The albums that define
grime.
Our picks for where to start with grime — with a one-line read on why each one matters.
Top grime artists
Start with one of these.
The grime essentials
Twenty-four picks. Press play on any of them.
Lily Allen
Sheezus
A vibrant blend of pop sensibility and sharp lyrical wit, reflecting the complexities of modern womanhood.
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Lily Allen
Paris Live Session
A vibrant mix of sharp wit and soulful melodies, capturing Lily Allen's signature blend of pop and R&B.
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Skepta
Microphone Champion
A vibrant clash of sharp lyricism and energetic beats that encapsulates the essence of UK grime.
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Skepta
Doin' It Again
Dynamic beats and sharp lyricism intertwine, showcasing Skepta's mastery of grime and UK rap's evolving landscape.
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Example
Live Life Living
Energetic anthems blend UK rap and pop sensibilities, reflecting a vibrant spirit of resilience and self-empowerment.
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Example
What We Made
A vibrant blend of UK rap and pop sensibilities, infused with humor and introspection.
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Dizzee Rascal
Maths + English
A vibrant fusion of grime and UK garage, driven by sharp beats and Dizzee's distinctive lyrical flair.
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Dizzee Rascal
Boy in da Corner
A raw, electrifying fusion of garage beats and sharp lyrical wit that captures London's gritty urban landscape.
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Wiley
Grime Wave
A raw and vibrant exploration of grime culture, blending energetic beats with sharp, streetwise lyricism.
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Wiley
Playtime Is Over
A raw and energetic blend of grime beats and personal narratives that embody the spirit of UK urban culture.
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Tinie Tempah
Disc-Overy
A vibrant fusion of UK rap, electro-hop, and rave energy that energizes the dance floor.
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Tinie Tempah
Youth
Youth blends vibrant UK rap with electronic influences, capturing an energetic and youthful spirit.
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Labrinth
Euphoria Season 2 Official Score – From the HBO Original Series
A haunting blend of electronic soundscapes and emotive vocals that encapsulates the series' intense emotional journeys.
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Labrinth
Euphoria
A kaleidoscopic blend of electronic beats and soulful melodies, echoing themes of love and self-discovery.
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Stormzy
Heavy Is the Head
A dynamic blend of grime and R&B that showcases Stormzy's lyrical prowess and emotional depth.
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Stormzy
This Is What I Mean
A reflective blend of grime, soul, and introspection, showcasing Stormzy's lyrical depth and emotional vulnerability.
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The Streets
The Hardest Way to Make an Easy Living
A gritty exploration of everyday life, blending spoken-word stylings with a backdrop of sharp beats and urban realism.
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The Streets
Original Pirate Material
A raw blend of UK garage beats and candid storytelling that captures urban life with unfiltered authenticity.
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Ms. Dynamite
Judgement Days
A dynamic blend of 2-step garage and contemporary R&B infused with socially conscious lyrics and infectious grooves.
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Ms. Dynamite
A Little Deeper
A vibrant fusion of UK garage, R&B, and hip-hop that pulses with infectious energy and lyrical depth.
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Kano
Hoodies All Summer
A poignant blend of reflective storytelling and hard-hitting beats, capturing the essence of urban life in contemporary London.
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Kano
Home Sweet Home
A vibrant blend of UK garage and grime, showcasing Kano's sharp lyricism over dynamic beats.
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Busdriver
The Weather
A whirlwind of intricate wordplay and eclectic beats challenging the conventions of hip-hop.
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Busdriver
Computer Cooties
A frenetic blend of abstract lyricism and experimental beats, pushing the boundaries of alternative hip-hop.
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