Photographer James Pearson-Howes has released a comprehensive photobook documenting 20 years of the UK grime music scene, capturing iconic artists from Dizzee Rascal to Skepta during the genre's formative years. The book, titled 'When I'm Ere' after Roll Deep's 2005 track, chronicles Pearson-Howes' journey from a 21-year-old photographer to becoming one of grime's most important visual documentarians.
Based in Bow, East London – the epicenter of grime's explosive growth – Pearson-Howes witnessed firsthand the genre's evolution from underground movement to mainstream success. Raised on housing estates in Havant and Bournemouth, he initially dove into the UK garage scene at age 18 before discovering grime, a genre that would fundamentally transform his creative practice. His proximity to grime pioneers like Ruff Squad, Dizzee Rascal, and D Double E provided unprecedented access to document the scene's raw energy and cultural significance.
From the beginning, Pearson-Howes recognized the immense value of the burgeoning grime movement, which was often overshadowed by the white-dominated electronic music scene of the early 2000s. "I'd be asking all the record labels I was in contact with why they weren't signing any of these amazing artists I was shooting," he recalls. "Their reply was that no one was listening to it." At the time, RWD was the only magazine covering grime extensively, and Pearson-Howes began shooting for the publication after leaving his staff photographer position at Vice Magazine.
The photobook's unique design reflects grime's distinctive aesthetic and cultural values. Working with designers Alfie Allen and Max Marshall, Pearson-Howes deliberately avoided creating a traditional coffee table book format. "I said I didn't want to make a coffee table book as I thought that didn't feel right for grime," he explains. Instead, each page unfolds into A2 size, creating an interactive storybook experience that mirrors the genre's dynamic nature.
The book's visual design draws inspiration from grime's fashion legacy and the materials that defined the era. "The inspiration was all the materials back then – very plastic and shiny," Pearson-Howes notes. A pair of vintage Y2K silver and orange Nike sneakers significantly influenced the cover design, which features a silver, record-like sleeve with a vivid orange belly band that slots into grooves to hold the book together.
Pearson-Howes paid homage to grime's resourceful experimentation in both his photographic technique and the book's production. Just as producers like S-X created instantly recognizable tracks like "Wooo Riddim" using simple software like Fruity Loops at age 18, the photographer employed intuitive darkroom techniques to achieve the book's distinctive visual style. "The technique was very instinctual, picking colors and almost painting out without seeing (it's on photographic paper so has to be done in place) to create these vibrant colors," he describes.
Community remains central to Pearson-Howes' work and grime's origins. He highlights a pivotal location in the genre's development: a youth club in Bow on Devons Road where artists like D Double E, Nasty Crew, and Ruff Squad gathered to share ideas and refine their craft. Such spaces have become increasingly vital for young people, particularly as widespread closures threaten community resources. "I'd love to think the government should be doing more, but history has taught me not to have faith in our government," Pearson-Howes states. "So I believe the creative industry needs more care and support. It's our responsibility!"
To ensure the book gave back to the community it documents, Pearson-Howes organized a two-day workshop at Beau Beau's Cafe in East London during the summer. Through Arts Emergency, an organization he has mentored with for six years, he invited young photographers to participate in practical workshops shooting young musicians from Beau Beau's music academy. The results were subsequently exhibited, creating opportunities for emerging talent.
Since the book's release, Pearson-Howes has expanded his mentorship activities while working on new projects including a short film and another book titled "Taller the Hat Closer to Heaven." The photobook 'When I'm Ere' is currently available for purchase through his online store, offering both longtime grime fans and newcomers an intimate visual journey through one of the UK's most influential musical movements.
