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Grim Sickers' place in the grime scene will be forever cemented thanks to reload-worthy bangers like "Kane", "Open The Till" and the "Black Bin Bag Him" remix. He's been co-signed by just about everyone in the game and even legends like Mike Skinner have thrown their weight behind the Swindon-born emcee. As you can see from his selections below, Sickers has always had an ear for a big chorus and can spot a classic a mile off. But there's more to the spitter than just big singalong choruses: his freestyle and clashing abilities have been more than proven along the way, and he's also dealt out more than his far share of sends.
Complex sat down with the rowdy mic man to talk through the tracks that shaped him. If you're expecting BBK, N.A.S.T.Y. Crew or Ruff Sqwad, you're in for a surprise. Although, there's a very reasonable argument to be made that the Dirty South rap that fills his Soundtrack has more in common with Grim Sickers' flow than even Roll Deep.
Jay Z — "Big Pimpin"
"This song literally changed my whole life. I remember first hearing how Jay Z rode the beat and just being amazed. 'Big Pimpin' introduced me to Bun B, Pimp C and the whole Southern rap sound."
50 Cent — "Many Men"
"This song blew me away, man. Firstly, it was the hook. I was like: 'How is 50 so wavey when he was just casually singing?' I reloaded it three times before I heard the verse! [Laughs] A cult classic, for sure."
Outkast — "2 Dope Boyz"
"It was more about the production on this one, for me. The way Andre 3000 rode the beat as well, that caught my attention. This was Atlanta at its finest—it still sounds fresh and so current."
Max B — "Dead Solver" f/ Mac Mustard
"'Dead Solver' isn't Max B's most famous song but, to me, this is the whole wave sound. This was Max B flowing effortlessly, on one proper amazing beat. This is the wave."
Gucci Mane — 'I'm Up'
"I know I've included a whole mixtape, but Gucci Mane's 'I'm Up' made me his biggest fan ever! This whole tape was bumping in my first car, on repeat. And I will never, ever delete it."
Three 6 Mafia — "Stay Fly"
"'Stay Fly'! Man, what a great song this is—my first introduction to Juicy J. He ended up being one of my favourite rappers! The production was crazy and, again, another Atlanta cult classic."
Lil Wayne — "Feel Like Dying"
"This isn't my favourite Lil Wayne tune, but this is the time where he was the best rapper alive and killing every feature. At his peak, it was beautiful to watch."
Bones — "Sadlythatsjustthewaythingsare"
"Bones is literally the best artist to listen to when depressed and breaking up with your missus. Morbid, but true..."
Lil Peep — "Star Shopping"
"Lil Peep's 'Star Shopping' is a recent classic I fell in love with as soon as I heard it. The beat is heartfelt. A definite future classic."
Chief Keef — "Sosa Chamberlain"
"This song will never come off my playlist. Chief Keef is one of my favourite artists; he's the guy who changed the game, a guy who's a father of the now generation. A living legend!"
