UK 2 Da Bay

While grime — a genre from the UK that combines elements of hip-hop, garage, and jungle — has always had a following in the United States, it’s currently becoming even more popular thanks to Kanye West and Drake’s interest in the artist Skepta. These North American superstars have collaborated with the grime heavyweight within the past several years (and Drake has championed his work through his label, OVO Sound), earning him a growing stateside fan base. As a tribute to Skepta and the grime subculture, the promotional outfit O-Ting is throwing a grime-themed dance party featuring DJ JackIzBack, UnityBoomShots, and New Star Regents at Alena Studios in West Oakland. The party will be a treat for diehard fans, as it’s pretty rare to hear grime at an Oakland club, as well as new listeners looking to expand their horizons.