Dot Rotten is one of the most under-appreciated grime artists, with little recognition beyond those in the know, but those that do appreciate his work recognise just how impressive his skills are. Initially called Young Dot (including on the featured mixtape This Is The Beginning), he quickly changed his name and became the producer and MC that other grime producers and MCs adore. Rotten is aggressive in style, offering one of the nastiest and angriest approaches in grime. This probably contributed to run-ins with more recognisable figures like Wiley and Chipmunk, but it has ultimately garnered him a strong reputation. This Is The Beginning captures him at his rawest and youngest, although there is also much to be said for the more polished production on some of his later major label releases. Unlike Dizzee (and even Wiley, to some extent), Rotten has never really changed his style to appease the masses. He remains tied to a scruffy street-ready sound. This has probably limited his wider exposure somewhat, but it has also contributed to a consistently excellent discography that deserves to be celebrated.
