From this point on, any mention of a “resurgence” in grime should be considered null and void: the seminal genre, now in its 23rd year of existence, has proven its staying power many times over. However, like with most things in life, to keep the fire burning, there may be a need to take a step back sometimes, reevaluate the landscape, then take a step to the left to give it some fresh perspective and energy.

One person who has done just that, revitalising grime for its long-time supporters while piquing the interest of a new, TikTok-obsessed generation, is East London’s own DJ Mak 10. Arguably one of the sound’s founding selectors, Mak 10 is widely known for playing an integral role as the lead DJ for the infamous N.A.S.T.Y Crew, which was formed in the early aughts by his older brother, Marcus Nasty, and whose members included his two younger brothers, Griminal and Lil Nasty, as well as now-iconic figures such as Kano, D Double E and Ghetts. Whenever DJ Mak 10’s name is on the line-up, be it for rave or as a guest DJ on radio, you just know you’re about to hear some of the most skilful, DJ EZ-level mixing known to man or woman, with exclusive dubs that will have your jaw to the floor.

Having battled with and overcome some inner demons over the years, one thing that has always kept Mak 10’s spirit alive is his love for music, as both a DJ and producer: of grime, of funky, of Afro-house and the rest. But there’s something about grime that he will never be able to shake. “When I play grime, no other genre matches the energy it brings; the fast pace, the bass-driven beats—I just love it,” he says over DM (Ed. Note: this was meant to be a short item for TRENCH’s IG page, however Mak 10’s impassioned responses to our questions deserved a fuller read). “Grime has this aggressive, unapologetic sound that’s just so good, and for me, it’s important to push that side of things because a part of its essence and the way sets were performed has been lost over time. The sound shifted to a more American, trap-influenced style, and with that, it lost its true roots. MCs weren’t as set-trained and didn’t have to engage with listeners or the public in the same way. Bringing that interaction back is crucial and, honestly, grime is what I know best.”

It’s what he’s been pushing all 2024 with his popular DJ livestreams on TikTok and Instagram. But what makes Mak 10’s live sets even more entertaining is that he takes them out on the road—from Shoreditch (during rush hour) and London Bridge at 3am to a random petrol station in Cornwall and a football stadium in Sheffield—and gets known artists and random onlookers to partake in the fun. Alongside North London’s DJ AG, who leans more towards rap, reggae and dancehall, this ‘live-DJ-sets-on-road’ phenomenon has brought a new (and much-needed) sense of community to the Black British music space, à la pirate radio in grime’s nascent years.

“There are a lot of similarities between how I stream and the old pirate radio days,” says Mak 10. “Setting up in certain spots can be tricky since we might get moved on if we’re on private property, which is a lot like a rig getting shut down. There’s also the need to improvise and problem-solve on the spot, especially when dealing with the unpredictable elements like wind and rain. But on the positive side, the engagement feels much more like pirate radio—raw and direct. I think it’s an exciting concept that keeps people locked in and creates a real connection.”

What was created out of a lack of opportunities on radio has now become something culturally worth its weight in gold platinum, ‘DIY’ remaining grime’s one true mantra. “I decided to start taking my equipment outside and DJing in public after seeing how well the concept worked for others,” says Mak 10, “but I noticed no one was doing it for my particular, specialist genre. I’ve always had a passion for radio but struggled to secure a residency on any reputable stations, so I decided to set up my own streams. Once I started, I noticed something special: the interaction with both the public and online listeners created a connection that’s often missing from traditional radio today. It also gave me the freedom to perform on my own terms, at my own times.”

And over twenty years later, his love for the art of DJing is still as passionate as the day he first started: “What I love most about DJing is the power it gives to connect with people and shape the mood of a room. The energy I get from performing is unmatched and, for me, each set is like telling a story. There are so many intricate aspects to DJing that often get overlooked; some people think it’s just about throwing two tracks together or hitting the sync button, but it’s much more than that. I enjoy the entertainment aspect, but also the challenge of crafting a narrative through track selection and skill, making each performance unique and intentional.”

Mak 10 wants to continue doing his live DJ sets for as long as he can, and as far as he can—not just limited to the UK. And with everyone from Monkstar and Novelist to Big Narstie and Chip showing up and showing out on his sets, this thing can only get bigger from here. “I’m planning to take these streams to the next level by creating immersive, interactive experiences for the audience,” he adds. “Without giving too much away, it’s going to be something truly special.” And don’t we know it.