A Journey Through Sound and Culture

Jesse Bernard's memoir-cum-cultural history of Black British music, Escaping Babylon, is a groundbreaking account of a nation's sonic evolution. The book is structured like a mixtape, weaving together skits, short interludes of fiction, and poetry to create a rich tapestry of sound and culture.

Bernard, born in 1989, grew up to the rhythms of Mica Paris, Soul II Soul, and Carol Wheeler. His musical education was fostered in his parents' car, where these sounds would accompany his daily commute. As he matured, Bernard became a musical explorer, DJ, and journalist, immersing himself in the world of Black British music.

Through Bernard's experiences, we meet and engage with many of the pioneers who shaped the genre. From UK funky to grime, jungle, and drill, each chapter is a testament to the diversity and creativity of Black British musicians. One of the most striking narratives is the story of Lynden David Hall, a smooth operator who died at the age of 31 due to Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Bernard correctly emphasizes the importance of The Lick, a show hosted by Hall's mentor, Trevor Nelson, and broadcast on MTV Base throughout the 2000s. This program played a significant role in promoting Black British artists and providing a platform for their music.

The overall picture presented by Bernard is one of Black British music growing into itself at the same time as the wider community was maturing and developing a deeper sense of its own history and future.

Bernard appreciates the talent and tragedy of a man who could 'embody the spirit of Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass with his own south London steez sprinkled on top.' He also highlights the legacy of The Lick, which played a crucial role in promoting Black British artists and providing a platform for their music.

However, Bernard's approach does have its flaws. The constant chopping and changing between ideas and songs can leave arguments frustratingly underdeveloped. Yet, despite this, Escaping Babylon feels like an important contribution to the history of Black British music.

It arrives just after the Mobo awards celebrates its 30th birthday and at the same time as V&A East has mounted the exhibition The Music is Black: A British Story. With this ambitious and shape-shifting account, Bernard has added his own chapter to an increasingly rich history.

'Reggae is a tree and all UK sounds are branches that spring from it,' says Tippa Irie, a former Saxon sound system emcee. This statement encapsulates Bernard's approach to understanding the origins and direction of Black British music.

Escaping Babylon gives dedicated attention to Black British artists who emerged in the 1990s, including Lynden David Hall, who embodies the spirit of Marvin Gaye and Teddy Pendergrass.

### The Legacy Lives On

Although Form 696, a venue-vetting document used by the Met to effectively ban Black music events in the capital, has been scrapped, the police continue to scan the lyrics of hundreds of young emcees to mark them out as 'gang' members.

This legacy is still with us today, as the music continues to grow and evolve. With Escaping Babylon, Bernard has given us a new perspective on the history of Black British music, one that is personal, cultural, and deeply human.

### Key Facts

  • Escaping Babylon was published on 2026-05-28
  • Jesse Bernard's memoir-cum-cultural history covers the origins and direction of Black British music
  • The book sheds light on pioneers who paved the way for UK funky, grime, jungle, and drill
  • Lynden David Hall's story is a testament to the talent and tragedy of Black British musicians
  • The Lick played a crucial role in promoting Black British artists and providing a platform for their music
  • Form 696 has been scrapped, but the police continue to scan the lyrics of young emcees to mark them out as 'gang' members