Need something to help pass the time? Here, I share a few upcoming rap artists from the UK who I think definitely deserve a listen.
There is definitely something for everyone on this list of upcoming UK rap artists. With genre styles ranging from alternative rap to more lyrical drill-influenced music.
Knucks
The 25-year-old rapper of Nigerian descent represents North West London. He brings a classy, Jazz, and RNB-influenced style to the UK rap scene. With notable songs such as “Vows”, “Home” & “7 Days”, you’ll hear him using samples from the likes of Michael Jackson and Craig David over a hip hop/ drill beat. I would recommend hearing his latest album ‘London Class’. This features a collaboration with Loyle Carner and his two-part ‘Daily duppy’ freestyle is good to get a grasp of his music.
Little Simz
Appearing on Top Boy and being mentioned on Barack Obama’s summer playlist this year emphasises how unique Little Simz is. The 26-year-old actress and artist is from Islington, making her somewhat of a local to City. She definitely has an array of talent up her sleeves. Simz’s recent project “Drop 6” exemplifies her varied style, bringing a raw UK flow to more experimental/alternative beats. The relatable lyrics make Little Simz an inspirational figure. In other words, this adds female empowerment in a music scene dominated by male artists.
Blanco
Originally being a part of the controversial drill collective ‘Harlem Spartans’, Blanco is considered an extremely lyrical artist by many, now taking on the genre of drill without the affiliation of the gang violence. Instead, Blanco’s lyrics are more around themes relating to football, TV, and anime, with one of his notable songs “Shippuden” being about the anime Naruto. His recent song “Anakin” has a slightly different sound using a sort of funk sample but is a must-listen. If you are a fan of Pop Smoke or Drake’s recent work, you may want to keep an eye on Blanco.
Lancey Foux
One thing is for sure, Lancey Foux brings the US Hip-hop style of rap to the UK. With a few albums already under his belt, and collaborations with big-name artists such as Skepta, Lancey’s career has great potential. His genre style caters to fans of more auto-tuned rap, such as the likes of Young Thug or Playboi Carti, which sets him aside from other artists mentioned on this list. However, he is one of the very few pioneering this style of rap for UK fans. “FRIEND OR FOUX” is Lancey’s most recent project, which I recommend listening to if you are into this style of music. If you’re into fashion, give his Instagram a follow to see all his designer brand modelling.
M Huncho
By wearing his mask (even before COVID-19), M Huncho keeps his identity hidden from the press and public. However, this certainly has not stopped him popularising the whole ‘trap wave’ sound of the UK. One EP and two studio albums in, M Huncho is showing no signs of stopping to get to the top of the UK rap scene. Frequent collaborations with other UK artists, such as the likes of Nafe Smalls and D-Block Europe has already cemented him as one of the favourites of many here. On the other hand, it does seem like he’s after more. Huncho’s recent song “burning” featuring Dutchavelli and “5 AM” featuring Nafe Smalls, is highly recommended if you are into trap-influenced rap music.