How two brothers helped propel grime into the mainstream

"In 2005, brothers Joseph and Jamie Adenuga were facing uncertainty in the wake of their rap crew disbanding. While other members started to re-organise themselves, the Tottenham-based siblings decided to pursue music on their own terms - a move that would come to define their careers. The brothers are now better known as Skepta and JME, and the label they formed was Boy Better Know (BBK)."

"At this time, grime was still a young and developing genre of music that was emerging out of the electronic dance scene. Up-and-coming British rappers were being signed to major labels to make what the industry considered to be more commercially viable songs. In other words - not grime. But the ethos of BBK was to stay independent and stay true to who you are."

"An early sign of this genius was their T-shirts printed with the Boy Better Know logo. Designed by JME - who would go on to graduate from the University of Greenwich with a degree in 3D digital design - they were sold all over the capital and helped fund the label in the early days, says Bracey. "Everyone would wear their T-shirts at school," Shaybo adds. "BBK gave you the confidence to be unapologetically yourself. I could listen to music I really related to.""

In 2005 brothers Joseph and Jamie Adenuga left a disbanded rap crew and created Boy Better Know while pursuing music independently. The brothers, better known as Skepta and JME, emphasized staying true to grime’s raw sound as major labels pushed more commercially viable tracks. The collective included members such as Frisco, Jammer and Shorty and built recognition through grassroots branding and merchandise. JME designed Boy Better Know T-shirts, which were sold across London and helped fund early label activity. The label’s independent ethos and visible branding encouraged a new generation of UK rappers to remain authentic and entrepreneurial.

Read at www.bbc.com