The UK rap scene has been flourishing for a long time now after England stopped invading and understood that people from other countries can also bring good fortune to them. With a cultural mix of population, art, and creativity; the British rap scene started growing in the 1980s. Starting from duos, and groups to solo rappers; the UK rap scene has reached its peak with countless contributions by hip-hop artists of all generations.
British rappers and their sheer individuality have also given birth to a new sub-genre in hip-hop known as Grime. This sub-genre incorporates the elements of garage, reggae, jungle, and hip-hop. Grime is much faster than regular hip-hop creations and it comes with immense energy and boisterous lyrics. 2024 has offered some of the best rappers of the year. Let’s take a better look.
Top 7 UK Rappers
• Stormzy
Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr. better known as Stormzy is one of the most talented hip-hop artists from the UK who have spread his musical aura around the world. He is dynamic with his abilities as a singer, a rapper, and a songwriter. Back in 2014, he got his first break out after gaining much attention in the UK underground music scene. Through his series of “Wicked Skengman”, a collection of freestyles on Grime beats; Stormzy established his musical aura and style. He considered himself the “child of grime” who is greatly inspired by artists like Bruza, D Double E, Lethal Bizzle, Flirta D, and many others. In 2015, this rapper became the no. 3 on the top 5 selections for rappers by BBC on Radio 1. He has also funded a scholarship with the name Stormzy Scholarship that helps Black students complete their studies at the University of Cambridge.
Stephanie Victoria Allen, better known as Stefflon Don was born in Birmingham, England. She comes from Jamaican Descent and her original roots are reflected through her musical creations as well. She is also the sister of rapper Dutchavelli who her gained more light in the media. His first break through song was ’16 Shots’ which is a hip-hop track with Caribbean flavors that garnered over 208 million views on YouTube. Her collaboration project with French Montana, called “Hurtin’ Me” has gained much attention. Other collaboration projects like “Boasty” with Wiley and Sean Paul and “Calypso” with Luis Fonsi are also standing out tracks from her arsenal.
• Lisa Mercedez
This Jamaican dancehall artist is multifaceted with her skills as a recording artist, rapper, singer, and songwriter. Lise Mercedez is highly popular for her amazing collaboration projects with artists like Vybz Kartel, Ms. Banks, Stylo G, and many others. She was also found touring with US rapper Nicki Minaj. Mercedez’s hip-hop career started back in 2005 when she was introduced to Stylo G. Later on, she became the first female member of the Stylo G-led group Warning Crew. Soon enough, she started her solo music career with her first single “Let's Get Drunk” in 2014 which was produced by DJ S.K.T. Unfortunately; Liza took a break from music after the release of her first mixtape in 2017.
• Kano
Kaine Brett Robinson is a British rapper who is well revered as Kano. He is also a songwriter and an actor from East Ham, London who made some serious contributions. His unwavering skills in grime music and creative culture have influenced the grime community very much. “Ps and Qs” was his debut single which was released back in 2004. The struggle has been evident but Kano remained consistent and after a decade, he became the best lyricist in the scene. As a newcomer, he received the Urban Music Awards in 2005 was nominated for the 4 MOBO (Music of Black Origin) Awards, and became the Best Newcomer. The rapper is also well known for his notable acting skills as Sully in the British drama series, ‘Top Boy’. Undoubtedly, he is one of the most significant personas in UK rap history.
• Ms. Banks
Thyra Kigho Deshaun Oji, also known as Ms. Banks is a crazy talented British hip-hop artist who also possesses the skills of singing and songwriting. Hailing from Camberwell, London, this rapper has made some significant progress within a short duration. She first started rapping at the tender age of 12 years only and soon, she managed to drop three mixtapes with the stage name Ms. Banks. Her creative influences include Dynamite, Foxy Brown, Estelle, Lauryn Hill, Monie Love, Lil’ Kim, and the list goes on. Banks has collaborated with numerous other UK rappers such as Tinie Tempah, Stormzy, and many others.
• Bugzy Malone
Bugzy Malone is a UK rapper and actor from Manchester, England who has the real name Aaron Davies. He had a troubled childhood and has served in prison as he was sentenced as a teenager. He initially started boxing and then moved to rapping. He is one of the most seasoned British rappers who started with the debut mixtape ‘SwaggaMan’ that was released in 2010. It was his first breakthrough in the music industry and since then, it has only been a successful journey ahead. His songs like “M.E.N II” and “Kilos” have reached the top of the UK charts. He also showcased his acting skills in ‘The Gentlemen’ by Guy Ritchie.
Simbiatu “Simbi” Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, better known as the is a Nigerian artist who expanded her popularity as one of the most talented female rappers from the UK who can also sing and act. The rapper gained a huge amount of global attention with her first 3 album releases namely, ‘A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons (2015)’, ‘Stillness in Wonderland (2016)’, and ‘Grey Area (2019)’. She also received the NME Awards and Ivor Novello Awards for the category of ‘Best Album’.
Some of the other honorable mentions include Skepta, JME, Enny, Sainté and the list goes on. The UK hip-hop scene in 2024 seemed promising. It is time to see what happens in 2025.
