Grime music is having a much deserved moment. After the BRITS shut out some of the most exciting British groups we’ve seen in the last year, many of which were grime acts, we’re even more attuned to the music scene across the pond. The night of the BRIT awards, Drake made a surprise appearance at a Section Boyz show at the Village Underground in London and announced via Instagram that he had “signed” with Skepta and JME’s label Boy Better Know (BBK) in the UK. The internet joked about what a grime Drake would sound like and hinted that he was just trying to capitalize on another trend. For the artists that have been hustling in that genre, however, it isn’t a fad, it’s a culture. It’s already taken hold at parties in the U.S. NYC has a monthly rave called Back To Life that we’re told is a home away from home for many Brits, including Lady Leshurr. With Skepta’s “Shutdown” and Lady Leshurr‘s “Queen’s Speech 4” making their way to our corner of the world, we can’t get enough. Without further ado, meet Lewisham High Street’s golden boy Elf Kid.
Hailing from South London and raised by West African parents, 19-year-old Elf Kid’s main occupation is studying business at university. When prompted by Beats 1’s Julie Adenuga to choose whether his studies or music were more important to him, he was pretty decisive. School comes first (hey, mom!) and once he’s earned his degree, he’s pursuing music fully. In the meantime, we hope he drops more bangers like his debut “Golden Boy.” Sampling Amerie’s “One Thing” which in turn samples The Meter’s “Oh, Calcutta,” it made waves in the UK but also in the U.S. in December thanks to Zane Lowe’s cosign. While this is his first real solo attempt, Elf Kid is the co-founder of grime collective The Square. Novelist, who makes an appearance on Baauer’s “Day Ones,” left the crew to pursue his own thing.
For me, it’s everything from the culture to the people. The video shows that you can have fun. We do the maddest things in Lewisham. It’s about representing it in a good light.
“Golden Boy” is tailor made for a party, especially a south London rave. If you’re unfamiliar, think of the crowd reaction when a DJ calls for Brooklyn natives to represent. Besides making you want to dance, “Golden Boy” is so good because Elf Kid relentlessly attacks the beat when most MCs could easily trip over their words. He recorded it while Wiley, widely thought of as the foundation for grime, was in the room. Producer Lolingo also lends some impressive bars. The music video was shot in Elf Kid’s Deptford estate in Lewisham and features him and his friends standing on phone booths and fooling around the High Street. Aside from this debut and his contribution to The Square’s 2014 mixtape The Formula, he added his own twist to Jamie XX’s “Gosh,” which is the only version of this song we’re interested in.
The Square is rumored to be releasing an album this Spring via No Hats No Hoods Records. While he’s dedicated to the collective, Elf Kid doesn’t want to be boxed into grime. In a Rinse FM interview, he mentioned getting into drum and bass and garage. He’s got blessings from grime OGs, a ridiculous way with words, and enough patience and foresight to play the long game. We’ve no doubt Elf Kid is going to have a spectacular year.
On The Rise is our spotlight series on new and emerging artists. We last featured Krrum. Stay tuned for next week’s On The Rise artist!