The UK rap scene is constantly evolving with fresh faces and sounds. One thing I love about the UK is how they genuinely appreciate and carry the true essence of hip-hop—putting on freestyle sets and still championing lyricism and style over gimmicks. The artists there embody that pure chemistry between the MC and the DJ, which is heavily represented in Grime. But let’s be clear, this post is about UK hip-hop, which is a different vibe—don’t get it twisted. In no particular order, here’s a list of 10 rising artists from the UK that we think you should check out next time you're online looking for new music. Peep game.
Chy Cartier
Chy Cartier, a 19-year-old rapper from North London, is rapidly emerging as a significant voice in the UK rap scene. Known for her fierce lyricism and dynamic delivery, she first gained widespread attention with her breakout single "Bossed Up," which went viral shortly after its release in late 2023, amassing over a million views on social media within 24 hours. Chy, whose real name is Chyna, draws inspiration from influential female rappers like Lil Kim and Nicki Minaj, channeling their boldness into her own unique style that blends hip hop and trap elements. Her music often tackles themes of personal struggle and resilience, resonating with listeners through relatable narratives and sharp commentary on social issues. With endorsements from established artists like Stormzy and Little Simz, Chy Cartier is not just making waves; she is setting the stage for a new generation of female artists in the UK music industry.
Nemzzz
Nemzzz, born Nemiah Malcenko on March 28, 2004, is a promising rapper from Manchester, UK, who has swiftly made a name for himself in the music industry. He burst onto the scene in late 2021 with his hit single "Elevate," which gained immense popularity and showcased his unique blend of rap influenced by his Jamaican heritage and the gritty realities of his upbringing in Gorton. Known for his relatable lyrics and catchy hooks, Nemzzz's music reflects both personal struggles and broader social themes, resonating with a diverse audience. His debut mixtape, Do Not Disturb, released in 2024, debuted at number 17 on the UK Albums Chart and features collaborations with notable artists such as Lil Yachty and Headie One. With a growing fanbase and endorsements from industry heavyweights like Drake, Nemzzz is poised to become a major force in the UK rap scene.
Strandz
Strandz is a rising star in the UK rap scene, known for his distinctive sound that blends nostalgic elements of 2000s hip-hop with contemporary influences. Born in Germany and raised in Nigeria before settling in South London, he draws from his diverse background to create music that resonates on multiple levels. His breakout track, "Us Against the World," which features a remix with Digga D, showcases his ability to combine heartfelt lyrics with infectious beats, earning him significant acclaim and over three million plays on SoundCloud. Strandz's music reflects his commitment to authenticity, as he aims to redefine UK rap by steering away from prevalent drill sounds and instead embracing the sample-driven aesthetics reminiscent of hip-hop legends like 50 Cent and Fat Joe. With recent hits like "Feeling Alive" featuring Lancey Foux, Strandz is not only making waves but also establishing himself as a prominent figure poised to lead a new era in UK hip-hop.
BlazeYL
BlazeYL, hailing from Kennington, South London, is a dynamic rapper and the youngest member of the influential collective House of Pharaohs. He began his musical journey at a young age, attending the prestigious Brit School, where he honed his skills and developed a unique sound that fuses elements of grime, rap, drill, and trap. His debut mixtape, The Cost of Being, released in 2024, features collaborations with notable artists like Blanco and Arz, showcasing his exceptional lyricism and versatility. BlazeYL's music often explores themes of personal growth and freedom, reflecting his commitment to authenticity and innovation in the UK rap scene. With a burgeoning fanbase and critical acclaim from industry figures, he is poised to make significant waves in the music world as he continues to push artistic boundaries.
Namani
Namani is an emerging UK rapper known for his unique blend of melodic flows and introspective lyrics. Hailing from East London, he first gained attention with his single "Dare You," which showcases his ability to weave personal narratives with catchy hooks. His music often explores themes of resilience and ambition, reflecting his journey as a young artist navigating the challenges of the music industry. Namani's style is characterized by a fusion of genres, incorporating elements of hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeats, which sets him apart in a crowded scene. With a growing fanbase and collaborations with notable artists, he is quickly establishing himself as a significant voice in contemporary UK rap.
Cadell
Hailing from East London, Cadell is a true Grime purist and the younger brother of Grime pioneer Wiley. Despite his family ties, Cadell has forged his own path, releasing war dubs and taking on any MCs who believe they can outdo him on the mic. While Grime is his core, he also dabbles in Rap, holding his own in that scene with collaborations alongside notable artists like Giggs and Suspect OTB.
Clavish
Clavish, born Cian Francis William Wright on October 4, 1998, in Stamford Hill, London, is a prominent figure in the UK rap scene known for his blend of trap and drill music. He gained fame with his viral freestyle "Spin Out His Skull" and solidified his status with the 2023 mixtape Rap Game Awful, which debuted at number 4 on the UK Albums Chart. Known for his collaborations with D-Block Europe, Clavish has quickly become a sought-after performer, selling out his debut tour and making a significant impact at major festivals.
Lancey Foux
Lancey Foux, born Lance O. Omal on November 30, 1995, in Stratford, London, is a versatile rapper and singer known for blending hip-hop, trap, and punk influences. He gained recognition with his debut album Pink and hits like "About It," later collaborating with Skepta on Pink II. His 2022 album Life in Hell and the 2023 mixtape BACK2DATRAP showcased his artistic growth and solidified his place in the UK underground scene. With a distinct sound and bold fashion sense, Lancey Foux has become a style icon and a prominent figure in contemporary music.
Knucks
Knucks, born Ashley Afamefuna Nwachukwu on November 12, 1994, in Kilburn, London, is a British rapper and producer known for his innovative blend of hip-hop and jazz influences. He first gained prominence with his debut mixtape Killmatic in 2014 and has since released notable projects like NRG 105 and London Class. His single "Los Pollos Hermanos," inspired by the TV series Breaking Bad, became a breakthrough hit, showcasing his unique style and lyrical prowess. In May 2022, he released his highly acclaimed debut album Alpha Place, featuring collaborations with artists like Stormzy and SL. With a reputation for pushing musical boundaries, Knucks continues to establish himself as a leading figure in the UK rap scene.
Kairo Keyz
Kairo Keyz, born Keyano Deniro Rose, is a talented British rapper and songwriter from South London, making waves in the UK music scene with his unique blend of hip-hop and trap. Known for his engaging beat selection and relatable lyrics, he gained significant attention with his 2024 single "GANG," which has become a viral hit on social media. Kairo's music often reflects themes of struggle and resilience, drawing inspiration from his upbringing and family background in music. Since debuting in 2019, he has released several projects, including the album Family Not Fans, and has performed at prominent venues like Wireless Festival. With a distinctive style and a growing fanbase, Kairo Keyz is poised to become a major force in contemporary UK rap.
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