The Sound of Birmingham Grime

"The Sound of Birmingham Grime" brings together the raw, unfiltered energy of Brum's underground scene, spotlighting the MCs, producers, and collectives who’ve shaped the city’s grime identity. With tracks from pioneers like Safone, Jaykae, Dapz on the Map, and Devilman, it captures the gritty street narratives and fast-paced lyricism that define the Midlands sound. Features like “Still Got It,” “Toothache,” and “CCTV” put the spotlight on sharp delivery and heavy beats, while collaborations highlight how deeply connected Birmingham’s grime artists are — both to each other and to the wider UK rap ecosystem.

This playlist also threads in newer sounds and offshoots, from bass-driven anthems like “Explosive Energy” to genre-blurring productions by Preditah and MIST. Whether it’s the aggressive switch-ups of Remtrex and RK or the throwback flows of StayFresh and Sox, the selection reflects a city constantly evolving but still rooted in grime’s foundation. It’s a snapshot of where Birmingham grime has been — and where it’s headed.