DJ Target

DJ Target is a seminal figure in the UK’s grime music scene. As a founding member of the influential collective Roll Deep, alongside artists like Skepta and Flowdan, he has been instrumental in shaping the genre’s evolution.

Beyond his contributions as an artist, DJ Target has established himself as a prominent broadcaster. He hosts a prime-time slot on BBC Radio 1Xtra, delivering the best of new music across genres such as R&B, UK rap, grime, drum & bass, and hip-hop.

His influence extends to television, where he co-hosts the BAFTA-nominated show The Rap Game UK on BBC Three, a platform that nurtures emerging rap talent.

In 2018, he published the book Grime Kids: The Inside Story of the Global Grime Takeover, an insider account of grime, from its subculture to the international phenomenon. A compelling narrative chronicling the rise of grime music from its underground roots to mainstream acclaim. The book has been adapted into a BBC drama, further cementing his role as a cultural commentator and advocate for the genre.

DJ Target has worked with Arsenal, Havana Club, and Pioneer, and is the co-founder of baby food brand Eden’s Bloom, named after his daughter Eden.

Contact Great British Speakers today to book grime artist DJ Target for your next event.

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More About DJ Target

DJ Target, born Darren Joseph in 1980, grew up in Bow, East London. In his early teens during the early 1990s, he was part of a multicultural, working-class community facing challenges like poverty and high unemployment. Despite these obstacles, he and his peers found solace and inspiration in music.

His musical journey began with the UK garage scene, where he was a member of the influential group Pay As U Go Cartel. This collective played a pivotal role in the transition from garage to grime music, laying the groundwork for the genre’s emergence.

DJ Target | The Rise of Grime

Building on this foundation, he co-founded the grime collective Roll Deep, alongside notable artists such as Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Skepta and Flowdan. This group was instrumental in pioneering grime music, a genre characterised by its raw energy and gritty narratives reflecting urban life. Roll Deep’s innovative approach blended elements of UK garage, dancehall, and hip-hop, propelling grime from underground pirate radio stations to mainstream recognition.

DJ Target | BBC Career

He began his BBC Radio 1 career in 2013, hosting part of the 1Xtra Takeover, before becoming their talent and music lead in 2018. He currently hosts a 1Extra show five days per week.

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DJ Target | TV

Away from the airwaves, he has made significant contributions to television, particularly through his work with BBC Three. He co-hosts the BAFTA-nominated series The Rap Game UK alongside Krept and Konan, mentoring aspiring MCs in a high-stakes competition to find the next big name in UK rap.

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In 2021, he launched Tonight with Target, a six-episode BBC Three series celebrating black music and culture, featuring live performances and interviews with both established and rising artists.

Additionally, DJ Target has appeared on various music and culture-related programmes, including Grime Kids, based on his book chronicling the rise of grime, as well as guest spots on documentaries and music specials discussing the evolution of UK rap, grime, and urban music.

DJ Target | Eden’s Bloom Baby Food

In 2024, Darren launched Eden’s Bloom, a brand of baby food for weaning at Stage 1, 2 and 3. Designed with busy parents in mind, the freeze-dried process also allows for easy customisation – combine pouches or add them to other foods for extra variety and flavour exploration.

The plant based sachets contain no added additives or preservatives, parents can have peace of mind knowing their baby’s food is free of harmful chemicals. With a diverse range of flavours and combinations, Eden’s Bloom introduces babies to a world of exciting tastes from an early age.