Kano on Westwood video (Grime in 2007)

Its been a strange year in Grime World. Bizzle's got the Indie roads locked, Dizzee's even bigger still, Ghetto began to realise his potential and Doogz returned hotter than ever. However a slew of long-awaited album releases (Skepta, Kano, Dizzee, Tinchy) were contradicted by a general lack of buzz within the scene. Perhaps it was the lack of genuinely exciting youngers (Chipmunk and Devlin aside). Or the derth of big clashes (Ghetto vs Skepta excepted). Or the continuing Wiley saga (signed then quit Big Dada). Or the increasingly Hoxton-centric scene. Or the Dubstep/Bassline invasion. Or Westwood jumping on Grime. Meanwhile the Great White Hope, Lady Sovereign, got signed by Jay Z but proceeded to lose the plot. Whatever the cause... Grime's mojo started slipping in 2007.

Luckily this video of Kano on Westwood serves as a timely reminder of what Grime MCing can be. Hungry, cocky and brimming with confidence, KA's bars are deep and alarmingly original - echoing a peacock flaunting his considerable feathers. After a long tumultuous year the levels have finally been raised. Phew. Bring on 2008...