Trapeze to publish DJ Target

Trapeze is publishing a book from DJ Target on the growth of grime, Grime Kids, charting its rise from subculture to international phenomenon.

Emma Smith, commissioning editor at Trapeze, bought world all-language rights to the book from DJ Target (real name Darren Joseph) from Marium Raja at No Chiefs for publication in June 2018 in hardback, e-book and audio.

DJ Target grew up in Bow, London and was one of several "grime kids on the block" who became pioneers of the music movement in the noughties; Dizzee Rascal and the "Godfather of Grime" Wiley, who last week published his autobiography with William Heinemann, met one another in his bedroom.

In Grime Kids, DJ Target will reveal grime's "explosive and expansive" journey, using his own unique insight and drawing on the input of some of grime’s biggest names. According to Orion, it will get under the skin of the genre "culturally, socially, musically and personally".

DJ Target, who was a part of the UK garage act, Pay As U Go Cartel, and east London collective Roll Deep, now spends his time presenting primetime shows on BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra, running his own record label, and DJing all over the world.

Smith said: “DJ Target was there at the inception of the grime phenomenon and can bring its incredible journey to life like no other. I felt the sheer energy buzzing through his writing and knew this was special – I’ve not read anything that creates such an expansive account of grime while also making the reader feel so close to experiencing those behind-the-scenes pivotal moments. This book will truly get under the skin of grime – culturally, socially, musically and personally – and we are so excited to have such a talent on the Trapeze list.”

DJ Target said: “Having been one of the early grime pioneers and witnessing the growth of the culture first hand, I'm over the moon to be able to bring that story to the masses. This is a book I feel that the world needs, whether an original grime fan or somebody who is intrigued to know more about the culture. It's an honour to be working with such an amazing and passionate team in Trapeze/Orion, who share my vision for bringing Grime Kids to a mainstream audience. I can't wait for the world to read it.”