Huck Film: My Element — An original new film by Huck explores the growing influence of grime music, examining the genre through the eyes of five artists, DJs and political MCs.

Grime for me has 100 per cent made me so unapologetic in who I am and how I work,” says Sophia Tassew, an art director working for Ogilvy & Mather. After listening to a 16-bar from any of grime’s best, it’s easy to understand why.

Over a decade since its inception, the history of grime has been well documented. The founding heroes are finally getting their due after an unexpected but much-hoped-for revival that has every major publication scrambling to prove its support. Now follows the generation who were watching.

But it’s not just upcoming MCs who were influenced by the sound. Many who saw grime grow from the start witnessed it through mp3s sent via Bluetooth and makeshift studios in the bedroom of a friend — with no intentions but appreciation. Years later they’re students, DJs, radio presenters and artists like Sophia, who are paying their respects in their work and everyday life.

“If you don’t have something, you better just make it,” says Julie Adenuga, founding Beats One presenter and driving force behind Skepta’s Greatness Only documentary. “There isn’t any other way.”

And that’s exactly what the subjects of this film do. Whether it’s a university campaign or a Bollywood/grime/hip-hop art mashup – the crux of the culture might look a little different, but the energy is the same.

My Element: Built By Grime is an original Huck Film directed by Irene Baque and produced by Grace Shutti. Watch it in full above.

Starring: Melz, A.G., Julie Adenuga, Sophia Tassew, Jasmin Sehra and C Cane

Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Latest on Huck

In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry
Photography

In photos: Ghana’s complex e-waste industry

A new exhibition explores the country’s huge, unregulated industry, which can be hazardous to workers’ health and the local enviroment, yet provides economic opportunity to many.

Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence
Huck 81

Meet Corbin Shaw, Huck 81’s Artist in Residence

The Sheffield born artist talks about the people and places that shaped his practice for the latest issue of Huck.

Written by: Josh Jones

The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”
Photography

The Blessed Madonna: “Dance music flourishes in times of difficulty”

The DJ talks about her debut album ‘Godspeed’, connection and resistance on the dance floor, the US election and more alongside exclusive pictures from her album release party.

Written by: Ben Smoke

Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles
Photography

Revisiting the birth of skate culture in 1970s Los Angeles

New photobook ‘Last Days of Summer: California Skateboarding Archive 1975–1978’ looks back at an iconic chapter of youth culture.

Written by: Miss Rosen

An unnerving portrait of the USA’s fractured society
Photography

An unnerving portrait of the USA’s fractured society

A new photobook explores America’s increasing inequality, division and toxic culture wars in a historic election year.

Written by: Isaac Muk

“Music can save you for a day”: Touché Amoré on social media and subcultures
Music

“Music can save you for a day”: Touché Amoré on social media and subcultures

To celebrate a new album and reflect on a decade and a half of being themselves, frontman Jeremy Bolm chats about opening up via lyrics, subcultures in the internet age, and the hardcore re-revival.

Written by: Isaac Muk

Sign up to our newsletter

Issue 81: The more than a game issue

Buy it now