Most people will tell you that the only things going on in Birmingham are a massive shopping centre that looks like a tin foil cloud designed by an extremely high person, terrible accents, and Peaky Blinders themed nights at gin bars. Fortunately for Brummies however, those people would be wrong. Yes, our accents are questionable; yes, the Bull Ring is probably an iconic piece of architecture for the wrong reasons; yes, I have seen a photo on Facebook of one of my old teachers dressed as Tommy Shelby. But that’s not the point! What those people – those naysayers – are missing is this: Birmingham is the epicentre of some of the most exciting music happening in the UK right now. You just have to know where to look.
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Helpfully, your old pals at Noisey UK are here to point you in the right direction. Our new film Noisey Birmingham, hosted by Brum legend Mike Skinner, features Second City MCs like Lady Leshurr, Jaykae, and Mist (as well as Lotto Boyzz, Daps on the Map, and Safone, but we don’t like to brag), all of whom are rising through the ranks of grime and UK rap quicker than a razz around Spaghetti Junction. In case you’ve found yourself sleeping on the Birmingham scene, however, we’ve put together a guide to all the star players (with their best track included as a bonus) as a bit of a primer. Sound bab. Make sure to come back around tomorrow when we release the full documentary.If you need reminding who Lady Leshurr is, I’d like to personally congratulate you because you’ve obviously managed to basically stay off the internet for the part few years. She’s been a huge presence in grime for most of the last decade, and is best known for her blistering “Queen’s Speech” video series (from which everyone has their personal favourite moments – for me it’s the legendary roast “you go sleep with your makeup on” from “QS6,” never forget).In terms of her best track, however, I’ve gone for something different. Leshurr’s so prolific that there’s a great deal to choose from, so I’ve chosen the song that best represents her evolution. The relatively new “Black Panther” is a lesson in lyrical dexterity, as Leshurr delivers speed, wit, and power all at once. The track displays a world-class rapper at the peak of her abilities – and she’s got a Brummie accent. Lauren
Lady Leshurr
Best track: “Black Panther”
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Mist
Best track: “On It (Feat Nines)
Lotto Boyzz
Best track: “Hitlist”
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