Social history of British rap and grime explored in new book

A new book, ‘Where We Come From: Rap, Home And Hope In Modern Britain’, is set to explore the story of UK rap and grime, from their origins through to the widespread success that both scenes enjoy today.

Writer Aniefiok Ekpoudom’s book debut finds him navigating scenes across the UK in order to tell the unique stories of UK rap and grime, covering artists from South London, South Wales, the West Midlands and elsewhere.

The book will be published by Faber in January 2024. The publishing house’s synopsis of it reads: “Something is happening in Britain, trembling the tracks as it unfolds. Recent years have borne witness to underground genres leaking out from the inner cities, going on to become some of the most popular music in the nation. 

“In this groundbreaking social history, journalist Aniefiok Ekpoudom travels the country to paint a compelling portrait of the dawn, boom and subsequent blossoming of UK rap and grime. Taking us from the heart of south London to the West Midlands and South Wales, he explores how a history of migration and an enduring spirit of resistance have shaped the current realities of these linked communities and the music they produce.”

To mark the publication of ‘Where We Come From’, Ekpoudom will discuss it at a special event at London’s Southbank Centre on 26th January, 2024.

Pre-order the book here.

Another book focused specifically on the evolution of grime, called ‘A Quick Ting On: Grime’, is also set to be published soon.

A documentary on the genre, ‘8 Bar’, was also aired by the BBC in August.