When it comes to the Black British music scene, there is so much talent to be discovered. From R&B to House to Garage to Rap, Black British artists have found many ways to express themselves and succeed in any genre they choose.
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But what about British rappers? First, this was a hard list to make because there are so many great British rappers on the scene. As you go down the list, you’ll see I’ve tried to include all styles of rap, from chill to drill. From London to the West Midlands of England, UK style of rap allows for an array of sounds and rhythms. And, you’ll hear a diverse range of accents the further you go down this list. I’ll be your guide and I’m confident you’ll find some new artists to add to your playlist. Put on your headphones, and let’s go…
Chy Cartier
At just twenty years old, Chy Cartier is carving her path in the British rap scene. With smart wordplay and an already signature sound, Cartier is definitely a rapper to watch. But not only to witness what she’s doing now, but to watch for what’s coming next.
Little Simz
One word to describe Little Simz? Smooth. Little Simz has something to say and she doesn’t stumble as she delivers both uplifting and heavy messages. As you listen, you can’t deny the power of her words and the pull of her vision.
Blanco
Drill artist Blanco began making a name for himself as a member of the Harlem Spartans, one of the biggest Drill groups in the UK’s music scene. But Blanco has always been a star in his own right. As a solo artist, Blanco has grown a large fan base as his clever word play blends seamlessly with tropical beats.
J Hus
If you want someone to make you move, J Hus is the rapper for you. With an often cheeky and playful demeanor, J Hus will have you turning his music all the way up. He is not a one dimensional artist by a long shot. When he wants to make you dance, you’ll dance, but when he wants to send a message, you’ll hear it.
Knucks
Knucks raps as though he is leaning against a wall with nothing to prove. There’s a confidence to his voice and a laid back quality to his flow. His music speaks for himself, and his narratives help to guide you along his tracks. Usually opting for more jazzy, string-based beats, Knucks is the rapper to go to when you want something more on the chill side of things.
Reek0
Reek0’s music is one that easy to jam to. He has a refreshing melodic sound that eases listeners into his world, and you’ll be happy to remain there. It’s as though he floats across his tracks, and carries you on the journey with him.
Giggs
Easily detectable by his deep voice, Giggs is something of a legend in the UK rap scene. With a career spanning over a decade, he delivers music that you can both dance and chill to. Giggs is an artist that could not be denied entry to this list. As he says himself, “if you’re talking the hardest, Giggs better pop in your thoughts as an artist.”
Dave
Dave makes rapping seem like it’s second nature, as if it’s easy and anyone could wake up and decide to start rapping. But that’s not the case. There is a bag load of talent behind his effortless flow. So rather than ponder on when you might get started with your own rap career, why not just sit and listen to Dave deliver.
Ivorian Doll
Fierce and playful, Ivorian Doll wants to bust through the boys club and she’s doing just that by making space for herself in the rap scene. With her sharp-witted wordplay and confidence, she is one of the few women who’s keeping up with the boys. Ivorian Doll isn’t one to play with because she’s simply not having it. Proven by her song “Rumours” Doll addresses all the lies people spread about her and she’s having fun doing it.
Shaybo
Donning herself as the Queen of Drill, Shaybo is able to play with her sound. If you want the haunting melodies of drill, she’s got you. If you are looking for something slower, smoother, she got you, too. And, if you need something to hype you up as you getting ready for the night, Shaybo has also got you.
K-Trap
Rapper K-Trap approaches the Drill scene like a true natural. He isn’t here to make you comfortable, nor does he really care. As he performs, K-Trap shares the violence he’s experienced, but that’s not all he does. At times, he is able to give you his softer side, reflecting on the past, and being vulnerable with his audience as he does it.
Skepta
With more than a twenty-year career as a Grime artist, Skepta is still impossible to ignore if you are a fan of Black British Rap. There’s an aggression to the way he delivers his lyrics, but it is this aggression that first demands your attention and becomes part of his alluring sound. He is consistent when it comes to making great albums, and even more when it comes to making videos that pulls you deeper into his musical world.
Ghetts
Ghetts is a storyteller; you cannot listen to his music without taking away some insight, meaning insight into his life, and into the world around him. His lyrics and staccato delivery emphasizes what he just said. In other words, Ghetts way of rapping will force you to hear him, and you will be hypnotized by his voice.
NoLay
NoLay puts intense passion into her music. She is in your face, making herself heard. In her song “Nothing to Something,” she does not stutter, as she says “Everybody’s sleeping, better stay woke.” She demands respect and you should give it to her.
Pa Salieu
After serving over a year in prison, Pa Salieu has had excited fans waiting for his return to the rap scene. He has delivered what was expected of him when he released the perfect song to round off the summer season—Belly, a metaphor for his wants in life. Pa Salieu’s refreshing sound mirrors his return to the real world he’s hungered for as he raps, “I’ve been gone for a while but I still make it back to you.”
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