From the arrival of MP3s in 1991—a compressed audio format that made it easier to download and share audio files—to the debut of the DVD (Digital Video Disc) in 1997, to everything now being just a click away on your mobile phone.

Digital music technologies have dramatically changed the way consumers access and listen to music over the years. 

Coupled with the emergence and widespread use of the Internet, this meant that UK Black music no longer had to rely on flyers, pirate radio and word of mouth to publicise events or share music.

One of the first social networking sites, MySpace—launched in 2003—allowed artists to build a direct connection with fans; digital media store iTunes also arrived that year, allowing consumers to download and/or play music and videos.

On the flipside, file-sharing sites like LimeWire facilitated "digital bootlegging" as users downloaded and shared pirated music. This era also saw the emergence of online forums and blogs to discuss music that had been widely shared.

In 2005, YouTube—the online video sharing platform—stepped on the scene and changed the game forever and, shortly after, it began to see the emergence of channels dedicated to Black British music. 

The late, great Jamal Edwards was only 15 years old when he launched SBTV in 2006 as an outlet for the grime and UK rap freestyles/music videos that he filmed. Through partnerships, SBTV became a global brand and inspired many to follow its blueprint.

Since then, a number of other channels have been established, such as Link Up TV—a rap-focused platform founded by Rashid Kasirye in 2009—and GRM Daily (fka Grime Daily), which launched the same year. 

Now streaming platforms like Spotify (2006) offer continuous access to an enormous amount of choice. SoundCloud (2007)—an open access platform for listeners and musicians—is a global community of fans and artists.

While Bandcamp (2007) enables artists and labels to upload music and have more control over how the music and merchandise is sold. 

For independent and up-and-coming artists, distribution could also be a costly activity, but now, thanks to music distros like CD Baby and Ditto, artists are able to get their music heard at extremely affordable rates.