D Double E

Born Darren Dixon in Forest Gate, East London, D Double E emerged as one of the most influential figures in grime and UK urban music. Starting his career in the late 1990s, he was initially part of the jungle and garage scenes, performing with N.A.

S.T.Y Crew before co-founding the legendary grime collective Newham Generals with Footsie.

Known for his signature ad-libs—most famously “bud-a-bup-bup”—and his unique vocal delivery, D Double E’s lyrical style bridges imaginative wordplay with sharp street narratives. Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, he became a fixture on pirate radio and a formative influence on the grime sound, earning widespread respect among peers and fans alike. His discography includes seminal tracks like “Street Fighter Riddim,” “Bluku Bluku,” and collaborations with artists ranging from Dizzee Rascal to Skepta and Kano.

After years of shaping the underground, D Double E released his long-awaited debut album, *Jackuum!*, in 2018, which showcased his versatility and cemented his veteran status in the scene. A revered figure in both grime and UK hip hop, D Double E continues to innovate and inspire a new generation, performing internationally and collaborating across genres while staying true to his East London roots.