There’s a hip-hop scene across the pond slowly rowing its way over to America. We decided to break out the bullet boat cruiser and speed the process up. The rap/grime movement has been underway for many years in the UK. It’s a scene that is ever-changing, but thanks to VIBE’s UK correspondent, Sam Jadwat, we are hooked up with 10 key MCs spittin’ fire, many of which already have strong existing fan bases and are now signed to major labels
Take a look and a listen at the pool of talent making waves in the UK.–>
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Giggs
Arguably, the originator of UK rap as a genre, Giggs comes from South London with a slow flow and bass-heavy, distinctive voice. Having collaborated with Wacka Flocka Flame before he was signed to XL Recordings, he’s about to drop his new album When Will It Stop.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Wiley
Classed as the ‘Godfather of Grime’, Wiley (aka Eski Boy) has been a pioneer of the UK rap scene from when it first began, and is the one to thank for many of its breakthrough artists today. Recently dropping chart hit ‘Heatwave’, featuring singer Ms D, Wiley is an extremely versatile and talented individual.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Blade Brown
Blade Brown is one of the key UK rappers at the moment. Admired greatly by the underground rap division for his authentic tales from the hood, he can always be found within the scene’s radar.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Ghetts
Technically, you could say Ghetts is one of the best MCs to ever grace the Grime scene, thanks to his skippy flow and potent bars. Though the G-man has been under the radar lately, he makes plans to re-launch himself later this year with his anticipated forthcoming album Rebel With A Cause.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Skepta
Founder of the crew Boy Better Know, Skepta manages to stay relevant each year, and is a veteran bar-for-bar on the mic.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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JME
Brother to Skepta, JME comes with comedic bars, big punchlines and a very strong fan base. He’s best known for his gaming streams online, as well as his dope freestyles and music videos.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Kano
Kano’s known for his dynamic flow and witty wordplay on the mic. The born and bred in East Londoner’s career has been based on restless innovation. He recently appeared on the UK show ‘Topboy’, a well-recieved drama that looked at street life in London.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Lady Leshurr
One of the top female spitters in England, Birmingham-based Lady Leshurr rose through the ranks via freestyles and net videos, and is on the brink of something special. VIBE refers to her as the “EDM raptress”, already.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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Dot Rotten
A true Grime MC/producer at heart, Dot Rotten built his first beat on an Atari at the age of seven, and still continues to forge the gap between underground Grime and the mainstream sound.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]
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D Double E
A senior Grime representative, D Double E has been known to shutdown a Sidewinder rave with his catchy bars and unique flow. He’s also part of the Newham Generals who are signed to Dizzee Rascals’ label ‘Dirtee Stank’ and will be performing at Outlook Festival in Croatia this summer… and VIBE will be there too.[videoembed size=”full_width” alignment=”center”][/videoembed]