More often than not, mainstream rappers (with the exception of a select few) follow a specific method; easily digestible lyricism within melodic-based songs. Don’t get me wrong, rappers are well aware that this accessible approach caters to how the average listener consumes music, and there are target audiences, but when there is no variety, repetition and predictability takes place, the novelty factor wears off and ultimately boredom occurs.
The music industry is currently over-saturated with rappers putting out bloated projects — scattered with filler tracks — at a high rate to amass copious amounts of streams, as opposed to having the direction to construct a focused body of work.
The result? A cesspool of mediocrity.
Although the majority of mainstream rappers are achieving commercial success, sales don’t necessarily equate to quality. Certain rappers, however, don’t follow the aforementioned blueprint. Instead, they take time to perfect their craft and provide listeners with substance and different content. Sadly, cultural relevance takes precedence over artistic integrity in regards to the masses, and these talented rappers are subsequently overlooked for the most part.
That said, here are the four UK rappers who are consistently showcasing their versatile skillset, diverse sound and deserve more attention in the scene;
Honourable mentions: Avelino, slowthai, Jesse James Solomon, Benny Mails, Sam Wise, Jeshi, Kojey Radical, Denzel Himself, Octavian.
- Knucks
The underrated North west London rapper/producer is in his own lane. His laid-back style has given him a swagger which lets him coast throughout his songs in a nonchalant manner; “Man these rappers bore me and I know they’re trying, I just tell my story and just hope it rhymes,” he raps on Breakfast at Tiffany’s, inspired by the 1961 film of the same name. The above-mentioned bar not only exhibits self-confidence, but also implies staying true to yourself.
Initially dabbling in grime, Knucks transitioned to UK rap later on as he started to take music seriously. His sample-based sound displays his pleasant ear for beats. For instance, on Vows whereby he samples Michael Jackson’s The Lady in My Life.
Influenced by the enigmatic MF DOOM and the allure of Sade, he pays homage to Nas on his debut mixtape Killmatic. His #NoDaysOff movement echoes like a producer tag at the beginning of tracks like Frostbite, 21 Candles and Turnover and he demonstrates his freestyling ability on Big Kahuna.
Up next.
2. A2
The South London rapper/singer/producer has been making waves in the underground with his hazy, atmospheric soundscapes. He incorporates R&B and Soul and linked up with 6LACK for the ambient cut Southern Comfort off of his debut LP Blue.
A2 was originally a grime artist before adapting to UK rap, evidenced by his energy on loosies such as Trade Places, Versace Blue Jeans 2 and X2 (Dble) which also portray his sharp, crisp lyrical content.
Earlier work such as More Sleep EP expressed his raw, uncut emotions and deep thought process. Spitting about issues such as loneliness and communication in a cool, calm and collected fashion has resonated with his core fanbase, and these topics are also frequently labelled as a mood on social media. The mysterious figure evidently has all the tools in his locker to become the quintessential relatable rapper.
More 3am vibes on the way.
3. Loyle Carner
The South London rapper dropped his most vulnerable project to date last year in Yesterday’s Gone. A jazzy, soulful effort laced with reflective, sincere raps delivered in an articulate tone.
An immediate standout is Stars & Shards whereby the 23-year-old comes out rhyming with urgency as if his life depends on it. The album’s opener The Isle Of Arran puts his storytelling abilities to the test over a sample of S.C.I. Youth Choir’s The Lord Will Make A Way. Another highlight is Meant It In The Morning which is a heartfelt record full of clarity.
Nominated for the 2017 Mercury prize, Carner’s debut EP A Little Late is brutally honest and drenched in nostalgia. The six tracks contemplate on his upbringing, loss and coming of age. It is also dedicated to his step-father who passed away prior to its release.
Elegant penmanship from a genuine poet.
4. Little Simz
The skilled North London rapper/singer has received co-signs from Jay-Z, Mos Def, J. Cole and Kendrick Lamar, thus far. Seeing as 2017 was the year of women in hip-hop with Rapsody’s Laila’s Wisdom nominated for best rap album at the Grammys and Ill Camille dropping the critically acclaimed Heirloom, the 24-year-old should build on the momentum of her contemporaries with the upcoming release of her third studio album — which she says is finished via Twitter — and become a household name in the rap game.
From a technical standpoint, Simz’s effortless flow enables her to float on smooth, mellow beats and bounce over trappy instrumentals as she flexes her lyrical prowess. At times, her vicious delivery gives her a menacing presence on the mic.
Themes such as fate, courage and introspection are addressed in A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, Age 101: Drop X and Stillness in Wonderland respectively. She continues to push boundaries with her progressive sound which incorporates elements of rock and allows her to form an authentic dynamic in the process.
A true wordsmith.
Below is a playlist (under an hour long) I curated with one song from each UK rapper mentioned in this article;
Enjoy!
