If grime is the soundtrack of London street culture, Air Max is the uniform
- Text by Shelley Jones
Filmmaker Grace LaDoja explores the relationship between grime and Nike Air Max in a new mini documentary featuring pioneering artists and upcoming new MCs.
Air Max – The Uniform features interviews with Boy Better Know’s Skepta and Shorty – icons of grime’s first wave – as well as new kids on the scene like Novelist, Elf Kid and Deejillz from South London crew The Square.
The doc explores how the sound and style of London street culture evolved in a unique way, far from America’s gratuitous influence. “It’s not like rap where you have to make everything flashy,” says Novelist. “You just do your own thing.”
Enjoyed this article? Like Huck on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
You might like
In photos: The enduring resistance of Notting Hill Carnival
Carnival of Resistance — A new photobook by Wayne Campbell and Wayne Crichlow reflects on the protest beginnings of Europe’s biggest street festival, along with the traditions keeping its original spirit alive today.
Written by: Isaac Muk
Tens of thousands gather to remember Jason Arday at London vigil
Stand Up to Racism — It took place in Trafalgar Square, with speakers paying tribute to the former Cambridge professor’s life and achievements, while calling for accountability over the reporting he faced from the mainstream press.
Written by: Ella Glossop
Lost photos from the heyday of punk and new wave
Crash Bang — DB Burkeman’s latest photobook unearths photographs from his younger years as an aspiring music photographer, which sat undeveloped in his family home for decades.
Written by: Miss Rosen
Analogue Appreciation: Xmunashe
Make Yourself At Home — In an ever more digital, online world, we ask our favourite artists about their most cherished pieces of physical culture. Today, it’s elusive freeform explorer Xmunashe.
Written by: xmunashe
Gold-tinged togetherness as Londoners flock to Primrose Hill for the solar eclipse
Celestial gathering — Ella Glossop photographs the once in decades event from one the city’s most popular gathering spots, and the community spirit that encapsulated the moment.
Written by: Ella Glossop
The global skateboarding crew reshaping Muslim sisterhood
Skater Uktis — Founded in London in 2020, the crew has ballooned across the world, with meetups and members in Pakistan, Palestine and beyond. Zahra Onsori tracks its rise and the powerful community it has created.
Written by: Zahra Onsori