Don't Call Me Urban Book Launch

‘DON’T CALL ME URBAN! The Time of Grime’ is a photographic record compiled over a 12 year period, focusing on the youth of London’s inner-city at a vital time, taking as its prism the genre of grime - the most significant and controversial musical expression to emerge from the UK since punk. The book is a visual reflection of what grime represented, chronicling the conditions that spawned the genre. It is a combination of music portraiture, social documentary and architectural photography.

Many black youths reject the ‘urban’ label that has been imposed on them by commerce and the media. There is a significant discrepancy between perceptions of black culture as ‘cool’ and the often-harsh reality of being born black on a London council estate. ‘Don’t Call me Urban!’ takes us through the raw environment from which the new stars of British popular music, such as Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder emerged, and introduces us to many other hopefuls who remain stranded in bedroom studios, hidden amongst concrete blocks glamorised in countless music videos. ‘The Time of Grime’ is an era when ‘clashing’ and postcode warfare have emerged, when young lives have fallen victim to absurdly trivial disputes, when rampant material aspiration collides with grim social reality. The book is a unique and penetrating document of an era in which London’s inner-city youth has veered out of control.

Featuring Simon Wheatley's stunning photography, the DON’T CALL ME URBAN! The Time of Grime book has been published by Northumbria University Press and is available now directly from their website or on Amazon.

A lunch night and exhibition is planned for the book on the 2 June 2011 at Rich Mix in East London. As well as images from the book they will be hosting a grime showcase with performances from GODS GIFT, JAMMER, CHRONIK, JENDOR, NO LAY, LIONESS, LADY SHOCKA, JUNIOR VILLAIN, TOMBOY & NYJA and LITTLE RASCALS.

The preview starts at 6pm with and afterparty from 8. The exhibition runs until the 24th June at Rich Mix.

Rich Mix | 35 - 47 Bethnal Green Road | London | E1 6LA

Images  ©Simon Wheatley