In a genre dominated by American artists, it’s easy to forget that some incredibly talented rappers are coming out of the U.K. While they may get less attention than their U.S. counterparts, these British MCs are worth checking out.
Here are the 15 best white British rappers making waves in the scene.
List of the Top White British Rappers
1. Dizzee Rascal
Dizzee Rascal is an icon in the U.K. music industry. Born in East London, he revolutionized the White British Rap scene in 2003 with his debut album, Boy In Da Corner.
Hailed by many as a pioneer of grime music, Dizzee has enjoyed international success with his records and recordings released over the past decade and a half.
His influence is evident in White British Rappers that followed, pushing the borders of what White British Rappers are capable of in terms of lyrical complexity and musical invention.
His ever-evolving sound represents the creative spirit inherent to White British Rap talent, inspiring up-and-coming artists to push their boundaries like never before.
2. Tinie Tempah
Tinie Tempah is a groundbreaking rapper and songwriter from London, England. His distinct style of music ranges from hip-hop to grime to house and has earned him critical acclaim and commercial success.
His debut album “Disc-Overy” featured the hit single “Pass Out,” which charted at number one in the U.K. and Ireland for four weeks. He has released four other highly successful albums since then, each showcasing his easily recognizable voice and fantastic lyricism.
Tinie Tempah continues to be one of the most influential musical artists of our time. His ability to deliver fresh new sounds with every project makes him indispensable in today’s rap/hip-hop scene.
3. Skepta
Skepta is an English rapper whose discography traverses grime, hip-hop, and afrobeat influences. From humble beginnings in small venues like London’s underground clubs, Skepta has released five full-length studio albums in his impressive career.
His creativity knows no bounds, evidenced by his critically acclaimed album ‘Konnichiwa,’ which won the Mercury Prize for best British album of the past year.
Additionally, Skepta has collaborated with other notable industry figures, such as Drake and Wizkid, in their breakthrough singles, combining East and West African genres to create an amalgamation of international sounds.
Despite having achieved so much during his career, Skepta remains grounded as he continues to push boundaries in modern music.
4. J Hus
J Hus is a London-based artist who has been lauded as a pioneering figure in British rap. His success and influence can be attributed to his unique fusion of hip-hop, RnB, grime, and various global musical influences.
The influence of his diverse cultural background can be heard in songs like “Did You See” and “Friendly,” which have resonated with people worldwide and given them a new perspective on traditional British music.
His breakout debut album, Common Sense, achieved both commercial and critical success and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize in 2017.
J Hus continues to innovate with every release and carve out a space for himself that defies genre classification.
5. Stormzy
Stormzy is one of the most successful British rappers of this decade. He has established himself as a prominent voice in the U.K. grime and hip-hop scene through highly popularized albums like ‘Gang Signs & Prayers’ and ‘Heavy Is The Head’.
Not only has he become renowned for lyrically-inspiring anthems, but he has also made headlines due to his relentless activism to inspire positive change within society.
His Glastonbury headline set was a monumental event regarding genre representation. It continues to play a significant role in enabling grime to take over the world stage with more recognition than ever before.
6. Bugzy Malone
Bugzy Malone is an up-and-coming rapper who stands out from the crowd. With his unique style of delivering heavy bars, he has earned a loyal fan base as he continues to rise in popularity. Hard drops accompany his thought-provoking lyrics and witty punchlines to engage listeners.
The Manchester hometown hero has already collaborated with some of the biggest names in the game, including Stormzy and Chip. Beyond his musical talents, Bugzy Malone also succeeded in acting with his role in the movie ‘Brotherhood.’
There is nothing this multi-talented artist can’t do – already proving that his place at the top of the rap game should not be underestimated.
7. Central Cee
Central Cee is a British rapper from the U.K. who quickly makes a name for himself in the rap scene. He’s known for his unique flow and infectious energy that has caused some of his tracks to go viral.
Moreover, he’s become famous for his hard-hitting bars and poignant lyrics, which often tackle challenging themes such as mental health and social injustice.
Central Cee’s distinctive style has earned him a massive fanbase across the U.K. and beyond, and he’s only just getting started. With new music set to be released soon, this rising star has much more to come.
8. Dave
Dave is an artist who has been spitting rhymes since the late 90s. He’s known for his clever wordplay and inventive vocal delivery. His sound is often described as a combination of Southern Hip-Hop, Jazz Rap, and modern Trap elements.
Best of all, he is a highly respected lyricist in the rap game. His music explores various topics, from personal struggles to social issues. He’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in Hip-Hop and has released several acclaimed mixtapes, E.P.s, and albums.
Dave brings passion to every track he creates and continues to be one of the game’s most innovative and influential rappers. He’s definitely an artist to keep your eye on!
9. Aitch
Aitch is a British rapper from Manchester who has been making waves in the music industry since 2017. He first began to gain recognition after his single “Taste (Make It Shake)” hit the top 10 on the U.K. Singles Chart, making him one of the most successful rappers in the country.
Since then, Aitch has gone on to be featured on several other songs, including his collaboration with Stormzy for “Take Me Back To London,” He is enjoying success with his latest album, AitcH20.
He has had a profound impact on the U.K. rap scene and continues to push the boundaries of the genre with his unique sound. Aitch’s musical style blends hip-hop and grime, creating a distinctively British sound that has seen him become one of the most famous rappers in the U.K.
10. Tion Wayne
Tion Wayne is another artist to watch out for when it comes to rap music. He burst onto the scene in 2019 and has already seen a lot of success with his infectious bangers. His powerful lyrics and catchy hooks have made him a favorite amongst hip-hop fans worldwide.
Moreover, he has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Stormzy and Aitch. He is also featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra’s “Fire in the Booth.”
His latest single, “Till I Die,” is an emotional track that speaks on his struggles growing up and how he overcame them. It’s full of powerful lyrics and a beat that will have you nodding your head. He is definitely an artist to keep an eye on as he continues to rise in the rap industry.
11. Russ Millions
Russ Millions is a Scottish rapper from Glasgow who gained recognition by releasing songs that mix trap and grime music elements. He has collaborated with various producers and artists, such as Skepta, Mike Skinner, and Shogun Audio.
His most famous single is “Money Come First,” which peaked at number 67 on the U.K. Singles Chart. The single was met with critical acclaim, praised for its unique fusion of grime and trap influences.
12. AJ Tracey
AJ Tracey is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter from West London. He burst onto the scene in 2016 with his self-released debut E.P., The Front, and has been tearing up the U.K. rap scene ever since.
A.J.’s music is hard-hitting yet playful, blending grime, trap, and hip-hop influences to create his unique sound. He’s collaborated with some of the biggest names in British rap, including Skepta, Dave, and J Hus, and his song’ Ladbroke Grove’ went to number 3 on the U.K. charts in 2019.
He’s also been nominated for various awards, including the 2019 Brit Award for Best British Breakthrough Act and the 2020 NME Award for Best British Male Solo Artist.
13. ArrDee
ArrDee is a rising star in the rap music scene. His sound is a mix of old-school beats with modern rap flow. He grew up in Dallas, Texas, and deeply loves hip-hop culture. He is known for his clever rhymes and catchy hooks, which always draw in large crowds.
He is also the founder of his record label called Fresh Empire Entertainment. Under his brand, he has released several mixtapes and is working on an upcoming album. He is passionate about allowing aspiring artists to make their music heard.
14. Headie One
Headie One is a British rapper from Tottenham, London. He’s best known for his breakout single ’18Hunna’, quickly gaining popularity in the U.K. rap scene.
His raw and honest delivery has earned him acclaim from fans and critics alike, as well as collaborations with some of the biggest names in the game. His latest project, ‘Edna’ was released to critical acclaim and showcased his versatility and range as an artist.
15. Digga D
Digga D is a U.K. drill rapper from Birmingham, known for his rapid-fire flows and thought-provoking bars. He released his debut mixtape, “Welcome to Drill,” in 2019, which has since become certified gold.
He’s garnered a loyal fan following for his relatable lyrics about life growing up in the U.K. and his controversial takes on current affairs. His latest single, “No Diet”, has become a viral hit, with more than 10 million views on YouTube.
Digga D is one of the most prolific U.K. drill rappers and shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon!
Conclusion
Rap is a genre of music that continues to evolve and grow, with new artists constantly emerging.
This list features some of the most popular and up-and-coming rappers in the U.K., from established artists to those just starting their journey. Each one offers something unique, from hard-hitting bars to playful melodies and clever rhymes.
We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about these talented rappers and that you’ll keep an eye out for their future releases. Who knows – you might find your next favorite artist!
That’s all! You can also check out 9 Best White Rappers with Braids (Trending Hairstyles) and The Best Chicago Rappers of All Time.
White British Rappers – FAQs
Who is the most popular British rapper?
The most famous British rapper is Skepta, who has been a major force in the U.K. rap scene for over a decade. He’s released acclaimed albums such as Konnichiwa, Ignorance Is Bliss, and Energy, gaining a massive fan following both in the U.K. and abroad.
Who is the best U.K. street rapper?
Headie One is widely considered to be the best U.K. street rapper. He’s known for his hard-hitting bars and catchy hooks, which have earned him legions of fans and collaborations with some of the biggest names in U.K. rap. His debut album, Edna, was critically acclaimed and showcased his versatility and range as an artist.
Who is the most influential British rapper?
Skepta is considered one of the most influential British rappers of all time. His sound and style have inspired countless other artists in the U.K. and abroad. He’s also been credited with popularizing grime music and paving the way for a new generation of U.K. rappers.
Which British rapper is signed to a major label?
The most famous British rapper signed to a major label is Stormzy. He’s been signed to Atlantic Records since 2016 and has released three certified gold or higher albums. He’s widely credited with helping to bring grime music into the mainstream and has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music.
What is drill rap?
Drill rap is a subgenre of hip-hop music that first emerged in the U.K. in the early 2010s. It is characterized by its dark and aggressive sound and violent and often gang-related lyrics. Digga D is among the most famous U.K. drill rappers and has released acclaimed projects such as Welcome to Drill and No Diet.
Who is the most popular female rapper in the U.K.?
The most popular female rapper in the U.K. is Lady Leshurr. She’s known for her witty wordplay, clever bars, and viral Queen’s Speech freestyle. Her debut album Unlestimated was released in 2020 and received critical acclaim, solidifying her place as one of the top female rappers in the U.K.
We hope you will now get the list of the best White British Rappers.
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Hi my name is Richard Matthews I have been writing since 2014. I have a huge passion for rock music and I extremely enjoy playing it.
