Grime Stories: from the corner to the mainstream

Co-curated by one of the first cameramen of grime, Roony 'RiskyRoadz’ Keefe, Grime Stories: from the corner to the mainstream was a free display that explored the history of grime in east London and the community at its heart.

Grime music emerged almost twenty years ago in the early 2000s and flourished through an informal network of record shops, youth clubs and pirate radio stations. The Museum of London put a spotlight on the people and places across east London that shaped grime from then to the present day.

Partnering with those who were there at the scene's inception, the landmark display considered how the area has changed in the 20 years since and the impact of these changes on the future landscape of grime. A panoramic illustration by artist Willkay, a series of newly commissioned films and personal artefacts paid tribute to the parents, carers and youth workers who supported the city's grime MCs. Footage featuring Skepta and DJ Slimzee examined how these once emergent artists were able to find an outlet to share their music, uncensored through pirate radio networks such as Rinse FM.

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Roony 'Risky' Keefe - one of the earliest documentarians to capture grime © John Chase/Museum of London

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Grime pioneer Jammer in his legendary family basement in Leytonstone © John Chase/Museum of London

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Jammer's basement given a blue plaque by London borough of Walham Forest © John Chase/Museum of London

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Sound equipment in Jammer's basement, scene of the creation of many seminal grime tracks © John Chase/Museum of London

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Inside Jammer's basement in Leytonstone © John Chase/Museum of London