From the Linc Centre to the mainstream: grime’s journey and Poplar HARCA’s role in its rise

The early days of grime

Grime’s roots can be traced back to the late 90s and early 2000s. But it wasn’t until Channel U (now known as Channel AKA) that it truly found a platform.

As one of the early grime originals, Villz, put it: “I was on Channel U when it was booming, like the beginning stages. I was there with my little younger crew. We had a song called Out for the Wolves, and that was our stamp on grime history.”

This platform was a launchpad for many young artists like Villz, who were hungry to make their mark.

The early influences of grime are as diverse as the streets that birthed it. From the Caribbean rhythms of Jamaican dancehall to late 90s American rap, drum and bass, and the gritty beats of “sweet UK garage” (as Emmanuel puts it), grime drew from a wide range of influences. It merged these sounds into something entirely unique, creating a genre that became its own.

The sound of grime: “It’s all about the beat”

What sets grime apart from other genres? According to those who lived it, it’s all about the tempo and the beats. “Grime was defined by its tempo – 138 to 143 beats per minute, usually around 140,” explained Villz. “But it’s also the way the MCs attack the rhythm. You can always tell [when] someone grew up on grime, no matter what they do. It’s in their DNA.”

Grime is more than just fast paced raps; it’s intense and grabs your attention. The beats, the snap, and the rhythm make you nod your head whether you’re in east London or anywhere else in the world.

Tower Hamlets: the heartbeat of grime

While grime has influenced artists from all over London, east London, and specifically Tower Hamlets, holds a special place in its history.

“I think it was because at the time, everything was here,” Villz recalled. “We had youth clubs with proper funding that allowed it [grime] to grow and Youth Workers who were key figures in the community. They made sure we had the right equipment, the opportunities to get on the decks and allow young people to spit bars.”

Before grime took over the global stage, it had a crucial home base at Rhythm Division in Bow, east London. Senie, Emmanuel and Villz all highlighted how this iconic, bright blue record shop on Roman Road was a haven for grime’s early pioneers, including Wiley and Skepta.

During the mid-2000s, Rhythm Division was more than just a store; it was the heart of the grime scene. MCs, DJs, and producers gathered there to showcase their music. Although it closed in 2010 and is now a coffee shop, its legacy lives on in the memories of those who went there regularly and the big mark it left on the genre.

The influence of grime: “It gave us our own voice”

Grime has not only shaped the sound of UK music but has also played a significant role in defining the identity of the Black community in London. “It gave us our own personality, our in own voice,” Villz reflected. “Before grime, many UK rappers mimicked American accents and styles, but grime made it more authentic. Because of grime , we found our own identity – and away to express ourselves.”

Grime has also influenced other genres, like drill. Many drill artists acknowledge grime as their foundation. “Any driller that’s not basic and has a skippy flow – they all got that from grime. They’ll all tell you they grew up listening to it,” Villz said.

“Grime was therapy”

Beyond the music, grime has been a powerful tool for activism and expression. It became a platform where artists could speak openly about their lives, struggles, and the issues facing their communities. “Grime was therapy for a lot of man,” explained Villz. “It gave a lot of people insight into who they were, what they were going through. It was a way to vent, to share stories that needed to be heard.”

Grime’s influence extends far beyond beats and bars. It’s a testament to the power of community, creativity, and resilience. It’s the sound of a generation that refused to be silenced, and its legacy continues to inspire new artists and fans.

The future of Grime: Spotlight and the next generation

Grime’s roots in east London remind us of the power of community spaces like the Linc Centre. Today, places like our youth service, Spotlight, carry on this legacy by nurturing young talent in the creative arts, including music. Spotlight has a state-of-the-art recording studio and provides a platform for the next generation to explore their talents – just as the Linc Centre did for grime’s pioneers.