Attack of the Yanks

We've waited quite a long time for a new uniquely British sound (it's debatable but I guess the last one was Garage propa?) and as soon as we get one, the Yanks grab it from right under our noses and run with it. Jokes aside (I really am jokin' so no hatemail please!) Grime and Dubstep and the associated genres- Eski, Sub-Low, 8-Bar etc has kicked off in The USA, most obvious within the blogging community. The spreading of the Grime and Dubstep viruses appears to be mostly brought about by excellent and well distributed releases such as Rephlex's Grime compilations, Run The Road DJ's such as Joe Nice, courtesy of Gourmet Beats Radio and of course good old word o' mouth.

Lastest addition to the word of mouth world is Canadian based Riddim.Ca which defines itself as being 'North America's first web portal and online community dedicated to Grime, Dubstep and related sounds.' The site features a forum, links, downloads and interviews including one with the South London Jock Kode9.

Other State side lovers include the New Yorker's Sasha Frere Jones who's written a great article called 'True Grime' in which he explains and dissects the genre to the relatively unaware residents of Big Apple. Can't forgot our homie DQ who has also interviewed Kode9 and keeps us updated on Stateside Grime and Dubstep manuva's. Westside we have Kid Kameleon who could be considred as San Fran's answer to The Bug, mixing up Ragga, Dancehall, Breakbeat, Grime and generally keeping the bass rumbling West-side alongside his partner in Grime, the talented Ms Ripley (pictured above).


For printed literature, the beautiful XL8R magazine was one of the first to pick up 'pon the Dubstep phenomenon, hitting in 2002 with an issue dedicated to the sound. 'Feel the power it's Dubstep' featured interviews and profiles on some of the forefounders, including: Horsepower, Ammunition and Ghost Records. Quite shameful that a U.S magazine showcased the sound 3 years ago whilst we're still waiting around for UK magazines to really go for it.


Stateside Homies:

www.djripley.blogspot.com
www.dubquixote.com
www.gourmetbeats.com
www.joenice.blogspot.com
www.kidkameleon.blogspot.com
www.riddim.ca
www.sashafrerejones.com
www.xlr8r.com