Is the latest Dizzee Rascal v Wiley simply suicide for Grime?

Dizzee Rascal’s “Boy In The Corner” is regarded as one of the greatest albums of all time and played a monumental role in introducing the world to Grime. Whereas Wiley has helped introduce a countless number of artists to mainstream consciousness from Tinchy Stryder, Chip to Dizzee Rascal himself. True servant to the culture Wiley has released a string of Grime mixtapes and albums, founder of the Eski sound and Eskimo dance but he has never produced a piece of work as critically acclaimed as “Boy In The Corner”.

On the other hand feud has been simmering for at least a decade but for me personally I felt Dizzee had addressed his issues and feelings about Wiley in “Showtime” (classic and underrated album) and should have left it that to be honest. With regards to Wiley the industry has championed him the Godfather of Grime so why engage in the back and forth on Twitter and bring up history regarding Dizzee allegedly pinching Lisa Mafia’s gluteus maximus? Dizzee accused Wiley of being a pedophile. Grime fans may argue he is not the first MC to make these accusations but given the position Dizzee is in and the fact that his motive is not driven by justice for the victim, it was distasteful. Wiley’s responses were also juvenile but clearly they got under Dizzee’s skin as he threatened to kill Wiley.

Both artists had a good year with both their albums being nominated for Rated AwaWith both artists being on the other side of 30 with established careers, surely they should be aware that this potentially closes the door on the next generation of emerging Grime artists? The mainstream may see Grime, Drill and everything in between as Grime but the reality is that they are deemed as different by youth culture. Grime in London is no longer played in the playgrounds like it was during the golden generation and the vanguards have much work to do in ensuring that the next generation carry on the culture. Of course Eyez, AJ Tracey, Big Zuu and more are carrying the flag.

Yet if Bow is London’s Grime equivalent of New York in the USA to rap, then more needs to be done in terms of infrastructure. Two Grime legends that fully understand this are both Slix and Rapid, who set up the Ruff Sqwad Arts Foundation which is based in East London and helps nurture the next generation of Grime artists. They also work with young people on projects to illustrate how Grime can make a positive change. Mixtape Madness are proud supporters of this initiative but we all have a part in helping it grow, plus GRIME PAYS.

I guess in more light hearted news, The Metro posted the story but unfortunately used an image of Skepta instead of Wiley. Clearly neither Dizzee or Wiley is God but neither is Google, especially if you work for The Metro.