Grime: Which Songs Are The Most Nostalgic? 2000-2010 Edition - Part 2

5: Wiley: Wot Do U Call It?

The self-proclaimed "Godfather of grime." Wiley has been involved from the start, from the memorable freestyles and classic songs, without doubt, a pioneering artist that played a focal point for the rise of Grime. The song is heavily imprinted within the genre, and the inventive sound that was first birthed by Wiley created an influx of influenced MCs wanting to be involved in the scene. Whatever your opinions are of him today, caused by his sometimes erratic behaviour, you shouldn’t take away his appreciated participation in the culturally loved sound.

4: Dizzee Rascal: I Luv U

Hailing from East London, Dizzie drastically went from student to professor during his teens. His debut single, “I Luv U,” was added to his 2003 Mercury award-winning album, “Boy In Da Corner.” The long-standing popularity of the song is one of many reasons why he is a legend of the game, and with the album regarded as one of grime's best. The recognition that he has soaked up is well-deserved - a definite game changer.

3: Kano: P’s and Q’s

One of the best grime tunes to be made. The longevity of “P’s and Q’s” is beyond doubt. The skippy grime beat that he effortlessly flows on will forever be part of the scenes history. After 15 years, the impact that this song holds is powerful. As it takes many millennials back to a certain point in their lives. An MC that has always been ahead of his time, a top 3 position for KA was never in doubt.

2: P2J Project: Hands in the air

Now, it‘s difficult to choose where to even begin with this masterpiece. Arguably one of, or if not the best song that came out of the Channel U era. The South London contingent, formed from four different cliques, joined forces to create a timeless anthem. The energy levels that were brought will be unforgettable, a true classic.

1:Lethal Bizzle ft others: POW (2004)

After entering the scene in the early 2000s, the grime MC has been involved in many classic songs in the scene, including “OI” by More Fire Crew. That being said, ”POW,” was the building block for the road to success. The high-powered song is the most recognisable from the scene and time. The anthem was and still is capable of bringing a whole room together to perform it in unison. Legendary. The early beginnings of grime will remain undefeated, with, “POW,“ collecting the accolade of the most nostalgic grime song.

The Honourable Mentions

Tempa T: Next Hype

One of the most energetic guys in the scene's history, Tempa provided us with a track and video that perfectly represents the persona that he gives out; hyperactive and very animated, traits that have given him the opportunities to share the mic with some of the best – seen in the 1Xtra grime takeover back in 2014.

Wiley x BBK: Too Many Men

There's only one outcome when you get some of grime's best in the room and that is pure talent. Most of the BBK contingent, including Wiley, didn't even need a lengthy verse to show their capabilities. The longest verse came from Frisco and was easily the best verse on the song. This song forever is timeless in the game and has proved its longevity time and time again.

Ever since the birth and growth of Grime we've seen new artists entering the scene in hope of making a name for themselves, with a few accomplishing that goal.

Jaykae

Hailing from Birmingham, Jaykae is one of many doing all they can to keep the genre alive, with songs like: “Toothache” and “Heartache.” The original grime flow that he showcases is one of the best around, following in the footsteps of fellow grime MC, Sox. The credit that he receives may not be large, but that hasn’t stopped him from continually releasing top quality songs and remaining relevant, with recent songs with the likes of Jorja Smith.

Manga Saint Hilare

The grime veteran is doing all he can to keep the genre around. The artist has had the unfortunate burden of not being noticed as much as other MCs – something that has not deflated his ambition, continuously pushing out singles with the core grime sound dented within them. Manga is a very good example of what keeping grime alive looks like, and an artist that needs more recognition for his work.

Lady Leshurr

The talented and creative grime artist, Lady Leshurr, has done her best to shine in a male-dominant scene; and has made a big impact that will undoubtedly inspire up-and-coming ladies to make themselves heard. The infamous Queen's Speech Ep.4, made everyone digest the exciting talents of the 0121 resident. From that point on, Leshurr has been making a bigger name for herself on TV shows, whilst connecting with her love of grime, with tracks such as Dynamite Flow. The props that Lady Leshurr gets are truly deserved.

Stormzy

The south London star has worked his way up to the top, a statement made true with the infamous ‘WickedSkengMan’ series. Paying homage to the scene is in his nature, using JME’s “Serious” instrumental for WickedSkengMan 4 and “Wiley Flow,” which could be quite awkward for him to perform now after their infamous clash in 2020. The MC has gone on to conquer many things and achieve a lot and is expected to continue that streak.

Grime is the iconic sound of the early 2000s.