Though its mainstay producers and MCs will (rightly) tell you that it's been going strong since the early '00s, it'd be hard to deny that grime's been going through a resurgence as of late. The day after GRM Daily's first ever Rated Awards in association with KA Drinks – a celebration of the genre – Stormzy hits #18 in the UK Top 40 with 'WickedSkengMan 4', the highest ever charting freestyle.
Last Thursday, Essex Road's Gracepoint venue is awash with industry faces and a who's who of grime for the award ceremony's debut – skyscraper heels and floor-length gowns out in full force. Following a very thorough security check and a couple of drinks we take our seats in the row behind a very cheerful-looking Kano.
Opening the night, the 900-strong crowd are treated to an electric violin rendition of So Solid, Wiley's 'Eskimo' and 'It Ain't Safe' by Skepta among other UK classics, courtesy of violinist Daj Jordan. The first of a handful of live performances is a rowdy showing of 'Trapping Ain't dead' by Rita Ora's new faves Section Boyz, which has the whole auditorium on their feet. Little Simz, WSTRN, Ghetts and Bonkaz also contribute up on stage, with a special unannounced performance from Giggs.
While Skepta (Best Track) and Big Narstie (Personality of the Year) aren't there to collect their yellow trophies and have filmed acceptances, many of the winners come up on stage to deliver short speeches. So Solid's Harvey and Megaman present Best Video – forgetting their category and not even listing the nominees – but they hit the nail on the head when they remind us that "back in our day we were up against Robbie Williams and Kylie Minogue". Stormzy bigs up his mum as he collects the award, crediting her for 'Know Me From's success. While Krept & Konan sing GRM's praises in to the mic, as one of the first platforms to support grime.
While presenting Artist Of The Year (which, unsurprisingly, goes to Skepta) Tim Westwood fires shots at Charlie Sloth who'd just called himself "the best DJ in the world" (in the same breath as calling himself "fat, good looking, hella rich"). Whether orchestrated or not, it gets the whole crowd going crazy. "Legends live forever, don't get gassed," Westwood signs off, with the audience seemingly on his side as they whoop loudly.
Kano scoops the GRM Legend award, which is presented by Giggs, before an old montage of footage of him sparring with Wiley in Jammer's mum's basement and shaky freestyle videos. When he gets up on the podium, Kano uses the opportunity to big up other artists – Wiley, Pay As U Go, So Solid, Heartless Crew and D Double E (to loud cheering) – and gives a heartfelt speech. "This just reminds me of the time we made music without reward. It has to be your passion. It's not an easy thing to do, you've gotta genuinely love it," the 30 year-old says.
With 25,000 people tuning in to view the livestream, and #RatedAwards trending on Twitter, the ceremony's debut proves to be a huge success. Long may it continue.
Here's the full winner list:
Best Project: Krept & Konan – 'The Long Way Home'
Best Track: Skepta – 'Shutdown'
Best Video: Stormzy – 'Know Me From'
Artist Of The Year: Skepta
Producer Of The Year: Diztortion
Personality Of The Year: Big Narstie
Best Breakthrough: Bugzy Malone
Best DJ: Charlie Sloth
KA Get Rated Award: Jevon
GRM Legacy Award: Kano
Words: Felicity Martin
