TIM HUGHES talks to the youngest member of the grime wave massive Roll Deep as they prepare to take Oxford by storm.

THERE’S no doubt about it, Britain is in the grip of a grime wave.

What started out as the soundtrack to life in some of the tastier parts of the capital has become an unstoppable force.

And at the heart of London’s grime scene is a multi-headed massive which has spawned some of the genre’s biggest names – Dizzee Rascal, Tinchy Stryder and Wiley.

They are Roll Deep, they scored three number one hits last year and their ascent seems to know no bounds.

More surprisingly though, as I found out when I caught up with the crew this week, they are also an easy-going bunch quick to laugh and less interesting in posturing than having a good time.

“We are getting up to a few shenanigans,” grins Brazen, the youngest member of the crew, and brother of founder member Breeze.

“We get up to some mad stuff on tour – and I’m sure it will soon be on YouTube. There are lots of tricks... everyday there’s something else.”

Brazen – real name Ardom Ali – made his name on Roll Deep’s Return of the Big Money Sound and Street Anthems albums and last year’s Winner Stays On, his feisty vocals featuring on chart toppers Good Times, Green Light and Take Control.

He’s chatty, funny, intelligent – and loving life as an artist with the East End crew, which can number up to 11 – though paired down to a still-formidable seven on this tour.

“Imagine six brothers and a sister on the road on holiday, going mad – with no mum or dad,” says the Limehouse rapper, who joined the Bow collective when he was 16.

“We treat each other as family,” he smiles. “I’m the little brother,” And that means I throw my toys out of the pram every now and then.

“It’s good to have your family with you though. We all grew up together and have known each other for so long.”

Tonight the tour hits Oxford, with a show at the O2 Academy with Platnum, Mz Bratt, Angel and TJ Lyricz.

“So far we’ve been relaxed. I’m sure it will be massive in Oxford though. We should have a good time!

“It’s really good meeting people,” he says. “People want to see us and we show them the same love. It’s not in our nature to be arrogant.”

One of those not joining them on the tour is the captain of the crew, Wiley. Not that Brazen seems that bothered – or, at least, isn’t showing it.

“We’re still looking for him,” he laughs, when I ask where he is.

“He’s doing his own thing. He’s been on his own tour, so joining us would be difficult. But it doesn’t make a difference; we’re doing what we wanted to do, just without him. It would be nice if he was here, but it’s not a problem.”

So when not partying, how do Roll Deep unwind? “We’re all into DVD box sets,” says Brazen. “Some of us read and others like a glass of red wine and some chilled out music.”

It’s not the answer I was expecting. Nor was I anticipating how business savvy the crew are. For Roll Deep, the tour is more than just an opportunity to play a few tunes, it’s a perfect marketing opportunity to show off their own clothing sideline. Yep, how many other bands have their own label?

Roll Deep’s is called Swagga Muffin – and, says Brazen, it’s going down a bomb.

“All of us have different styles,” he says. “Some of us might rock a little chain or a nice watch, but now Swagga Muffin is our thing.”

With former Rollers Dizzee, Tynchy and current member Wiley all doing their own solo things, does Brazen harbour any ambition of making it on his own?

“Definitely. It’s important to stand by yourself and have a solo career,” he says. “That’s what I want to do.”

He has in fact produced his own mixtape, Real Talk, and is working on an album Stardom.

So, with the outfit heading on to even bigger things, what, I ask, does it mean to be a member of Roll Deep?

“Every year people want a new sound, and this year it’s us they want to hear. We are worldwide and even showing the Americans how to do it. After all, we started grime.

“Rolling Deep is about being in numbers – but it’s more than that. Rolling Deep is also about being with your crew and rolling together – and with a swagger.”

“We are as grime as we ever were. We know our roots – and are not giving up.”

* Roll Deep play the O2 Academy Oxford tonight.

Doors open at 6.30pm. Tickets are £11.23.