Where We Come From: Rap, Home and Hope in Modern Britain

by Aniefiok Ekpoudom

This music was not only music, and these musicians not only musicians, they were emblems of hope for communities right across Britain. They were spokespeople for the silenced, carrying their stories out into the light.Neef Ekpoudom was born in Lewisham, the son of parents from Nigeria and Cameroon, but he spent most of his childhood in Orpington, where London bleeds into Kent. Out there, where red buses met green fields, he grew up caught between one thing and another - wary of the St George's flags in the gardens on his walk home, never quite sure where he belonged. The emergence of grime and UK rap changed his here, for the first time, were artists articulating what he had spent a lifetime struggling to pin down.This isn't a book about grime and rap music. It's about the people behind the movement, the communities transformed by local sons and daughters breaking onto the scene, the cultures that fused together to create new sounds, new voices, and a new picture of modern Britain. From South London to the West Midlands and South Wales, Ekpoudom uncovers the stories of strength, resilience and determination that have taken this music from the underground to the heart of British pop culture. It's about how the most diverse backgrounds can create a shared experience, music that resonates widely enough to see teenagers recording freestyles on their iPhones catapulted into the charts, and about the lives that have been rewritten in the process.

Genres: Nonfiction, Music

352 pages, Hardcover

First published January 18, 2024

Reviews

[Marlon Perrin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I probably suffered being too close to the content of this book, being familiar meant there were sections that I didn’t necessarily learn anything new. In the parts where I did I found this book flourished. I did find myself wanting more commentary as opposed to listing of facts/names in small parts, but again this may be due to me recognising the stories and them not having as much impact.

Another big thought as a childhood fan of Grime and its inception, I found it pretty wild that there was barely ANY mention of Skepta/JME/BBK, Kano, Dizzee and Wiley. They all did so much to pave the way for every single artist in this book and the genres it speaks on. I imagine this was down to those artists not being as accessible for interviews etc, but I feel like Aniefiok has really impressive knowledge that could have filled a big gap here. This critique is probably also due to my North/East London Grime artists bias 😅

The book shines brightest when it paints a picture on something completely new & unheard of (and I know this will vary person to person): pioneering pirate radio stations in Brum; the feeling of band members still struggling to pay rent/normalise their experience of life on tour in small hometowns; MCs being honoured in legendary shows after their passing; worldwide stars and their breakout stories. That as well as an opening with Kano lyrics *chefs kiss* definitely makes this a 4* for me and I reckon a 5* for many

P.S. took 3 months to read, blame house/city/job move and a typically busy af summer 🤪

[Kasia Fallan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I knew I’d enjoy this but it was written in such a kind voice, and is more about life and living than anything else. It’s always great to read about something that someone else loves and this book stood up to that, never questioning that music is important. At the beginning there was something I couldn’t put my finger on, I was struggling to really follow the flow of the writing. But after listening to the music, and even listening while reading, it magically clicked! History writing that celebrates the power of writing and poetry without seemingly doing anything different is so beautiful and so important.

Also one the most beautiful cover design I’ve ever seen!

[Ali Lord · Rating 5 out of 5]

Any book that starts by quoting Kano lyrics will always pique my interest, and this held my interest throughout. Beautifully written, loved the focus on South Wales and the Midlands too. The chapter about Dave was 🥹. Highly recommend for anyone who loves British music

[Latisha Cheuka · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book written by an author who truly respects and cares for the hearts and minds behind the sound. A beautifully written chronology of the establishment of a new culture in Britain, with music as its heartbeat.

I truly felt the essence of what sustained a new generation of Britons establishing their cultural place in a new home, music being the thread weaving various communities together.

A story of Black British and working class resistance through and through, from the tales of PCRL’s fight for survival, to Astroid Boys’ recordings in Freedom Church, community and camaraderie the lifeline holding the movement together.

This book really details a tale that holds true to the dynamicism of culture, how individual (yet collective) stories of the influences of various artists, their upbringing and environment, all fanned the flames of a movement of music that holds an important place in British history. There was a real effort towards not telling a London-centric tale alone, but one where developments in different cities continue to influence each other.

I really felt the commitment to telling these stories, and the respect the author has for every genre of music discussed, every artist he interviewed.

A respect the art of marginalised communities deserves, but is not always awarded. A respect that various institutions couldn’t strip away, despite their many efforts.

[Karris Hamilton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know if I can find the words to express how much I loved this book. I felt every word deep in my soul. It is written in such a beautiful, poetic way and also manages to give so much information. It's just stunning. It shows that non-fiction doesn't have to be boring and stale. Look how much beauty and life can be brought to the genre!
I learnt so much about the history of UK rap and grime. I loved reminiscing on the old memories, it made me pull up old music videos and rewatch them. I've learnt about so many artists I'd never heard of too. Honestly the amount of times I had to put down the book and quickly watch a music video or song that had been mentioned was uncountable. I loved, loved, loved the soundtrack and I've been listening to it while I've been reading the book. It's just the perfect combo.
I really appreciated how different regions in the UK were covered, it wasn't just a London focus.
The chapters on Cadet are such an amazing tribute to him, his art and his life. I cried many, many times.
This is truly an incredible piece of work.

[Froggy Starr · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting read, loved the social history and respect for the artists and their family that the author shared, would’ve been cool to hear about more women/non binary people - only complaint tbh - would recommend to anyone with an interest in social history and the effects of British colonisation n its impact on UK music; trap, twotone, grime etc 🤌🏻✨✨

[Esme Kemp · Rating 4 out of 5]

SO moving and gorgeous. Realised about halfway through that it was much more about where we come from (duh) and the community and diaspora that unite to form magic and unique pathways of Britishness. The grime parts were an added bonus - have had a massive resurgence of Krept and Konan in my life since finishing and also DEVVO’d re Cadet about 5 years too late but I’m going back over his discog in honour of him. RIP Blaine Johnson. 🤍🌱

[Lucy Lawson · Rating 4 out of 5]

his writing is so poetic, fluid, and gripping - I don’t think I’ve ever been so immersed in a work of non fiction

[Bethan Evans · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was sooo good! Passion and love for UK rap dripping from every page. I learned so much and it’s so refreshing to read about the music in such a positive way when more often than not in this country being a young black man who likes drill will have you associated as a gang member or criminal. The research the writing the storytelling honestly no comments chefs kiss love love love! 🎤🎤🎤

PS big love to Mo for the sick edit!!!

[Korkor Kanor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning, richly layered debut.

Aniefiok Ekpoudom's sublime storytelling leans into the socio-political history of Britain to construct a fantastic narrative as to the origin of UK rap and Grime with wit and tact. Themes of class and race are developed beyond migration patterns to establish a record of how Black Brits chiefly came to contribute to one of the UK's greatest exports - music - with clever aptitude. Ekpoudom draws upon the realities of how pirate radio, violent trauma, fatherlessness, illness, poverty, unemployment, displacement, disenfranchisement and many other factors conspired to produce some of the most powerful pioneers of the DIY genre.

Through poetry and pace, Ekpoudom hums through a consistent and fluid account of trailblazers in the music industry - from the late SBTV founder Jamal Edwards and late rapper Cadet to Ashley Walters of the former So Solid Crew, award-winning Stormzy, music mogul Bugzy Malone, starlet Jaykae, the infamous duo Krept and Konan and runaway, record-breaking success of Dave - with splendour and clarity.

Yet this medley of big-hitting artists does not shroud from the intimate stories Ekpoudom draws from local legends and lesser-known rappers from unlikely areas - like South Wales and West Midlands. An eye for intimacy and an unrelenting 10+ years of journalistic prowess means Ekpoudom slides deftly through these stories, detailing their journeys with care and vulnerability.

As a long-time fan of Ekpoudom (I've followed his work for about 8 years), I was excited for this debut and was not disappointed. This brilliant and necessary book is a must-read, whether you're a fan of fiction or non-fiction, rap or pop, hope or pain, Ekpoudom whistles through every sentiment in this eclectic account that is both grounded and fundamentally optimistic for the future of rap in Britain.

[Merrley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A sprawling modern historical account of rap in Britain which starts from the first generation that migrated here in a post-WW2 world and ends with the youth of today playing football and listening to rap and grime on their way home

It is clear this book has been years in the making with heavily researched stories and grassroots accounts. The author has a deep respect for the history of generations past and how this has influenced today’s generation. I loved learning about the pirate stations especially as this was something I had no idea happened in the UK - and how the police tried to stop black music and history from being shared.

The book shows how poverty and trauma is intrinsically connected to this music genre. It delves into London, Wales, the Midlands and Scotland to show how the music spread across the country and even to the rest of the world.

I would say the reader needs to have some sort of understanding of the rap world to truly appreciate the story. At times I got lost amongst the many names and stories this book covers. I would also have been interesting to read more stories of female artists as this book was heavily male centred (which the author does acknowledge… so maybe part 2?)

[Matt Law]

Creative Access book club

First of all, I don't listen to rap nor grime. (The only rap artist that I listen to is Little Simz.) So I have bare minimum knowledge on the genres.

The book tracks from the Windrush generations - the importance of the immigrants to the British economy. The melting pots of cultures in South London, West Midlands and South Wales create unique identities and soundscapes for the second/third-gen immigrants. The harsh realities and struggles facing living in the inner cities areas. The high crime rate, lack of education support, prejudices, racism, trauma and violence revealed in the stories of the rap artists.

The writing takes a personal angle looking into the artists, rather than overtly analysing the music or lyrics. It would be great if there's an index at the end of book listing the artists and music that are mentioned in the book.

[George Driscoll · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book strikes the right balance between personal journeys and factual history of UK music. Its nice to see this doesn't only focus on London and Birmingham too (although as a Brummie I loved reading so much about my city).

I would've loved to have some more personal stories especially on other pioneering artists like JME/Skepta/Wiley but I imagine there were reasons for their emission. But it did feel a bit jarring not having them or Dizzee Rascal etc. feature heavily.

The writing is easy to follow and theres so much passion and respect flowing through the book.

[Theodora · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5/5 ⭐️
The book gives a context but not enough for someone without knowledge about that kind of history -aka me, a non british person - to understand clearly. The writing style is poetic and great but it doesn’t give fact or more information which again could have been useful. Overall, I liked the topic but the book didn’t help me grasp it properly and so I would recommend the book to someone who already been introduced to the topic of British music/ rap.

[Preeti Kailey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a great insight into another culture and talks about community. Great book for research for university when I have spoken about community arts and music to be included in my work.
This book highlighted roots of radio and communication within non digital times.
Highlighting Midlands artists and general in terms of their contribution to music really was a great homage to those that made a difference.

[Joshua · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book was narrated beautifully, with a mix of first-hand source material and detailed insights from a range of time periods. The one main flaw I had with the book was how detached the South Wales stories felt from the rest of stories. I feel as though they could be used to explore other areas of London or Northern England to create a more holistic view of the Uk Rap/Grime climate rather than the Welsh offshoots.

[A Severs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not quite what I was expecting (mainly because of how UK Rap is defined by the author) but perhaps I enjoyed it all the more for that. Absolutely excellently written, and so much more than a book about rap.

[Tom · Rating 4 out of 5]

listened to the audiobook. the content was very interesting and it's a great set of stories that he manages to tell. i think the style of his writing was maybe let down by the audiobook as his tendency to repeat phrases became more jarring than i think they would on the page.

[J · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this. I was worried it was going to be a story of Black Britain and how Rap started, and it was so much more than that. Loved following the narrative of MCs from different parts of the UK.

[Max Coupland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it. Some very interesting stories here.

[Immy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal. Rich, detailed storytelling and scholarship documenting scenes and histories of rap in modern Britain. The kind of writing the culture deserves ❤️

[Matt Law · Rating 5 out of 5]

Please read!

[Anwar Malik · Rating 5 out of 5]

I couldn't have loved this more

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nicely written and welcome the outside London chapters even though I am not familiar with the musicians.

[Jack Kirby-Lowe · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's as lyrically written as some of the songs it discusses and I learnt a lot (particularly in the south Wales sections). The choice to focus primarily on three artists that didn't become massive was an interesting approach that I appreciated. This isn't a rap/grime primer and is written more for the fans than the neophyte (of which I am the latter). I loved the early chapters that dug into the origins of UK rap, but I found the latter third dragged a little bit. Have to give credit to the cover art too, which is gorgeous.

[S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is amazing. The title alone had me singing “Where do we come from? NORTH WEEZEE” shout out to BMD. Coming from North West London, that hit instantly.

Aniefiok does something really special here. He captures not just the sound of UK rap and grime but the lives, communities, and histories behind it. You feel the love he has for the culture, for the people, and for the places that raised us.

The So Solid Crew chapter, I was as locked in. As a big fan, it felt like a proper tribute. Not just to the music but to the era, the energy, and the risks they took. But it’s not just nostalgia. The book is layered. It speaks about struggle, hope, class, race, belonging and it does it all with care.

This isn’t just about music. It’s about memory. It’s about how home isn’t just a postcode. It’s the stories, the sound systems, the bedrooms turned studios, and the people we lost along the way.

If you grew up with pirate radio, Nokia ringtones, or felt pride when you heard your ends on a track, this book will hit deep. For me, it felt like someone finally wrote our world down properly.