Grime, a genre that originated in the early 2000s from East London, reflects the multicultural essence of the city, blending Jamaican reggae, American hip-hop, and British cockney accents. Known for its strong ties to the working-class, Grime artists reject negative stereotypes of violence and crime, using their platform to address issues of classism and racism in the UK. The genre gained political momentum when fans, especially young black men and those aged 18-24, supported Jeremy Corbyn’s Labour Party under the “Grime4Corbyn” movement, believing his policies aligned with their struggles.

Grime’s inclusivity unites people by class rather than race, challenging perceptions that associate it solely with black culture. Forms like “Form 696,” used to profile black artists unfairly, were protested by Grime musicians and discontinued in 2017. Media outlets have tried to link Grime with drug use, but artists like Stormzy have called out the racial bias of these accusations. Despite facing discrimination, Grime artists like Dave and Skepta amplify working-class voices, rejecting harmful stereotypes. Grime has become a global outlet for marginalized youth, addressing systemic issues and offering a path out of poverty, proving its cultural and social significance beyond London.