Let the good times roll

Rolling since 2002, UK grime music collective Roll Deep have always been “around” but even by their own admissions that’s about it.

Five weeks ago things changed and the good times — their fittingly-named 2010 single — finally started to roll.

Released last month, Good Times not only went straight to No 1 on the UK single charts, but also beat Usher to the top spot before sitting pretty at numero uno for the next three weeks. The single has now been officially recorded as the biggest-selling single of the year so far after just five weeks on the ladder.

With grime now embraced by the masses, it seems Roll Deep are back to reclaim their throne.

“We beat Usher to number one,” said founding member of the group, Target. “He’s like a guy we grew up listening to. A hero. I remember wishing I could be like him and here we are in the same chart as him. Some days I just can’t believe it.”

Grounded in the music

Star struck he may be, but as many have said (some would say naively) before him, Target claims the group has one common goal — to remain grounded and true to the music.

“It’s not like we woke up after going to number one and there was a Lamborghini outside,” he said with a laugh. “People think it happens but it doesn’t.”
That said, Target is also the first to admit the heat has certainly been cranked up a notch.

“There is a bit more money around now,” he said. “Gigs pay more and we have more offers to work with. But the best thing is the opportunities which are coming our way.”

Roll Deep emerged from the mean streets of East London, and soon became one of the most influential forces as the then-underground grime scene began to earn mainstream attention.

Roll Deep are far from newbies in the industry. The crew, consisting of eight core members, have performed live shows from Toronto to Tokyo including support shows with no less than Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent.

A catchy tune, Good Times contrasts Roll Deep’s attitude-driven vehemence with an immediately memorable hook delivered by guest vocalist Jodie Connor.
The single captures the essence of the group’s breakthrough hit, The Avenue, while pushing the boundaries and maximising the crossover potential of their sound.

Roll Deep’s line-up has continued to evolve since the 2005 release of their debut album, In at the Deep End, yet the collective still boasts the talents of founder members Wiley, Breeze, Scratchy, Flow Dan, as well as crew veterans Brazen, Manga, J2K and, of course, Target.

Other notable artists which at times have been in the Roll Deep ranks include Dizzee Rascal and Tinchy Stryder.

“We want to stay true to the music,” Target added. “That’s important to us. We’ve been invited to things we never thought we’d get to attend. Just last week we were at an A-list party and were hanging out with the stars.

“A gig in Liverpool was the biggest eye-opener. Girls were fainting when they saw us and it was enough to make me almost fall over. It’s all a bit weird but we are enjoying it.”

Behind the grime

Roll Deep are:

Still the one and only

His one and only UK hit single may have been almost 20 years ago, but the new kids on the block say they are still “honoured” to be playing on the same weekend as Cheesy Chesney Hawkes.

“He’s a legend,” said Roll Deep’s Target just weeks after enjoying his first number one UK chart single.

Chesney Hawkes, made famous with sing-a-long tune The One and Only in 1991, plays at Chi tomorrow. He will take to the stage along with his younger brother, on drums, and is expected to show off his musical skills on piano, keyboards and both electric and acoustic guitar.

The famous hit is still played today in pubs and bars the world over. English-born Hawkes says he is excited about visiting Dubai and even plans to stick around to watch the England vs USA World Cup game.