British rap has been in the shadows for too long. Now a new wave of MCs is bringing its hidden talents to light
UK hip-hop was once the stomping ground of champions such as Roots Manuva, London Posse and Skinnyman. But nearly a decade on, after grime's ever-expanding success a new wave of rappers is emerging. They don't have press shots. Most still have other jobs or play out their rhymes in their daily hustle. But they're united in redefining UK hip-hop as we know it.
"I see this as the first wave ? the music that's been made before wasn't for me. You have to respect the forefathers. But no one can deny the difference it made when Giggs got signed," says Marga, an east London rapper building up a buzz on Twitter. "He opened the door for us. And Malik from Birmingham; he's been doing this before anyone, he's like a father to us."
Charlie Sloth, whose BBC Radio 1Xtra show is to UKhip-hop what Kiss 100's Logan Sama is to grime, agrees. "I know you can't reinvent the wheel, but it's like the UK scene has definitely put alloys on it."
"Artists now are talking about issues that the young people can relate to. They have no time for US rappers and would much rather hear homegrown talent," says Sloth. "The new wave of rap artists over here has finally realised that not only is it selling a sound but it is selling a lifestyle."
While they might not have as much time for US rappers any more, followers of American hip-hop will have seen a Stateside parallel to the UK scene, with names such as Wiz Khalifa, Yelawolf, Nipsey Hussle, J Cole and Wacka Flocka Flame (who Giggs recently teamed up with on free download Gangster Hop) becoming popular among downloaders.
"Whether we like to admit it or not, we used to mirror the American scene. They were influenced by Rakim and KRS1. We're not," says Joe Black, a rapper and youth worker from London who is widely regarded as one of the scene's leading figures.
"One thing you have to realise is that there are still sub-genres," he says, "people such as Lowkey spit conscious rhymes, talking about real-life situations around the world, rappers like me are more personal; I make mood music, others talk about material things. The only real difference between us and grime MCs is the tempo we're spitting (bars) at."
In the absence of magazines such as Hip Hop Connection, UK rap breeds on sites including SB.TV, GrimeDaily, djsemtex.com, World Star Hip-Hop and Dat Piff. But it hasn't escaped the attention of A&Rs, with K Koke signing a joint venture with Roc Nation and RCA, and south Londoner G Frsh doing a deal with Parlophone.
"The music; it's unapologetic and uncompromising, people aren't making it for the charts," says Ben Scarrs, a rising A&R star at Island Records who's signed Devlin and Tinchy Stryder. "I can't speak for anyone else but I would be listening to this whether I worked in a record label or not. I'm just a fan ? and from a fan's perspective this music is more widely accepted and easily accessible than it was in the 90s."
Or, in the words of Mic Righteous: "Some music we make for the shelves/ but this music darg we make for ourselves."
Bars of glory
Five of the best homegrown artists, according to Charlie Sloth.
K Koke
Having grown up on London's infamous Stonebridge estate, K Koke's future looks brighter having signed with Roc Nation and RCA. Rumoured to be going for an "acoustic sound" with his album, Sloth reckons his Pure Koke Vol 1 is THE mixtape to download.
Check: Fire in the Booth
Charlie says: "His Fire in the Booth freestyle hit over 1million views in under seven months. I have also heard his forthcoming mixtape and album, both left me speechless. I've also had big players from the States ring my phone asking about him."
Joe Black
Born and bred in the London borough of Islington, Joe Black is a rapper, songwriter, youth worker and football coach. Check out mixtapes such as Business As Usual, Certified and Tallman and Black's The Return of the Real Rap, available from UKrecordshop.com.
Download: Pressure
Charlie says: "Joe Black, Benny Banks and Squeeks are about to be a huge problem ? you know when they are causing a buzz when A&Rs are ringing you asking for more info."
G Frsh
Having released one of last year's best mixtapes, Legoman: Where's My Brick, south Londoner G Frsh has signed a deal with Parlophone/EMI. He also co-owns a video production company.
Hear: SB.TV F64
Charlie says: "G Frsh is one of the best all-round songwriters at the moment. He puts a true artistic touch on all his works, and his visuals are some of the most creative to come out of the scene."
Mic Righteous
Of Iranian decent, this unsigned Kent-based rapper is revered by new-skool political activists as well as those with a penchant for lyrical skill. He's opened for Immortal Technique, Lowkey and Devlin among others. His debut album, Yob Culture, is out soon.
Watch: Fire in the Booth freestyle
Charlie says: "I can never chose between certain rappers; Don Strapzy and Mic Righteous are both so good at what they do, yet so different. Watch their Fire in the Booth freestyles and you will see what I mean."
Krept and Konan
Hailing from the garage scene, this south London duo have just had their offering Tsunami nominated for an award from the (OMA's) Official Mixtape awards. Also check Red Rum Vol 1.
Hear: Link Up TV: Behind Barz
Charlie says: "These two are punchline specialists and make good music. They also have the ability to be diverse."
Honourable mentions: Want to hear more? Check out Black Da Ripper, Malik, Squeaks, Benny Banks, Don Strapzy, Fem Fel and Page, and listen to Charlie Sloth on Friday, 1-4am on bbc.co.uk/1xtra and the Breakfast Show on Saturday 10am-1pm.
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