Rappers belong to all over the world as hip-hop is one of the most widely celebrated music genres in the world. While it initially started in America, the genre was quickly cultivated in other countries such as the United Kingdom. Rap in the UK started in the early ‘80s era, where a handful of rappers started gaining the attention of the hip-hop enthusiasts and music lovers of all kinds. Rappers back then would rap with an American accent, and it is safe to say that the UK rap scene didn’t exist before London Posse emerged in mid 80’s. London Posse is one of the leading groups show started rhyming in their own voices, and thus, UK rap was born.
Since then, the UK rap scene has gone through many influences and iterations, and now, it has become an integral part of the hip-hop canon. The contemporary rap scene in the UK has grown exponentially with the contributions of the new-age rappers who are representing themselves on the global stage. Let’s find the top 10 rappers of the United Kingdom who set an example in the industry.
Top 10 British Rappers You Need to Know About
The modern hip-hop scene in the UK would not have grown without the influence and contribution of Skepta. This rapper is a role model to many emerging hip-hop artists these days, as he has set an example in the market. Other than his smooth delivery and lyrical approach, the rapper is best known for his style and unwavering personality that inspired the young rappers in the industry. His iconic single ‘Shutdown’ has received a lot of attention from around the globe, with a Nike version for the UK and US audiences.
He is an intentionally certified rapper who has offered numerous solo projects as well as collaborations. Those who have not even heard a single track by him would also recognize his masterful hook in the collaborative project Travis Scott’s “Praise the Lord (Da Shine).” His distinctive vocal tone offers a lot of gritty and a hard-edged baritone which is later on followed by other rappers, considered as the British flow of hip-hop music.
If you are looking for the real OG in British hip-hop scene then Giggs is your man. This rapper is best known as the grime god of UK who can offer a hefty dose of bass through his flawless rap deliverance. He has a typically deep tone which cannot be replicated. This rapper gained global exposure back in 2017 by performing only verses on two songs by Drake. His contributions in ‘More Life’ and live performance with Drake at Leeds Festival are iconic moments for the fans.
Giggs is the king of street rap and freestyles, which makes his bangers highly captivating. Giggs’ surge in the late 2000s has offered listeners awareness regarding the street rap scene that took place overseas. Even Jay-Z has name-dropped this rapper for his immaculate rapping skills and grime flavors.
Stromzy is one of the most unique rappers from the UK rap scene who is best known for his emotionally engaging tracks. He has brought vulnerability in hip-hop music which shows his higher level of musical consciousness and an amazing sense of original music. One of most famous bangers is “Vossi Bop” that he often likes to flex from this discography. Other than this classic banger, listeners can also find the complicated dynamics of love and expressing deep emotions through the track “Hide & Seek.”
Stormzy has a remarkable ability to use his space, which offers plenty of room for creativity. While most rappers are trying to fit as many words as they can in a verse, this rapper focuses on his rhythmic delivery by letting the words breathe, which makes his storytelling and lyrical approach even more intriguing. The rapper always stays true and authentic to his craft by not copying the trends and following what his hearts tell him to. His slow and engaging delivery helps listeners feel his real emotions.
Nines can be defined as an urban legend who his best known for his lack of care for fame and adding more development to his core fanbase. This rapper is also an amazing street-certified storyteller, which is hard to come across. His bangers like “Yay”, “Clout”, etc, deal with topics like how a woman falls into addiction and how business decisions can lead to enemies, respectively. Such intriguing topics do not fail to captivate the hip-hop lovers who are looking for something new and refreshing.
Nines’ flow and cadence are a flow of unbridled energy. His rap verses are spontaneous, and the unforced flow appears to be quite organic. He has an aura of a mob boss who sits back in the house and speaks when necessary; and when he speaks (read raps), it is like a life lesson for everyone. He is inspiring the youth with his wisdom and influencing emerging rappers to proceed with their craft.
Hailing from Peckham, Tiny Boost is one of the most talented rappers who can reflect his life through his music. He went through career revitalization back in 2018 after a decade-long ups and downs in life. In 2009, this rapper was convicted of firearms possession, and then he had to go through 10 different prisons over the span of a decade. After this ended, the rapper was determined to invest himself completely in music, and since 2018, he has been on a dropping spree. This rapper has successfully embraced his fellow UK rappers, and 2022’s “The Family” would be the best example of his craft. He has a deep voice and a great sonic delivery, which has captivated the fans and inspired global music lovers.
Just like his rapper name suggests, this hip-hop artist is able to create magic through his music. He is one of most distinctive melodic rappers in the UK who is best known for his amazing balance of rhythmic and lyrical flow. Cadabra’s magical rap deliverance can give off the essence of American rappers like Yung Bleu or NoCap. His lyrical approach is very hard-hitting and capable of depicting vivid pictures channelized through his thought process.
Abra Cadabra is best known as a drill rapper who is also capable of showing some strong street moves. His rap deliverance includes an element of playfulness which makes his bangers even more engaging and enjoyable for everyone. ‘On Deck’ can be considered as a fine example and standout track from his discography that can make you head bop and also stir your emotions.
Central Cee is clearly the most celebrated UK rapper in modern days, who has blended the styles of the UK and US rap scenes. ‘Doja’ is one of his most hit projects that made its place at No. 36 on the Billboard US Hot R&B/Hip Hop songs chart. Hailing from West London, this rapper has made some significant progress within a short span of time. He has offered listeners a fresh new taste in UK drill, and he is capable of giving tough competition to any modern rapper.
Central Cee made freestyle with Drake called “On The Radar” which helped garner a whole lot of attention. He has become a significant persona in the relevant rap scene in the UK which allowed him to share stage with other rappers as well. He has received the spotlight and it is time for him to rise and shine.
Dave received his first global attention with the remarkable collaborative project with Central Cee, titled “Sprinter.” He has become an important person in the UK rap history, and he has been reigning over the industry for a while now. His first breakthrough album project was ‘Psychodrama’, which was released back in 2019. It was his debut project, and the rapper made sure to make it successful from day one. The album stands out for its amazing cinematic storytelling and therapeutic journey of hip-hop that can be felt through the tracks within. Dave’s rooted history goes back a long way, when he started with the early SBTV freestyles. He offered listeners a blend of sensation and substance that easily captivated the hip-hop lovers. He is also the first UK rapper to make a remix project with Drake for the single ‘Wanna Know’, which that released back in 2016. Dave is currently progressing at full throttle.
If you are looking for some UK rapper with a consistent musical journey and regular releases, then Kuncks would be the top of them. This rapper is highly inspired by Nas and he dropped ‘Killmatic’ which shows his ability to meander through the classic boom bap textures. The rapper has bridged the gap between the past and present hip-hop scene with his dynamic hip-hop skills. Knucks has created his own hip-hop sub-genre that blends the elements of jazz and drill.
In 2022, the rapper dropped Alpha Place, which offered listeners an unusual blend of jazz, boom bap drill. His fans have loved every track he dropped, including “Hide & Seek,” “Alpha House,” “Nice & Good,” and many others. Knucks is perhaps underrated, but it does not matter because he is the GOAT.
Avelino’s album project in 2023, ‘GOD SAVE THE STREETS,’ offered listeners an impeccable hip-hop experience through its tracks. Hailing from Tottenham, the red-dreaded rapper is capable of offering a high-octane rap experience along with hype-fueled slaps and hard-hitting bars. His lyrics are self-reflective and can offer and fair depiction of composed musings.
The rapper dropped his debut music project in 2013 and it has been a long time now. However, Avelino does not rush his music projects as he likes to take is time and space for creative flow. His consistency to his craft and patience in musical journey makes him one of the most passionate rappers who is doing for his love for hip-hop rather becoming a global rapper.
Some of the other honorable mentions are K-Trap, Headie One, Kano, Che Lingo, J Hus, Pa Salieu, Ghetts, Chip, AJ Tracey, Potter Payper, Digga D, etc, to name some.
