the leader of the group ‘Roll Deep’ with fellow MC’s Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder. Cowie has topped the UK charts with hits such as Heatwave, ‘Wearing my Rolex’ and ‘Never be your woman.’ Wiley has helped many aspiring UK acts to superstardom such as Chipmunk, BBK (Boy Better Know) and others, he is also the owner of record labels ‘Eskibeat Recordings’ & ‘A-list Records.’ In total he has released nine studio albums and 12 singles to date, his most recent ‘The Ascent’ became his highest-charting solo studio album.

Words by Tosin Salami