The UK rap scene may be more fractured than it’s been for a while, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing: what it lacks in unity, it makes up for in diversity.
Road rap and drill aren’t quite as dominant as they have been in previous years, but there are still plenty of new talents like Pozer and Mazza L20 invigorating the scene. Elsewhere, there’s a thriving alternative rap movement, led by noisemakers like Len, Lancey Foux, Fimiguerrero and their set, bringing an abrasive yet stylish quality that we haven’t seen before. And then there are the versatile young bucks like Ceebo and Reuben Aziz upsetting the scene and challenging the old guard to up their game.
There are also more and more new artists who are harder to pin down, sonically. Collectively, they’re rejecting genre boundaries even more resoundingly than previous generations, folding all sorts of genres and subgenres into their hybrid fusion sounds. South London’s Saiming, on one end, leans heavily into jazz influences, frequently collaborating with a producer called dilushselva whose instrumentals often stir flutes, brass and all sorts into the broth. On the other side, you have JayaHadADream, whose production choices can veer anywhere from light-footed jazz to pirate radio-era garage and grime.
Things are about to get exciting again across the British rap sphere—here are 25 rappers you should know about this year, and beyond.
Pozer
For fans of: Nemzzz, Central Cee, Chy Cartier
Essential tracks: “Malicious Intentions”, “Puppies”, “Shanghigh Noon”
Having made history last year when he became the first UK rapper to have his first two singles, “Kitchen Stove” and “Malicious Intentions”, hit the Official Singles Chart, it’s safe to say 2024 was Pozer’s breakout year; however, this year is the year he takes over the world! Recently winning Best Drill Act at the 2025 MOBO Awards, the Croydon rapper’s very South London take on the Jersey-drill sound has been shaking up the streets and the mainstream in equal measure, which isn’t an easy thing to do; his unrelenting flow, ominous cadence and club-ready beats have also found fans in the likes of Dave and Stormzy. Currently signed to Sony RCA imprint Robots & Humans, Pozer has everything it takes—the talent, the charisma, the likeability factor—to become the next UK rap star to go international. —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson
RIGGA
For fans of: Knucks, AntsLive, Blanco
Essential tracks: “Tech Fleece”, “Run Up The Bag”, “GENGAR”
From the boxing ring to the studio booth, newcomer RIGGA attacks the mic with just as much confidence. The North-West London native, who previously went by his championship boxing moniker STAY READY, leaves behind a skill, a talent he spent decades honing to do rap. Brave move, but a smart one: unlike many other athletes who have tried their hand at music, RIGGA is hands down the coldest I’ve heard. Having recently dropped his debut project, Off The Rip, which features the brilliant “GENGAR”, he’s about to prove to himself, his old boxing fans, and the rest of the world that his decision to swap the gloves for the pen was definitely the right one. Stay ready! —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson
Fakemink
For fans of: Lancey Foux, Nettspend, Playboi Carti
Essential tracks: “LV Sandals”, “Easter Pink”, “Truffle”
A genre-defying force in London’s underground scene, Fakemink blends alternative rap, experimental electronica and punk-inspired rebellion into a sound that feels both unpredictable and necessary. His music is raw, urgent and self-produced, fusing glitchy synths, distorted basslines and unconventional drum patterns to create a sonic world that mirrors the chaos of modern youth. Fakemink’s debut album, London’s Saviour, released in 2023, was both a bold proclamation and a challenge to the city’s music scene, which at the time he viewed as stagnant. With a relentless work ethic, having dropped over 50 songs in 2024 alone, he operates like a studio-bound insomniac, perfecting his craft in his darkened bedroom, engineering his beats and penning lyrics that dive into themes of existential dread, digital escapism, and the blurred lines between luxury and grime. Fakemink’s self-described aesthetic of “luxury and dirty” extends beyond his music, reflecting in his fashion sense, his influences (from Dean Blunt to Alexander McQueen), and his unfiltered approach to artistry. He calls himself “London’s saviour” not as a flex, but as a statement of intent. And with his growing cult following and undeniable influence, it’s hard to argue with him. Don’t be surprised if he pops up on a track with Carti in the near future. —Mimi The Music Blogger
JayaHadADream
For fans of: Deyah, KAM-BU, Manga Saint Hilare,
Essential tracks: “Fine Art”, “Twiggy”, “Stubborn”
Rising up as part of grime’s newest wave, Cambridge MC JayaHadADream is keyed into the sound’s eclectic potential. She’s perfectly adept at storming live sets, as we saw at TRENCH’s seventh anniversary session, but studio tracks like “Twiggy” show us an artist who’s just as comfortable on more laid-back productions. In those settings, she’s just as sure-footed, able to settle in and let her bars breathe with quiet confidence. Key to any great lyricist, she has a broad range of interests, and with a background as a teacher, she sources inspiration everywhere from television to history to cooking and a dozen other topics besides. JayaHadADream’s signature is a ravenous hunger for freshness that pushes her to try out new production styles and test herself as a writer and as a rhymer. If ever an artist was primed to give us a complex and layered project, it’s Jaya. —James Keith
kwes e
For fans of: Fimiguerrero, bib sama, ayrtn
Essential tracks: “juggin” “felt kuti”, “naij kylie”
To call kwes e a newcomer would be inaccurate, because he’s been filling the underground with bangers for years. Born in Ghana and raised in Canterbury by a single mother, he’s a vital part of the city’s Escape Plan collective—an assortment of weird and wonderful outcasts channeling creativity into music and art. Adept at straight raps and melodic crooning, kwes e crafts dancey anthems for his generation; he has dropped every year, bar one, since 2020, including his vowels trilogy, which traverses bouncy party fillers with more cloudy, pensive numbers. His versatility shines through with every release, and he has rapped with some of the best of his era, including YT, Chy Cartier, Sainté and Rushy on platforms like Victory Lap Radio. Artistically fearless, kwes e is carving out his own, unique lane in an underground scene full of greatness. —Yemi Abiade
YT
For fans of: Len, Fimiguerrero, Lancey Foux
Essential tracks: “Prada Or Celine”, “#PURRR”, “Black & Tan”
YT is among those shaping the future of UK music, blending rap, experimental trap and infectious jerk-infused flows to create a sound that’s impossible to ignore. His 2024 viral hit, “Black & Tan” with Lancey Foux, led the UK underground’s arrival in the States, proving his ability to make music that transcends borders. This momentum follows his 2023 breakout track, “Arc’teryx”, which is closing in on 6 million streams. Rather than chasing trends, YT thrives on reinvention. From sampling Lady Gaga’s “Poker Face” on “#PURRR” to channeling NYC’s jerk-drill wave, his sound is a melting pot of influences that keep listeners engaged. His debut mixtape, Real Life, showcased this versatility, featuring collabs with UK heavyweights like Len, Lancey Foux and Fimiguerrero. And visuals from LAUZZA for tracks like “Prada Or Celine” and “MVP” have only solidified his growing, cult-like following. Balancing life as an Oxford philosophy student with an undeniable passion for music, YT has walked his way to the forefront of the underground. Now, with co-signs from the likes of Skepta and Cench, YT looks more like an international superstar every day. —Mimi
namesbliss
For fans of: Joe James, Novelist, Stormzy
Essential tracks: “Iniesta Flow”, “I Told Him”, “premium wear”
He isn’t a newcomer, but he is on the cusp of a mainstream-level breakthrough: namesbliss has been rooted in London’s grime scene for a while, but he also likes to flip the script and rap over jazz-tinged, boom-bappy beats from the likes of Samson and BexBlu, just because he can. Loved for his rhymes and tweets about faith (in Jesus) and other uplifting vignettes, namesbliss is skippy with the flow—the type that conjures up happy and positive vibes—and as his second sold-out headline show and first wedding anniversary (!) proved last year, the blessings are abundant when your steps are ordered by the Lord. —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson
Wohdee
For fans of: Shaybo, Cardi B, GloRilla
Essential tracks: “Hi Hello”, “I Like”, “My Shayla”
Wohdee encapsulates so much of what we love about the current wave of women rapping, like really rapping and parring with the mandem. Like her predecessors Ms. Dynamite, Shystie and Shaybo—even her cousins across the pond, Cardi B and GloRilla—Birmingham’s Wohdee has a cocky swagger that translates through audio waves; seeping through the headphones, you can tell she has unshakeable conviction in herself. In a world that seems to be swinging back to the Right, it’s great to hear a woman refuse to shrink herself on wax. Wohdee has shown her ability to make music that can play in all sorts of settings, like on her team-ups with JY MNTL and Nadia Rose, but in my opinion, she’s at her best when she’s firing off bars like rounds in a gun range, snapping with speed, then slowing down for control, on tracks like “My Shayla”—a recent drop that feels like she’s found the sound that suits her most. —Scully
Marlow P
For fans of: Potter Payper, KayMuni, Mowgs
Essential tracks: “Can’t Lose”, “I Ain’t Stopping”, “Alone In The Streets”
Shepherd’s Bush rhymer Marlow P has no shortage of life experience to draw from. He’s weathered tragedy and been forced to grow up quickly, but it hasn’t jaded him. His tracks are motivational, often introspective and at times candid, but his message is as much for himself as it is for the listener. In 2022, his debut single, “I Ain’t Stopping”, brought him his first taste of the spotlight, but with that came a pang of self-doubt. A minor pause followed in 2023 (though he did still release a track, “Can’t Lose”), but last year Marlow P returned with a vengeance. A guest spot on Sheff rapper Skinz’s dark and dramatic “100 In Da T” got the ball rolling and, this time, he seized his moment, following through with a surefooted run of singles that, at least to outside ears, sounded like he’d resolutely put those inner demons to rest. Hopefully, he can use that springboard to pull off an even bigger 2025. —James Keith
Ceebo
For fans of: Jordy, Joe James, Dave
Essential tracks: “MATANGA“, “MEMORY LANE“, “FAITHFUL“
Hailing from Lambeth, Ceebo’s music captures the highs and lows of life in South London, offering a perspective that’s both deeply personal and universally resonant. His most recent project, LAMBETHNOTLA, cements him as a gifted wordsmith, weaving together a sonic landscape that mirrors his experiences. Tracks like “LAMBETH AKA A DUNRAVEN BABES” showcase his intricate storytelling, personifying his borough as a love interest, while “MEMORY LANE” is a soulful reflection on lost youth. Ceebo also tackles broader issues: “TRAUMA SOLD SEPARATELY” critiques how Black pain is commodified in entertainment, while “MATANGA” (Congolese for funeral) grapples with the fear of becoming another statistic. With viral moments on platforms such as Balamii and an authentic buzz that is getting louder by the day, Ceebo’s sharp lyricism and genre-blending is setting him apart. One of the most important emerging voices in UK rap, as 2025 unfolds, expect him to solidify his place as an artist who isn’t just making music but telling stories that need to be heard. —Mimi The Music Blogger
Kairo Keyz
For fans of: Central Cee, Digga D, 163Margs
Essential tracks: “Burberry”, “Gang”, “Went Up”
South London’s Kairo Keyz has been putting in the work for a little while now—early wins came with a Central Cee collab in 2019 titled “Back2Back” and his first solo joint, “So Long”—but things have really kicked up a gear in the last couple of years. He found the formula when he switched to a less melodic, Auto-Tuned sound, and on New Year’s Day 2023, it all started to fall into place when he released the Family Not Fans mixtape. It was his first project and absolutely bursting with energy. The success of that tape and what made it work was clearly not lost on him because every release since has played to the set’s strengths perfectly. Also key to his appeal is his big grin and cheeky charisma; pushing that to the forefront of his image has pulled the fans in, but it’s his dynamism, precise flow and well-tuned instincts for hooks and instrumentals that will keep us all coming back for more. —James Keith
Reuben Aziz
For fans of: cityboymoe, tendai, Nippa
Essential tracks: “only one”, “always come back”, “MAGIC”
Reuben Aziz has everything going for him. A rapper, singer, producer and guitarist, the self-taught musician has a voice that could cut through all the tension in the world. Sonically, he traverses R&B, ‘80s synthwave and rock with a serenity that is equally charming and addictive. Southampton-born, London-based Aziz has risen through the scene quick, fast and in a hurry. Signed to Sony, he dropped debut project how did we end up here in 2024—followed by the deluxe version earlier this year—and performed on the popular US freestyle platform On The Radar, which is a beacon for the talent of the present and future. Though singing might be his main form of expression, don’t let that fool you: Aziz gets busy in this rapping thing! Look no further than “Elevate” for proof. His versatility makes him ready for any scenario, making his promise all the more brighter. —Yemi Abiade
EsDeeKid
For fans of: CASISDEAD, Aystar, SINN6R
Essential tracks: “Palaces”, “ LV Sandals”, “Apathy”
Merseyside’s EsDeeKid is less of a breath of fresh air in the rap scene, more of a huff of a powerful solvent that leaves you dizzy, a little confused but definitely more curious. Rapping with the typical UK rap sensibilities as his foundations, this Liverpudlian will suddenly twist and turn to an unexpected flow that shouldn’t really work, but somehow does. Whether it’s the accent or the timing, he chops over the beat like Salah glides on the wing—it’s unconventional at times, but hitting the goal feels near inevitable. What makes it stand out is his penchant for the current UK underground aesthetic, an amalgamation of the internet culture of the last decade—from woozy production that would sit comfortably in SoundCloud “cloud rap” to low-exposure, deep-fried pictures, to the fact that you can’t find many pictures at all. Coupled with a cadence that wouldn’t sound out of place on the big drill hits that lit up the 2010s, it makes for a mix that you couldn’t predict. He doesn’t seem to do anything for acceptance, yet somehow ends up one of the most palatable voices of the bubbling underground. —Scully
Saiming
For fans of: Jelani Blackman, Bawo, Knucks
Essential tracks: “Woof Meow”, “know us.”, “Vibe Dispersion”
If there’s any sort of running theme in Saiming’s catalogue, it’s that he plays well with others. On his latest outing, “know us.”, he connected with jazz four-piece Zeñel and they fit together seamlessly. Late last year, Saiming joined them on stage for their EP launch where they stitched together contrasting styles and although the crowd took a minute to warm up to the idea of sliding 808s and trumpets, their run through the grime and drill canon only scratched the surface of what could be. That’s not the only collab rich with possibility, either. Last year’s South To The Stars EP took him in another direction again, painting his mellow rhyming style with the rapid-fire bark of Zuko Rosemeid that brought something fiery out of the self-styled S-travagant Man. His most fruitful partnership, however, is with dulushelva, the producer behind recent jam “Vibe Dispersion” and his biggest hit to date, “Woof Meow”. Together, they’ve tapped into something special, keying into an instinctive mutual understanding to create a signature sound of grime-meets-rap capped off with clever sample choices. —James Keith
tn_490
For fans of: John Glacier, Jawnino, aytrn
Essential tracks: “outside4”, “Traffic”, “nameless”
An auteur for the modern era of hybrid alternative sounds, tn_490 is a multi-dimensional figure who started out as a visionary producer for the likes of John Glacier, Bawo, ayrtn and Strandz, but he’s much more than a producer-turned-artist. For tn_490, the two disciplines are a lot more enmeshed than that, blending his fluid, melodic vocals with instrumentals that owe as much to movie soundtracks as they do to traditional trap territory. In 2023, he kicked off a new chapter as an artist in his own right, turning in a two-track drop, “outside4” and “Traffic”; the former a collab with Bawo and ayrtn, the latter a team-up with French artist Zeu. Then, last December, we got his debut proper when he released the Please Stay Safe EP, a full-scale display of his dual talents on the boards and in the booth. Mood-building is still the name of the game, but this new era promises a much fuller realisation of his vision. —James Keith
Mazza L20
For fans of: AyStar, Tremz, Potter Payper
Essential tracks: “Murdaside”, “Shellingham”, “Complicated”
Liverpool lad Mazza L20 has whipped up an almighty buzz lately with tabloid speculation about the minutiae of his private life already rampant. While it’s great to see eyes on the young talent, we’d hope this doesn’t detract from his talents on the mic. A razor-tongued firebrand, he makes the very best of the Merseyside flow like AyStar, Tremz and Hazey before him. And the hype is deserved, too: he’s scored at least one signature tune with “Murdaside”, giving drill fans down south a chilling look at life in Liverpool, and was quick to leverage that success with a steady work-rate and some standout freestyles for Fire In The Booth and the like. Collabs with Aitch, Potter Payper, Loski and Aystar (who joined him on a remix of “Murdaside”) are all under his belt; the rap scene’s big players are already well on board, and the Mazza L20 hype train is getting fuller by the day, so get clued-up and don’t get left behind. —James Keith
DEELA
For fans of: Brazy, Sadboi, Cruel Santino
Essential tracks: “Patience Ozokwor”, “The Hills”, “Kryptonite”
Afrobeats was arguably the success story of the last decade. From facing disrespect and degradation on the global stage, it’s grown to be one of the most popular party genres, getting plaudits from critics and casual listeners alike. It’s only fitting, then, that African women mark their place in this new movement. DEELA is more than just Afrobeats, but the Lagos-born, London-based rapper encapsulates a particular type of Naij. For the Yorubaddies, she fuses rap, trap and Afrobeats to make infectious, bouncy riddims that sound good before, in, and after the party. Having already collaborated with peers like Coco & Clair Clair and Flo Milli, it feels like the world recognises the potential she has. Showcasing a real versatility, and an ability to cross genres typical of this new gen of artists, there’s a big future ahead of DEELA. —Scully
Morgan Swann
For fans of: Rushy, SamRecks, Sainté
Essential tracks: “Save Me”, “Mad About”, “Skepta Flow”
Ipswich’s own Morgan Swann has been chipping away at his craft for close to a decade, but 2025 will be the year he shows up and shows out. Gliding effortlessly over laid-back production, like a swan on water, there’s something different about this Swann: on every song, he wears his heart on his sleeve and shows a vulnerability that we seldom see in UK rap today. From the reflective “Skepta Flow” freestyle to the yearnful croons of “Save Me”, Morgan Swann continues to put his art out there—irrespective of view count—while he waits for the rest of the world to catch up. A debut project is scheduled for later on this year, so that time might come sooner than we all think. —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson
Finessekid
For fans of: Blanco, Nemzzz, LeoStayTrill,
Essential tracks: “Like Sosa”, “Badderz Got Talent”, “Coucoo”
Finessekid’s name isn’t just a flex—it reflects his approach, calculation, and confidence. While he’s been bubbling in the underground for a while now, 2025 is set to be his breakthrough year. His Voice Of The Streets freestyle for Kenny Allstar last year showcased his raw talent, but it’s his SoundCloud snippets “Like Sosa”, “Coucoo” and “Semolina & Pounded Yam” that have fans hooked. Despite having just two official singles in “Coucoo” and “Badderz Got Talent”, his organic rise is unmatched, gaining major co-signs from UK vets like Skepta and Lancey Foux. Beyond music, Finessekid’s magnetic persona and love of fashion is also being recognised; he’s already collaborated with respected UK brands and is making waves in North America (popular Canadian platform KidsTakeOver spotlighted Finesse as part of “a rising UK rap movement”). A rumoured project looms, and if his current trajectory continues, he’s on track to be one of the UK’s most exciting new stars. —Mimi The Music Blogger
Armando Spence
For fans of: Potter Payper, Skrapz, Nines
Essential tracks: “Thug For It”, “Big City Player”, “Dats Real”
Close your eyes, play a track by Armando Spence, and you’d think you were transported to the glossy road rap of the late 2000s. The North Londoner encapsulates the hunger, suave and grit of that time, bringing it forward with fresh raps, flows and a gravelly voice that is an instant standout. Spence has been rising slowly since 2023 and his 2024 tape, El Tranquillo, encapsulates his come-up to this point, portraying his keen ear for beats and an effortless rap style that could find a home in any era. Not only that, but he stood out in a crowded line-up for Victory Lap Radio late last year alongside the likes of Chy Cartier, BXKS, Ashbeck and YT. Rap, drill—you name it, he’s capable of gliding on it all. Expect to hear more from him as the year goes on. —Yemi Abiade
Caldo
For fans of: Ashbeck, Zino Vinci, KIRBS
Essential tracks: “ACTIVE,” “Carbonara”, “Cash Legale”
South London-born Caldo can rep the UK, Italy and Spain and this worldly make-up seeps into his music, which brims with bounce and unpredictability. One moment he’s flowing in English, then he’ll switch up and spit a 32 in Italian. This is an artist who has been writing music since the age of 10 and released his first track by 16. Now aged 20, his time is arriving to make some noise. He’s released a healthy amount of music up to this point, including the mellow “Carbonara” and recent single “CAPITAL C”, demonstrating a knack for slick raps speaking to youth, having fun, and everyday life. His fans are super locked-in, too, coming out in their droves when he supported IAMDDB on her European tour last year. With one foot in the UK rap scene and one in Italy, Caldo is uniquely placed for impactful moves in both worlds and having his voice heard. —Yemi Abiade
5EB
For fans of: Ashbeck, SamRecks, Zino Vinci
Essential tracks: “London Tipton”, “Yin & Yang”, “1000planz”
There’s a pronounced U.S. influence in 5EB’s music—he cites Pharrell, 50 Cent and Kanye West (the old Kanye) as key inspirations—but he’s still all the way UK. That Stateside bent was more audible on FENDI5IVE, a key project for 5EB, especially on “You Kno”, a track he says was his attempt to recreate the Pharrell/Timberlake falsetto sound. You can still hear shades of it on his most recent project, ##MOTIONMUZIK, which he released at the top of the year, but nowadays he feels more in-tune with the UK’s woozy trap scene. Each track is a slick, technicolour blast of energy—stylish, smooth and relentless. ##MOTIONMUZIK should absolutely be your first port of call, but his contribution to Kenny Allstar’s 2024-released project, The Future’s Yesterday, is also an essential listen. On “Hypocritical”, we got 5EB in his purest form, showing off a precision flow and a fine-tuned penmanship, proving that melodics and FX are a tool, not a crutch. North London, you’ve got another one! —James Keith
SB
For fans of: LD, 163Margs, Kwengface
Essential tracks: “Fly Back”, “Bingo”, “Tun Up”
Outside of The Sanctuary—the iconic club venue which hosted seminal raves like Sidewinder and Helter Skelter—and the short-lived grime crew IMP Batch, Milton Keynes hasn’t been known to produce much talent out of its city; however, drill rapper SB is on a mission to fix all of that. The masked rhymer has been feeding the streets with bangers since 2021, with tracks like “Fly Back”, “Rave & Purge”, “P.B.K” and “Bingo” showing that beyond MK’s infamous roads and roundabouts, there’s an underworld that you wouldn’t think existed. But don’t get it twisted: while he does spit a lot of crud on wax—in real life, as seen on his recent Instagram skits, SB has a ‘don’t take life too seriously’ vibe about him that will carry him through. —Joseph ‘JP’ Patterson
Ciel
For fans of: Lancey Foux, Lil Keed, Squash
Essential tracks: “Waxxon”, “Sao Paulo”, “Loosen Up”
On first listen, I’d understand how you could come to the conclusion that London boy Ciel is a product of the Atlanta rap scene that is forever adored in the UK. But I think that would be a lazy conclusion. When you press play on his music, you in fact hear a product of the diaspora. With the energy of post-Y2K dancehall, the bounce of modern Afrobeats, UK rap’s cockiness and the Auto-Tune crooning of Atlanta, he’s taken elements of so much of the Black music we listen to across the world and created something truly exciting. There’s some refining to be done, but that doesn’t detract from the fact that he’s creating something NEW to listen to. It’s been a while since music has shown us an artist growing through their influences, and this is what Ciel is showing us right now. You might not get it, but you have to respect it. —Scully
Feng
For fans of: YT, Len, Sam Wise
Essential tracks: “Soul 2 Soul”, “Girl”, “I feel like M.I.A”
Less is more when it comes to Feng. Though he has enough tracks to fill two mixtapes, most of them are no longer than 60 seconds—a sign that he knows how to keep fans excited by drip-feeding the streets. Repping Croydon, Feng entered the creative game initially as a video editor before becoming a rapper and producer and has been on a solid run, especially in 2024, where he dropped banger after banger. Most recently, he released his debut project, What The Feng, crystallising his effortless flows and hedonistic subject matter. His sonic world is eclectic, merging glitchy, 8-bit tones with clean drums and hi-hats—almost like you’re playing Sonic The Hedgehog on Sega! The UK underground is full of dynamic, ambitious characters and you can add Feng to the growing list. Still new to the game, his music is exciting and leaves you wanting more, which is more than a good sign. —Yemi Abiade
