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cover art for DJ Target on the Regret of Selling his Records to Dizzee Rascal, the early days of Grime and UK Garage and going to the Legendary Music House

Dances For Buildings with Emily Dust

DJ Target on the Regret of Selling his Records to Dizzee Rascal, the early days of Grime and UK Garage and going to the Legendary Music House

Season 2, Ep. 2

DJ Target's name will be familiar to anyone with even a passing interest in UK black music. He is a broadcaster, author and producer. As a key figure of the UK grime scene, he began his career as an original member of Pay As U Go Cartel as well as being a founding member of Roll Deep. He has played a fundamental role in creating grime, which he documents in his book Grime Kids. Grime Kids was adapted for TV and Target is also the host of The Rap Game alongside Krept and Konan and Tonight With Target. DJ Target has hosted a radio show on BBC Radio 1Xtra since 2006 where he has been instrumental in championing new and underground talent. He was also on BBC Radio 1 from 2013 to 2022.


In this episode DJ Target talks to Emily about the regret of selling his prized possessions to none other than Dizzee Rascal, the impact of the legendary London dubplate studio, Music House, which was foundational for black music scenes in London from reggae to jungle to garage, and what it was like DJing in Ibiza for the first time. He also talks about breaking new artists on his radio show and which tunes he would choose for carnival. This one is essential listening!


Thanks for listening to Dances For Buildings. You can follow us on socials @dancesforbuildings and @emily_dust. You can also follow DJ Target on Instagram and TikTok @djtarget. 


Dances for Buildings is presented by Emily Dust. The producer is Erica McKoy (@ericamckoy_). Original music by Giulia Tess (@giuliatess). Artwork by Jonathan Briggs.

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