Since diversity criticism at the Oscars and the BRITS, Grime is set to break diversity.

In an interview with The Guardian, BBC’s Chris Price said:

“At Radio 1, we’re really focused on making sure we reflect the diversity of our audience in our music policy. And I’d love to see the success of an artist like Stormzy, who’s got a long history with 1xtra and Radio 1, and a top 10 single with Shut Up – the first freestyle ever to do that – to be reflected at the Brits. I’d also really love to see the excellent work that 1xtra does at the black and ethnic minority end of the scale be reflected.”

Grime – a genre of the 2000s, originating from the pirate radio stations of London, built on the UK garage and drum and bass scene of the 90s – has had its criticisms for lyrics about offensive references to women and the use of the N-word. When diversity is hugely encouraged, how can musical lyrics be scrutinised? Surely this is contradictory.

Stormzy promotes diversity this month in the USA before returning to the UK – dates are detailed below:

17/3 – Vulcan Gas Company – Austin, TX

19/3 – Velvet Underground – Toronto, ON

20/3 – Market Hotel – Brooklyn, NY

23/3 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA

7/4 – La Bellevilloise – Paris, France

16/4 – Le 22 d’Auron – Bourges, France

7/6 – Brighton Dome – Brighton

11-12/6 – Brighton City Airport – Brighton

11-12/6 – Heaton Park – Manchester

Recently Stormzy attended a Q&A as an invitee as guest speaker to the Oxford University Guild. Here’s where his diversity campaign has begun and grime appears to be the genre flying the flag in the name of equality.