British Rapper Top 10 in the UK: The Best of British Hip Hop

Ready to take a swing on the wave? Grab firmly! We are going to take you on an exhilarating journey into the fiery realm of British rapper, where the thrill and intensity never cease. All set to experience the heat? Camera, lights, and caption! Europe’s rapping scene is unique in the UK, where it has flourished since the 1980s. Rap artists from Britain have become well-known throughout the world, making them a significant force in hip-hop. 

UK rap, often known as British hip hop, is a style that originated in the United Kingdom and is frequently classified as rhythm and blues Hip Hop. This dynamic culture and music movement, also known as “Brit-hop,” has gained popularity thanks to media sources, including British Vogue and the British Broadcasting Corporation.

Is rapper popular in the UK?

Based on the Official Charts Company survey, the popularity of rap and hip-hop in the UK had surged six times since 1999 by 2021, and these genres accounted for more than 25% of all singles that were played.

Rap and hip-hop songs reached 50 million views in the UK in the past year, according to the music industry association’s All About Music 2021 annual, demonstrating the growth driven by downloading.

Who started British rap?

It is believed that the musical genre began on August 11, 1973, after Kool Herc, a DJ, staged a jam session for the start of school in New York’s Bronx. 

After that, the genre grew, giving rise to unique sounds and musicians in many UK (and international) places. The genre grew out of these basement scenes in the 1980s; UK filth, trip-hop, and drill all originated from the idea of two Moderators with headsets.

What are the criteria to choose the top 10 British rappers?

When choosing the top ten British rappers, a number of factors are taken into account, such as: 

• Influence of rappers on the rap scene in the United Kingdom and elsewhere.
• Their ability to Deliver melody and fluidity.
• Innovative thinking of rappers in the development of British rap.
• Regularity in caliber and quantity of releases.
• Musical significance refers to the portrayal of British identity and social issues.
• Revenue, popular approval, and rank achievement are indicators of commercial achievement.
• Sturdiness and ongoing significance within the field.
• Acknowledgment from judges, other people, and honors.
• The capacity to perform well in a variety of settings, including group settings.
• Devoted audience participation and loyalty.

List of top 10 British rappers

1. Stormzy – won the Mercury Prize

British musician Stormzy has been recognized for his musical contributions with multiple nods and honors over the course of his musical career. The first-ever rap record to win the British Album of the Year title was his debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, in 2018.

Stormzy was awarded several awards. BET Hip Hop Awards in 2006 was created to honor African Americans and the genre of rap. Stormzy was nominated for Best International Flow and won that. Similarly, in the 2011 AIM Independent Music Awards, out of five nominees, Stormzy won Most Played New Independent Act, Independent Breakthrough of the Year, and Innovator awards.

2. Dave – won the BRIT Award

Dave was awarded the 2019 Mercury Prize for his debut album, Psychodrama, on September 19, 2019. At the 2020 Brit Awards, Dave was also awarded British Album of the Year. He is now the second musical artist in history to receive both of these accolades for exactly the same album.

3. Little Simz – praised by Kendrick Lamar and Jay-Z

Simbiatu Abisola Abiola Ajikawo, a British rapper artist, singer, and actor, was born on February 23, 1994. Little Simz, her stage name, is more well-known. She originally became well-known with her self-released early songs, A Curious Tale of Trials, Persons in 2015, Stillness in Wonderland in 2016, and Grey Area in 2019, which won Best Album at the NME Prizes and was nominated for the Mercury Prize.

4. Skepta – The pioneer of grime music

Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., best known by his stage name Skepta, is a British rap artist, record producer, and DJ who was born on September 19, 1982. Before he and his younger brother Jme established Boy Better Know in 2005, he briefly joined Roll Deep. For the release of the Lord of the Mics 2 video, Skepta and fellow MC Devilman engaged in one of the biggest confrontations in rap history over Boy Best Know. 

5. Dizzee Rascal – won the Mercury Prize

Dizzee Rascal, a British rapper plus artist and master of ceremonies, was born on September 18, 1984. As a music pioneer, his compositions have also borrowed from British rap, bassline, UK workshop, rhythm, and blues. Boy in the Corner, Dizzee Rascal’s first album, was issued in 2003. It has now been regarded as a grimy classic and won him the 2003 Mercury Prize.

6. AJ Tracey – scored several top-10 singles

Born on March 4, 1994, in the UK, Ché Wolton Grant is a self-employed rap artist, musician, writer, and music artist who goes by the stage name AJ Tracey. Ladbroke Grove, West London, is his hometown. The Guardian included Tracy in their list of “top emerging artists to watch at events in 2016” after she gained success in that year.

Secure the Bag! In 2017, Tracey’s debut pop employee performance debuted at number thirteen on the UK Records List. With British rap artist Not3s, Tracey’s 2018 album “Butterflies” became his mainstream victory, hitting the best 20 of the UK Records List. His privately released solo song of the same name debuted at #3 on the UK Records List in 2019 and was well-received by critics. It included “Ladbroke Grove,” his best-selling song as an independent artist, which was awarded platinum by the BPI and debuted at #3 on the UK Records List. 

7. Ghetts – Released Mercury Prize-nominated Conflict of Interest

Acclaimed for his powerful lyrics and sophisticated rhyming patterns, he has performed worldwide alongside artists like Kano and was a part of the NASTY Crew.

Samuel Justin Jude Clarke is a British faith DJ, rap artist, and composer who is more commonly recognized by the moniker Ghetts (previously Ghetto). National broadcasters like BBC Radio 1, Kiss 100, BBC Asian Network, and BBC Radio 1Xtra have broadcast their songs. As of right now, Ghetts is associated with the independent record Challenge. Rebel with a Cause, his first studio album, went on sale on March 9, 2014.

8. Kano – released Mercury Prize-nominated Made in the Manor and Hoodies All Summer

Born in East Ham, London, in 1985 as Kane Brett Robinson, Kano is a well-known British rap artist, musician, and comedian. Along with Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, he is hailed as a pioneer in the slum music scene. “Made in the Manor,” his sixth album, won an Outstanding Band MOBO Trophy in 2016 and was nominated for a 2016 Mercury Prize.

After a six-year hiatus, Kano returned with “Made in the Manor,” a 2016 release that featured collaborators with Wiley and Damon Albarn. Mikey J and Fraser T Smith were among the eclectic list of producers for the critically acclaimed release, which debuted at 8th place on the UK Records Graph, becoming his highest charting release to present. Not only did it win ‘Best Album’ at the 2016 MOBO Awards, but it was also nominated for the 2016 Mercury Prize, further cementing Kano’s place as one of the leading names in British music.

9. J Hus – fused rap, afrobeat, dancehall, and grime

Known for his eclectic blend of rap, dancehall, grime, and afrobeat– the rapper J Hus really stands out in the music scene. He won’t just swoon you with his slick lyrics and ear-grabbing hooks but also charm you with how he fluidly moves from one musical style to another. From heavyweights such as Ed Sheeran and Burna Boy to new kids on the block like Dave and Stormzy, he’s played melodies with them all. Singling out a few stand-outs from his arsenal is tough, but tracks like “Did You See,” “Must Be,” “Bouff Daddy,” or “Play Play” always manage to create buzz.

Notorious for pioneering Afroswing- a spicy mix of African vibes along with UK rap and Caribbean rhythm– J Hus has gotten wide recognition across the board for his kiddish audacity that inventively meshes together different styles magic-like. And guess what? Not only are fans fond of him switching languages so fluently –but also critics who consistently have nothing but praise for this original artist! His accolades include the esteemed MOBO Award that named him “Best Song” in 2017 and just last year; he was awarded the prestigious BRIT under “British Album of the Year.”

10. Central Cee – popular because of his catchy drill anthems

Whipping up rousing drill anthems that get everyone bouncing – Central Cee broke big, landing solidly onto stardom’s heights. You’re sure to be rocked by his lyrically rugged bars while being wooed by sweet melodic crooning through each performance- an intriguing mix, indeed! Proving he can write hit-after-hit whilst burning stages down the tracks “Loading,” ”Commitment Issues,” ”Day in the Life,” and ”6 for 6″ is where it seems quite magical!

Planting firm roots on West End’s hip hop soil (normally overlooked when compared to hangouts in the East or South), the West London rapper Central Cee draws his strength from big shots like 50 Cent to path evaluators such as Kanye West while adding his own particular panache. He is quickly earning acclaim and celebrating millions of jacked-in listeners, taking spots in lists gathering UK rap’s eagerly awaited stars who continue to rise high like a spaceship riding on views popularity!

Final Thoughts

With its vivid intensity and gripping stories, British rapper music provides an exciting journey that is unmatched. The UK scene has a wealth of talent that awaits the opportunity to be discovered, from the catchy beats of AJ Tracey to the reflective lyrics of Dave. British artists offer a novel viewpoint that is compelling, regardless of your level of experience with the style. Thus, why not broaden your musical interests and explore the fascinating realm of British hop right now? Answer the call from the song list and go out on an adventure you won’t soon forget!