Stormzy
Grime went from strength to strength in 2017, with major releases and achievements from artists including Stormzy, Skepta, and Wiley helping to push the genre ever closer to the mainstream. The interest in the genre, as well as the related sounds coming from U.K. rap and Afro Trap, have been reflected by Spotify's decision to officially list grime as its own genre. The streaming service now has a hub for all things grime, including links to three major playlists: Grime Shutdown, Grime Classics, and Grime Instrumentals.
Spotify senior editor Austin Darbo, who has spoken at length about his role in bringing grime to the masses, explained the move (as well as the imagery involved) on Twitter.
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'Grime' is now an official category on Spotify - this will make it easier for fans to find their favourite grime playlists ✅ pic.twitter.com/PeeKgjCduk
— Austin (@AustinDarbo) January 2, 2018
We spoke to some grime legends about the imagery we used around the genre. Overall they felt the council block / pirate radio origins was a good way to represent it - and it will evolve.
— Austin (@AustinDarbo) January 2, 2018
The FADER has reached out for further comment.
