Benji B and his string ensemble

Yesterday we reported that Benji B would be broadcasting many of his favourite modern tracks alongside a 16-piece string ensemble on BBC Radio 1, led by arranger Grant Wilson. You can now hear the fruits of his labour and, as it goes, it’s pretty cool.

There’s always a chance that things like this can get a little cheesy – Jeff Mills and DJ Premier have done similar DJs-n-strings experiments before that you’ll either love or hate – but it’s credit to Benji B’s selections that the whole thing comes together so well. Many modern classics appear – Silo Pass, Bricks, Gabryelle Refix, Higher Ground, Fuck U All The Time and more all pop up at one point or other – and it’s interesting to hear grime tracks littered with live rather than synthetic strings.

This isn’t the first time that Benji has undertaken this sort of project – fans should check out his set with the Deviation String Quartet last year.