Beyond Dave & Stormzy: 4 British Rappers Pushing Boundaries
Popular British rappers are killing it, but many prolific rap acts are less popular
UK hip-hop is thriving. However, many people on the street believe that UK rap is all about Grimes, the traditional Dave and Stormzy rap style.
This does not imply that this type of rap is horrible or disgusting, but I like to shake things up and frequently go on music expeditions.
One thing I’ve learned about music over the years as a pianist and writer is that less well-known musicians can also have a lot to offer.
So, I will present four UK rappers who I believe are killing it, despite not being as popular as other well-known UK rappers.
1. Koffi Stone
Koffi Stone is a young UK rapper from Birmingham who performs old-school 90s hip-hop. Stone debuted on the scene in 2017 with the track "Stories in Pyjamas."
Koffi combines jazz and hip-hop, and I must add that when he released his debut album, "Nobody Cares Till Everybody Does" in 2019, which featured other interesting acts like Loyle Carner, Ade Suleiman, and Maverick Sabre, a lot of people started listening to him.
The album cuts across R&B, Jazz, and hip-hop. His debut album was an establishment of his style and signature sound — beautiful wordplay, jazz and R&B influences, and fluid jazz keyboard samples.
Listening to Koffi, I believe he still has a lot to contribute, and I look forward to his future album.
My favorites:
2. Enny
Enitan Adepitan, known by her stage name "Enny," is a UK rapper with a strong R&B influence. Coming from a musical family, Enny began playing music at an early age, when her father taught her how to play the keyboard. Enny began her musical career by uploading freestyle videos to YouTube. Since then, she has continued to release great music.
After being signed to Jorja Smith’s record label, FAMM, she released her biggest work to date, "Peng Black Girls," which was then remixed alongside Jorja Smith. The song has received over 5 million views on YouTube and over 23 million listens on Spotify.
If Enny maintains her consistency further, I believe she will eventually become a legendary UK rapper.
My favorites:
3. Loyle Carner
Loyle Carner is a rapper who I discovered late last year and have already consumed all of his albums, singles, and features.
Loyle’s rap style is distinct and unique. When I hear Loyle without glancing at the phone screen, I know it’s Loyle. He raps distinctly from Dave, Stormzy, and Central Cee.
His strongest work to date, "Hugo," which was shortlisted for the 2023 Mercury Prize, demonstrates his expertise and ability to produce serious music.
Loyle, who was born into a multiracial family, expressed strong feelings about racism and an absent father in the album.
Loyle released "Hugo: Reimagined" in May 2024 live in the Royal Albert Hall, a recreation of his hit album "Hugo."
Loyle is quickly becoming one of the UK’s golden-age rappers.
My favorites:
4. Little Simz
Simbiatu "Simbi" Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, also known as Little Simz, is a British-Nigerian rapper, singer, and actress of Yoruba descent.
She has been in the business for a long time, but especially since the release of her critically acclaimed album, "Sometimes I Might Be Introvert," in 2021, which was named one of Rolling Stone’s 200 Best Hip-Hop Albums of All Time.
The record introduced her to a large number of people, and she has subsequently received numerous prizes, including the BRITS award.
Little Simz is a versatile rapper whose music spans Grime, Hip-hop, R&B, Dancehall, and Afrobeats.
Her voice is quite genuine, and it will continue to resonate for many years.
My favorites:
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