Sidewinder Classics: A Set From 2002 Featuring Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Flowdan And More

Free download inside.

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Every Monday for the next four weeks, Complex will be giving long-time fans of grime a chance to relive their early noughties, brap-shouting raving days (and new ones, a sonic education) via classic and rare, free-to-download Sidewinder sets.
First up: Roll Deep, 2002.

For the last twenty years, Sidewinder—a club night that began humbly in the Shires of Northampton—has put on some of the biggest, most memorable raves that the UK's ever seen. Starting out in drum & bass, they inevitably rolled into UK garage, before helping to usher in the grime sound to thousands across the country. Alongside nights like Eskimo Dance (and later Straight Outta Bethnal, Dirty Canvas, and ChockABlock), Sidewinder was instrumental in breaking new talent on the live circuit, giving everyone from Ghetts and Kano to Crazy Titch and Tempz regular opportunities to show what they could do as live performers. 

Hitting that big Sidewinder stage was almost a right of passage for rising emcees, knowing full well they'd be heard on tape packs and seen on DVDs. It's a time we will never get back again, but at least we can hark back through these classic sets. "This is the pinnacle of Roll Deep Sidewinder sets," says Sidewinder's managing director, Spruce, on today's drop. "Recorded live at the infamous Sanctuary Music Arena in Milton Keynes, for our 2002 Bonfire Bonanza, magic unfolded right in front of our eyes, and it's one of the most talked-about 'Winder sets of all time."

Featuring Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Flowdan and Jamakabi on mic, and Danny Weed b2b DJ Karnage on decks, stream and download the set (for free!) below and get ready for Sidewinder in Manchester come February 25.

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