Don't Par GrimeKids, We're educated.

It seems to be the general opinion in Britain today that we have a nation of uneducated, unmotivated youths. The media would happily let you think that anyone currently between the ages of 13 and 24 today are either alcoholics, Druggies, dealers, shoplifters or any random combination of the aforementioned. Being 17 at the moment myself I have grown accustomed to the looks I receive from the moment I step onto a bus or train. Some are looks of fear, whilst others glare and make snide comments to those they are with about the problems with 'young people'. I doubt many of them are aware that I am probably heading to either college, work or one of my volunteering posts which ironically are to support older people. Nor do they realise that before I got onto said bus, I halved the volume of my iPod, despite the fact that the latest set from rinse fm really does deserved to be listened to at full volume.

Because of the way we are represented in the media, you'd be forgiven for thinking that grime fans (or 'rap music' fans are so often incorrectly labelled) were the thickest, most out of control of the lot. Don't get me wrong I'm sure there are plenty who are destined for a life on the doll, but thats nothing new to this generation. I like many other people are surrounded by friends and family who are out of work, whether by choice or because of the recession. But I myself hve no intention of becoming one of them and by the looks of things, neither do these guys.......

Chipmunk; A Levels

Everyone has a different opinion on Mr Munk at the moment. For me personally his music around the time he made 'League of my Own' was better than the pop he makes now but I have a lot of respect for his workrate and the success that he has had. This year he recieved a 'B' in Drama, a 'C' in sociology and a 'D' in Critical Thinking. It is only fair to say that for someone who has been touring and recording at the same time, his grades are a great achievement and a testament to his work ethic.

Tinchy Stryder; BA Hons Degree

Tinchy Stryder has had two number one singles in 2009 and his album charted at number two, only beaten to number one by the latest release from regular chart topper Calvin Harris. Whilst staying true to grime with a series of promotional releases made free for his fans and Grime tracks on his album he has also completed a BA hons Degree in Moving Image and Animation. He was able to complete his degree at the University of East London because his mainstream success came towards the end of his final year, but he has been a musician since the tender age of 13.

Tinie Tempah; A Levels

Tinie Tempah is renowned for his grime hits. Though he may not be able to boast the same mainstream success as Chipmunk and Tinchy, he is very well respected within the Urban Music community. With singles like 'Tears', 'Wifey' and of course 'Hood Economics' it is even more impressive than it would have been already that he achieved 10 GCSEs and 3 A Levels.

JME; BA Hons Degree














You can't really have a full on conversation about grime without JME entering the frame at some point. Together with the likes of his brother Skepta and godfather of grime Wiley he founded BBK. His hit single 'series' sold over 20,000 copies. Oh and he also managed to fit in a BA Hons Degree in 3D Graphic Design.

So Just with those four in mind. Maybe its not as bad as some people would have you believe. All the time many young people are using their time wisely and making a positive impact on their peers, older generations really needn't worry. Education is just as important to grime artists, fans and bloggers as it is to anyone else. I myself am currently working towards 4 A Levels.

Maybe the negativity should be put one side and instead, the focus of the government and the media should be on those who are caught up in gangs and violence and who struggle in school. Many of us are surrounded by violence and poverty but do our best to overcome it, but not everyone does. Surely those are the people who need the help and attention.

To read more about the artist above, use the links below to visit their myspace page:
www.myspace.com/chipmunkartist
www.myspace.com/tinchystryder
www.myspace.com/tinielegend
www.myspace.com/JMESerious
Look out for my next blog which will feature an interview with up and coming grime artist MIK.