Not even a week after Chip dropped the now infamous ‘Pepper Riddim’, name dropping a number of MCs and DJs, there have been a number of videos circulating from those mentioned returning fire. Big Narstie was the first in line, using his weekly outlet of ‘Uncle Pain’ via GrimeReportTV to address the issue;
“Do not disrespect my integrity my G”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcrjMW2m_Hw
While Big Narstie didn’t drop any bars, he addressed Chip directly asking him why he would send for him and in essence, ‘selling’ the beef to those who wanted to pick it up on behalf of the BDL leader. He also highlighted Chip’s fall from the days of making tracks with Chris Brown and being signed in the US. The video has been viewed over 130,000 times and Big Narstie’s associates, Acre Lane Campaign (ALC) even took the issue to Jammer’s door by visiting him at his studio, even though he didn’t answer.
GrimeReportTV also released a video today of Saskilla’s reply, ‘Chip on my Shoulder’, a very direct statement of intent from one of the grime scene’s ambassadors. The video is similar in style to Chips and features the track being reloaded (several times!) when it was played on 1xtra last night;
“The Lord of the Mics jacket got him so gassed, he didn’t know what to do!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ICPm2F9IkDU
Saskilla drops a number of flows throughout the track and suggests Chip’s fear of other MCs including Icekid and Dot Rotten, even mentioning Chip’s previous beef with Lowkey. Never scared of dissing others, Saskilla also sends a message to Jammer and Big Shizz (both featured in the Pepper Riddim video) and warns them that he isn’t backing down.
Devilman completes the set (as we speak) of MCs to reply with his track, addressing not only Chip but Boy Better Know and Lord of the Mics as well. The high energy track showcases Devilman’s punch lines and flow while allowing Devilman to deal with the matter at hand;
“I gave him a ten pound draw and he paid with the money for a quarter!”
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GuSOItm6ESE
While Devilman is talking about Chip, it’s clear on his thoughts on Skepta and the rest of BBK. He even reloads some classic lines and set ups from his legendary clash with Skepta at Lord of the Mics II. For Devilman, his intention is clear – he will not let himself be name dropped and not reply.
Reports suggest that Bugzy Malone is currently recording his come back track from Chip and it will be interesting to see how this all plays out. Whether Chip decides to reply as well could also allow for other names to be mentioned and need we forget that we haven’t heard anything from Tinie yet? Whatever the next steps hold for all involved, we as listeners will be kept entertained and this all saga can only spell good things for grime. Make sure to check back with TRAPPED to keep up to date.
Link Up TV have also picked up the mantle by releasing Bugzy Malone’s reply entitled ‘Relegation Riddim’. Where as all the replies are credited, Bugzy feels targeted and ready to defend his corner;
“Don’t talk about shows in my town, like your likkle show can’t get locked off”
Words: Nathan Tuft
The video features aforementioned Big Narstie and ALC is shot and filmed in Chip’s back yard, Tottenham. While it could have been very easy for Bugzy to have shot the video is his home town of Manchester, there is a clear message in posting up in London, and especially with ALC and Big Narstie. There may be a united front against Chip and that can also be a problem when sending for a number of names at once.
Whether Chip decides to reply will be interesting and it will be great to see how this all plays out and it’s never too late for other names to be mentioned and need we forget that we haven’t heard anything from Tinie yet? Whatever the next steps hold for all involved, we as listeners will be kept entertained and this whole saga can only spell good things for grime. Make sure to check back with TRAPPED to keep up to date.
Words: Nathan Tuft – @Natz_AO
