GRIME TIME

A few years ago, UK grime star Dizzee Rascal began public life as an inscrutable live performer with tremendous songs. Over the years, he’s matured into a commanding stage presence, even if his latest material lacks the urgency of his debut. On last year’s Maths & English (mysteriously released in material form this year by Def Jux), Dizzee was heeding his most commercial instincts, sometimes for the better (the UGK collaboration “Where’s Da G’s”) and sometimes for the bizarre (the Lily Allen–assisted “Wanna Be”). Also, what’s with this new Calvin Harris team-up, “Dance Wiv Me”? Really, Dizzee—Grime has mutated a dozen times over since you emerged, but that’s no excuse for this awkward seduction tale. Please get back to hating people.

Fri., July 18, 9 p.m., 2008