8 UK Rappers That Need To Be On Your Radar in 2019
2019 will be the year Grime and UK Hip-Hop cross over into the American mainstream and here is why. At the turn of the year we are at a historic place in Hip-Hop history. The genre has now reigned as the United States most popular genre for two years. The industry is saturated with trap beats and imitators and fans are starting to loose interest. While many talented artists are still making original and exciting music, majority of songs seem to be the same gift rewrapped over and over. Out of this climate uniqueness thrives. This year many fans will be broadening their musical horizons looking for anything that sounds different, but with many overtly different underground rap artist making music in the United States, why would we need to turn to UK rap?
UK rap is more than different, it is exceptionally good. Also frequently referred to as grime, UK rap has a totally unique sound that is a product of many genres colliding head on in London. Drill, trap, hip-hop, R&B, afrobeat, soul, and dancehall all seamlessly mix in the diverse UK rap scene. There is a higher point of emphasis on production and instrumentals in the UK, something that will translate smoothly into the American mainstream. UK rap beats are generally faster normally ranging from the 140-160 bpm range. Artists in the UK obviously have a different dialect and flow than we are use to hearing in America which makes these songs all the more exciting and fun to listen to.
Once you venture past Skepta and Giggs the UK rap scene can be tricky to figure out. My Spotify playlist “UK Grime Rap” is a great place to start. It contains all the essentials in the modern grime scene along with some less known wildcards. Stream it here:
If you like to weed through artists yourself and make your own discoveries, GRM Daily is just the place for you. It acts as the UK’s version of WorldStarHipHop posting music videos daily from the hottest grime artists. Find their YouTube page here:
https://www.youtube.com/c/GRMDAILY
If you are still overwhelmed by the sheer amount of unheard UK Hip-Hop don’t worry, you aren’t alone. Here are eight London rappers that are set for a big 2019 and need to be on your radar:
Blay Vision
Blay Vision is a promising UK MC whose most lucrative attribute isn’t his rapping. Well Blay can certainly hold his own lyrically, his production truly sets him apart. Just listen to the captivating instrumental he cooks up for our featured track “Gone Mad” and you will certainly see how talented of a producer Blay is.
Flohio
Flohio is one of the most talented female MCs rapping now. Her automatic delivery is impossible to ignore and her serious demeanor validates everything she says. With only a slew of singles out, it looks likely that we get her debut album in 2019.
Fredo
The West London MC is already a pop star in the UK. His songs are infectious club bangers that have a deeper meaning than their initial listen lead you to believe. Fredo had the UK’s number one single in October with “Funky Friday” and with his debut project on the way it’s safe to say you’ll hear Fredo’s voice in 2019.
Hardy Caprio
If nothing else, you can’t deny how fun Hardy Caprio’s music is. Sounding like a more playful Skepta, Caprio’s songs are light-hearted bangers with a heavy Afrobeat influence. Don’t be surprised to hear Hardy’s voice next time you are at the beach.
K-Trap
Although K-Trap chooses to conceal his identity by wearing a balaclava, London is quickly learning his name. The anonymous MC delivers gritty and honest lyrics over classic trap beats. K-Trap sounds the more like America trap music than anyone else on this list thus giving him a lane to quickly merge into in the United States.
Kojey Radical
In the East Londoner’s music, content reigns supreme. With a background in visual arts, Kojey is a creative force on every front from music and poetry to fashion and visual arts. Every bar in Kojey’s music sounds thoughtful and intentional. We haven’t heard new music from him since August though, hopefully a sign of a new album rather than an unproductive hiatus.
Octavian
Out of everyone on this list, Octavian has achieved the most success in America due to an Instagram story where Drake sings along to his popular single “Party Here.” Octavian is boundary-pushing artist that refuses to be put into a box. His mood-driven melodic rap is a result of a difficult upbringing which included periods of homelessness and a bad relationship with his mother. Octavian’s music sounds different and gives listeners the sense that he might be the leader of a new wave.
Unknown T
Unknown T is the least established and potentially the most promising artist on this list. With only one true single out, the sample size for Unknown T is small. If by chance this single is a credible indication of what is to come for Unknown T, than expect his voice to be unescapable in 2019. His one single “Homerton B” was one of the best rap songs released in 2018 in any country and we can only hope he has more bops up his sleeve.
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