Y
2003

2003 in British Music

Dizzee wins the Mercury, The Darkness bring fun back, and Beyoncé goes solo.

Key Events

  • Dizzee Rascal wins the Mercury Prize for Boy in da Corner — grime's first mainstream recognition
  • The Darkness release Permission to Land — spandex and guitar solos are back
  • Beyoncé's Dangerously in Love launches solo superstardom

Dominant Genres

GrimeRockPopR&B

Notable Trends

  • Grime breaks out of pirate radio to national attention
  • Camp, theatrical rock provides antidote to earnestness
  • The download era accelerates — iTunes Store opens

Key Artists of 2003

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