LEGACY 0121

Introducing ‘LEGACY’ a new book and documentary exploring the untold story of Birmingham’s Grime, Hip-Hop and Rap scene featuring excerpts from Mist, Jaykae, Remtrex, Stardom, Lady Leshurr, Safone and many more.

Today, Birmingham-based agency Punch announces the release of its latest venture, a full length documentary and book entitled ‘LEGACY’. The synopsis of both the book and the documentary series lays in exploring the untold stories of Birmingham’s Grime, Hip-Hop and Rap scenes - the artists who have been responsible for, and have influenced the Black music scene; allowing many more new genres and artists to follow in their footsteps. 

‘LEGACY’ boasts a stellar line-up of artists, tastemakers and entrepreneurs who are ingrained within and have helped cultivate the music scene in Birmingham, these include the likes of: A Class, Badness, Big Mikee, Bowzer, C4, Deadly, Despa, Hitman, Invasion Crew, Jaykae, Lady Leshurr, Logan Sama, Malik, Mayhem, Mist, Preditah, RM, Remtrex, Ras Kwame, Roxxxane, Saskilla, SafOne, Sian Anderson, Sox, Stardom, Swifta Beater, Trilla, Vader and many more.

The themes explored through the book by co-writers Casey Bailey & Jes Munroe include the history of the Birmingham Black music scene, the evolution of radio and other platforms, the producers who influenced the UK sound, famous clashes which caused viral moments and key highlights and cultural moments that made 0121. Other key figures involved in the book include photographers Jamie Drew, Jonathan Williams and designer Ryan Killeen - most known for his work with the MOBO Awards.

Excerpts from the book:

"It's not as hard as it used to be. I had to leave Birmingham to make a name in London. You don't have to do that now” - Lady Leshurr

“When I'm done, I’m gonna get seen with the likes of Mike Skinner and UB40. I'm good with what I'm doing. I know I'll go down in history in this city.” - Jaykae

“For me growing up, it was normal to hear and say ‘apnas’ and ‘karlas’ - that’s the Brum lingo. I remember first hitting the national scene, you know as Brummies, the accent gets peppered. We get slaughtered when it comes to the accent ting. I think Karlas Back helped with that”. - MIST 

“Back in the day, for a Brum artist to breakthrough in London felt like a UK artist trying to break America. We really had to bully our way in and make enough noise.” - Continental GT

“No-one has lasted like me. I’m still relevant, I’ve adapted. Nearly 20 years I’ve been putting out music to a high level. I’ve gone through different eras, consumers market places, platforms.” - Stardom 

You can purchase the book here