Star of the Year: Kurupt FM

In 2015, pirate radio station Kurupt FM dominated our TVs, clubs and festivals and Apple entered the radio game. Coincidence? Not according to Kurupt FM's MC Grindah.

"Know what I mean?" spits the excitable Kurupt station chief and garage MC. "Apple have been doing all that stupid computer and internet shit and all that yeah? But they know it's no match for radio. They saw what we were doing and now they want to a piece of Kurupt FM. Everyone does!"

The whole of the Kurupt FM crew are Stars Of The Year (Steves, Beats, Decoy, Chabuddy G and the rest of the chamunity) but as far as Grindah is concerned, it's all about him. In his words: "every solider needs a strong, gorgeous, talented general. AKA: me."

In fairness, he has been on dis ting. Under his leadership the Kurupt army have proved their skills way beyond their dodgy range from their highrise HQ. From 50 listeners every Friday and at least 10 text messages a night, the crew have torn up the dance at Outlook, Bestival, Fabric and their own Champagne Steamroom club tour with genuinely sick garage throw downs. They also hosted a legendary 1Xtra takeover in which the legendary UKG poster boy Craig David fired serious comeback shots.

"I single-handedly brought Craig David back. And that's the truth," boasts Grindah. "I pulled him aside and told him 'go back to the old school garage mate, we've been doing this 10 years now look at us!' Dreams can be made! And it's down to me."

Rounding up the year with news on two new BBC series and their largest headline show at London's Koko, 2016 will see the Kurupt FM takeover go next-level. There's talk of perfume, aftershave, deodorant and tracksuit ranges. Maybe, just maybe, some music too.

"Oh you want to talk music?" says Grindah. "I thought you wanted to steer away from them ones, thought you were on a mysterious vibe and all that. Yeah, shit is going to get made. Make it sound mysterious though, man."

Job done.

Kurupt FM Top Moments of 2015

Dragon's Den pitch

They may not have got their £30k but they did better than most: they were given £50 to leave the den.

1Xtra Takeover

One hour of mic-crushing UKG chaos as Kurupt gully up the BBC with Scott Garcia, Big Narstie and Craig David. Broadcasting history.

Kurupt FM 'A Dis One'

Can Grindah's dub single-handedly save the garage scene? Check it