Meridian Dan

North London rapper Meridian Dan, also known as Dan London, first earned widespread attention with his 2013 single "German Whip." Years earlier he had lingered on the edges of the grime scene while working assorted trades that ranged from electrician to coded welder. A fringe participant in the pre-Roll Deep and Boy Better Know collective Meridian Crew fronted by Skepta and JME, he was known simply as Dan and delivered a guest verse on Skepta’s “Private Caller” in 2005. Soon afterward he stepped away from music to focus on boxing and other pursuits until former Meridian Crew associate President T urged him to return, convinced of his ability. Meridian Dan then aligned with the fresh grime outfit Bloodline, whose lineup featured Bossman Birdie, President T, Big H, Paper Paps, and Milli Major, and gradually advanced through the underground U.K. rap circuit. Persistent effort eventually bore fruit when “German Whip,” featuring Big H and JME, emerged as a major street anthem and chart success. The track’s momentum led to a deal with PMR, home to Jessie Ware and Disclosure, which reissued the single and prepared his debut album I Am London for release in mid-2014.