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THREAD: The faces of the future of UK Hip Hop
Here I’ll be discussing my favourite up and coming UK rappers in depth. I’m sticking to the narrower definition of Hip Hop, thus excluding grime and drill, for the sake of brevity. This is by no means exhaustive, but if there’s the appetite, I’d consider a complete list.
Leaders of the Generation
Stormzy, AJ Tracey, Dave & J Hus were the first names to burst onto the scene, coming into notoriety in the 2nd half of the 10s. I won’t be covering them here as they’re already established in the UK and have begun to receive international acclaim.(1/2)
Stormzy, AJ Tracey, Dave & J Hus were the first names to burst onto the scene, coming into notoriety in the 2nd half of the 10s. I won’t be covering them here as they’re already established in the UK and have begun to receive international acclaim.(1/2)
The leader’s significance to the artists in this thread cannot be understated however. All 4 mixed conventional grime with other sounds to create their unique styles. This paved the way for artists to be commercially successful in the UK without the limitations of grime.
Crossing the Border
Expanding into unchartered sound has created an unprecedented opportunity for UK/US or global collaboration. This is not just exciting for the artists and scene, creating a larger platform, but is helping to freshen up and inspire global sounds. (1/2)
Expanding into unchartered sound has created an unprecedented opportunity for UK/US or global collaboration. This is not just exciting for the artists and scene, creating a larger platform, but is helping to freshen up and inspire global sounds. (1/2)
Between Little Simz, Slowthai, Loyle Carner and Kojey Radical alone, these artists have crossed the border for collaborations
A$AP Rocky
BROCKHAMPTON
Mick Jenkins
Syd
MadLib
BADBADNOTGOOD
Little Dragon
Denzel Curry
Kenny Beats
Dominic Fike
Aminé
DJ Shadow
Khalid
Dave East
A$AP Rocky
BROCKHAMPTON
Mick Jenkins
Syd
MadLib
BADBADNOTGOOD
Little Dragon
Denzel Curry
Kenny Beats
Dominic Fike
Aminé
DJ Shadow
Khalid
Dave East
Little Simz
Despite it taking until GREY Area for her to get her plaudits, Little Simz already has 5 projects under her belt. This experience allows her to deliver intelligent, self aware and self-assured bars with the confidence of a veteran
Despite it taking until GREY Area for her to get her plaudits, Little Simz already has 5 projects under her belt. This experience allows her to deliver intelligent, self aware and self-assured bars with the confidence of a veteran
The Early Projects
Little Simz remains underrated today but her projects prior to GREY Area are drastically so. This is particularly shocking given that her older projects hold up to scrutiny effortlessly. If you like GREY Area then you’ll love these too. (1/3)
Little Simz remains underrated today but her projects prior to GREY Area are drastically so. This is particularly shocking given that her older projects hold up to scrutiny effortlessly. If you like GREY Area then you’ll love these too. (1/3)
Even on the Time Capsule EP, released at age 20, Simz’ talents seem so fine-honed and polished. From there, A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons & Stillness in Wonderland continued her trajectory into becoming one of the UK’s hottest artists. (2/3)
Her signature delivery and relentless flow have always been there. What’s developed since is her pen game. Unerringly truthful and scrutinising, Simz’ presents a level of self-awareness and a wider awareness of society that is seldom seen in Hip Hop’s braggadocios landscape.(3/3)
GREY Area @ Drop 6
The most notable developments here come in theme and production. Always with a lot to say, it’s a feat to hone a project down to the concise 35min runtime of GREY Area. Here, she carries the topics of love, heartbreak and mental healthy effortlessly. (1/2)
The most notable developments here come in theme and production. Always with a lot to say, it’s a feat to hone a project down to the concise 35min runtime of GREY Area. Here, she carries the topics of love, heartbreak and mental healthy effortlessly. (1/2)
It’s also evident that developing a unique production style was key to her. Tracks centred around guitar and piano riffs with the drums taking a more laid back approach are consistent features. This continues into Drop 6, which is a throwaway EP which would rival most good albums
Slowthai
Unlike Simz, Slowthai was not a slow burner, exploding onto the scene with his 2019 debut album after 2 strong EPs built momentum. His volatile delivery was a breath of fresh air as Thai became a source through which many Brits heard their anger at the UK pour out
Unlike Simz, Slowthai was not a slow burner, exploding onto the scene with his 2019 debut album after 2 strong EPs built momentum. His volatile delivery was a breath of fresh air as Thai became a source through which many Brits heard their anger at the UK pour out
Nothing Great About Britain
Inspired by punk and The Streets, NGAB carved its own Lane into UK HH culture.Not hailing from London, Thai offers a perspective of British life that often goes untouched. This resonated with a wide, usually forgotten, audience of youthful Brits.(1/2)
Inspired by punk and The Streets, NGAB carved its own Lane into UK HH culture.Not hailing from London, Thai offers a perspective of British life that often goes untouched. This resonated with a wide, usually forgotten, audience of youthful Brits.(1/2)
Throughout, his brutal delivery can make you forget you’re listening to a HH album. Matched with his witty and thoughtful lyricism, Thai established the soundtrack for the average British youth, expressing the mundanity of everyday life and all the pent up emotion to match.
Tyron
If NGAB aims to direct its anger at the world around us, Tyron is it’s more insular partner, looking inward for answers to Thai’s problems. Split into 2, the 1st shows the more bashful side we expect but the production feels more polished and explores a wider soundscape
If NGAB aims to direct its anger at the world around us, Tyron is it’s more insular partner, looking inward for answers to Thai’s problems. Split into 2, the 1st shows the more bashful side we expect but the production feels more polished and explores a wider soundscape
Side B shows a previously unseen vulnerability to Thai that directs his angst into dreary self-reflection and introspection. The overarching narrative? That’s there’s two sides to every person, the one displayed to the world and the inward struggle that goes on behind the scenes.
Loyle Carner
My favourite artist here and pfp, LC is the soft boy of the UK HH scene. Poetic lyricism and a smooth flow over jazzy production are staples of his style. His debut album put him on the map in the UK but he’s yet to have the same level of US success as the previous
My favourite artist here and pfp, LC is the soft boy of the UK HH scene. Poetic lyricism and a smooth flow over jazzy production are staples of his style. His debut album put him on the map in the UK but he’s yet to have the same level of US success as the previous
Yesterday’s Gone
Ignoring his very underrated EP, A Little Late, LC’s streaming debut is a jazz-infused joy from start to end. It’s a great introduction to him, bringing you up to speed with everything going on in his life. Tracks dedicated to his mum, friends and lovers.
Ignoring his very underrated EP, A Little Late, LC’s streaming debut is a jazz-infused joy from start to end. It’s a great introduction to him, bringing you up to speed with everything going on in his life. Tracks dedicated to his mum, friends and lovers.
Lyrically superb storytelling paints vivid stories, carried effortlessly over Rebel Kleff’s jazzy production. His flow is always on point and works just as well over melancholic Beats as well as the more fast paced ones. The production is a true highlight here.
No Waving But Drowning
If the last album’s success was in large part down to the production, this is where Loyle proved his pen game to be superb. Another check in on where his life has gotten to but this is a love story. It focusses on maturity, growing up and escaping comfort.
If the last album’s success was in large part down to the production, this is where Loyle proved his pen game to be superb. Another check in on where his life has gotten to but this is a love story. It focusses on maturity, growing up and escaping comfort.
These themes are complimented by stripped back, jazzy instrumentals that allow space for Loyle to breathe, making his lyricism the focal point of the record. It’s an album of self reflection, exploring his connection to his roots, his relationship and the acceptance of change.
Kojey Radical
The smallest name on this list is an incredibly underrated artist. On his fourth full length record, he’s had time to craft his sound, culminating in the Cashmere Tears that deserved greater acclaim. A Pusha T cosign tells you all you need to know about his talents
The smallest name on this list is an incredibly underrated artist. On his fourth full length record, he’s had time to craft his sound, culminating in the Cashmere Tears that deserved greater acclaim. A Pusha T cosign tells you all you need to know about his talents
Cashmere Tears
Due partly to laziness and mostly because I have only recently explored his full catalog, I’ll be jumping straight to CT, as to avoid doing the others a disservice. His deep vocals and fiery delivery here work perfectly both over more gritty and soulful cuts.
Due partly to laziness and mostly because I have only recently explored his full catalog, I’ll be jumping straight to CT, as to avoid doing the others a disservice. His deep vocals and fiery delivery here work perfectly both over more gritty and soulful cuts.
Kojey delivers an excellent funk/HH record here. A very tight 29min runtime means every bar has fought for its place. Delivered with ferocity, you can here the fire and passion in each word. His bars are equal parts hopeful and triumphant as they sobering and poignant.
Thanks for reading!! All likes and rt’s are appreciated. Love to be able to put you guys onto UK artists
@LoyleCarner @LittleSimz @slowthai @KojeyRadical big love to all of these! So excited to hear what’s coming next. You’re the future
