Hand-held cameras, local video vixens and close-up shots of the "mandem" on the block. 2003 was the launch year of the popular (and controversial) Sky TV station, Channel U, which quickly became the unofficial home of low-budget music videos, hood stars and aspiring TV presenters.
With MTV Base taking great care of the major label cats a few clicks down, Channel U's soft spot for the unsigned underdog allowed those artists to take that next step from pirate radio favourite to household name. Tinchy Stryder, Chipmunk, N-Dubz and presenters Ace & Vis all got their big break from appearing on Channel U. But, in equal measure, the cult channel also hosted some of the most cringe-worthy characters and struggle-rap songs that, to this day, still get mentioned in online discussions.
With the channel now operating under the name Channel AKA, with a more sleeker feel to the brand, Complex trawled through the vault to pick out 15 of its most memorable—and ratchet—music videos of all time. Tuck in below.
Lethal B – "Forward Riddim (Pow)" (2004)
Choong Family – "Memory Lane" (2004)
Jammer – "Murkle Man" (2005)
SLK – "Hype, Hype" (2005)
Bearman – "Brown Bear Picnic" (2005)
Fresh – "Real-ion" (2005)
N-Dubz – "Better Not Waste My Time" (2005)
Bruza – "Get Me" (2005)
Klashnekoff – "Murda" (2005)
The Mitchell Brothers f/ Kano – "Routine Check" (2005)
B.M.D – "North Weezee" / Southside Allstars – "Southside" (2005)
North and South London stood tall when Channel U premiered the two anthems that represented their respective boroughs. B.M.D's "North Weezee" and Southside Allstars' "Southside" each called on an assembly of lyrical minds that included Flirta D, Bashy and So Solid Crew's Asher D, to wave the flag for Willesden, Harlesden, Battersea, Peckham and various other London locations.