Music
7 tracks proving 2017 is a golden age for UK rap
Seriously, the scene is untouchable right now.
It’s no secret that the UK is currently harbouring a hotbed of talent. With a new crop of MCs taking influence from Afrobeats, drill, dancehall and beyond, the homegrown rap scene has carved out a special new place for itself, with a hungry fanbase to match.
Now the underground is breaking through to the mainstream. Dave is collaborating with Drake, J Hus’ album Common Sense overtook Harry Styles’ in the UK chart, and names like Abra Cadabra and Nines are on the verge of stardom themselves. Here are seven tracks that prove that the UK is where it’s at for rap at the minute.
1. Abra Cadabra – My Hood (ft. Sneakbo)
With his signature gruff tone, buoyed up with Jamaican patois and “dun talking” tag, Abra Cadabra pricked up ears via a Blackbox freestyle before his fiery Roberry (Remix) really took off, racking up millions of views. My Hood sees the Ounto Nation member sparring with UK leading light Sneakbo, going bar for bar over a deviant beat – and there’s an equally dark video to match (watch it above).
2. Dave – Revenge
His name might sound unassuming, but Dave shouldn’t be underestimated. The 19-year-old rapper from Streatham recently copped the Drake co-sign, and has spent the rest of the year making sure everyone knows his name. Over a Streetfighter-esque, 8-bit riddim, Revenge proves that Dave has the bars to match the Stateside hype, laying down cutting lines like “I got love from superstars in America, before I got love from guys I chilled with at the corner shop.”
3. Stefflon Don ft Giggs – Real Ting Remix
Stefflon Don’s been living up to her name, recently signing her V-IV London label to Universal in a move that’s capped off a sensational 18 months for Stefanie Allen. The MC’s blend of dancehall and hip-hop have been catching fire, and Giggs jumped on the remix for ‘Real Ting’, a track which begs the question: is there a better line going than “big brown bludclart batty for your dinner?”
4. Young T & Bugsey ft. Belly Squad – Gangland
Black Butter-signed Young T & Bugsey are part of the new breed of young bloods carving out their own success. Meeting in their hometown of Nottingham as 15-year-olds, the pair quickly gained recognition for their fierce DIY spirit and tight rhymes. Teaming up with Afrobeats stars-in-waiting Belly Squad, Gangland hits the sweet spot between original, unique flows and the sound of UK rap in 2017.
5. J Hus – Did You See
We’ve not seen an ascent as sharp as J Hus’ for some time, and this list wouldn’t be complete without the guy with more hooks than a fisherman. The Stratford rapper just dropped the album that’ll soundtrack the summer and most likely the rest of the year. Did You See is peak Hus, deploying catchy, humorous lines over some of the waviest production going.
6. MoStack – Let It Ring
In a similar vein to Hus, North London’s MoStack has been bridging the gap between melodic Afrobeats and no-frills road rap, switching between spitting and singing – but always with a singable hook in mind. With his High Street Kid mixtape set to drop and invariably blow up soon, it looks like 2017 could be MoStack’s for the taking.
7. Nines ft J Hus – High Roller
Recent XL Recordings-signee Nines kicked off the year by dropping next level, self-assured road rap debut album One Foot Out, taking one more step towards widespread industry recognition. High Roller sees the Harlesden pioneer explain in fine detail about how he’s getting more paper than you and upgrading from a Mini to a ‘Rarri.
Check out more great premieres, stories and videos at RedBull.com/Music
Like Red Bull Music on Facebook and follow us on Twitter at @RedBull_Music
