Rap music in England has evolved significantly over the years. From the early days of hip-hop culture in the UK to the rise of grime and drill, British rap has become an integral part of global music culture. British rap artists blend influences from Caribbean music, American hip-hop, and their own local cultures, creating a unique and diverse sound. This article will introduce some of the best rap tracks from England, showcasing the variety, style, and depth of the UK rap scene. Whether you are new to the genre or a long-time fan, these tracks will give you a deeper understanding of the richness and diversity of British hip-hop.
Top 10 England Rap Tracks You Need to Hear
1. “Shut Up” – Stormzy (2015)
Stormzy’s “Shut Up” was a breakthrough track in the UK rap scene. Released in 2015, this grime anthem quickly became one of Stormzy’s most recognizable hits. The song is a hard-hitting response to his critics, showcasing Stormzy’s unique flow and lyrical confidence. The track features a gritty, bass-heavy beat that’s characteristic of grime, and Stormzy’s delivery is aggressive and unapologetic. “Shut Up” catapulted Stormzy into mainstream success, cementing his place as one of the biggest names in UK rap. The catchy hook and the sheer energy of the track make it an essential part of British rap history.
2. “Vossi Bop” – Stormzy (2019)
Following the success of “Shut Up,” Stormzy released “Vossi Bop” in 2019, further solidifying his status as one of the UK’s most important rap figures. The song combines elements of grime with a more mainstream sound, making it accessible to a wider audience while still maintaining the rawness of UK rap. The track features a bouncy, infectious beat and showcases Stormzy’s lyrical ability. The chorus, “Catch a Vossi Bop,” quickly became a catchphrase, further increasing the track’s popularity. The song is a celebration of Stormzy’s success and his ability to rise above adversity, making it a powerful anthem for his fans.
3. “Funky Friday” – Dave ft. Fredo (2018)
“Funky Friday” is a collaboration between rapper Dave and fellow artist Fredo, released in 2018. The track is a smooth blend of grime and trap, showcasing both artists’ lyrical prowess. Dave’s introspective verse highlights his reflective and insightful lyricism, while Fredo adds a touch of braggadocio to the track. The beat is minimalist but hard-hitting, allowing the duo’s lyrics to take center stage. “Funky Friday” was a massive hit, becoming one of the first UK rap tracks to reach number one on the UK Singles Chart. Its success highlighted the growing dominance of British rap in the mainstream music scene.
4. “Ladbroke Grove” – AJ Tracey (2019)
AJ Tracey’s “Ladbroke Grove” is one of the most iconic tracks in his career, released in 2019. The song is a celebration of the West London neighborhood of Ladbroke Grove, with AJ Tracey detailing his upbringing and experiences. The track blends elements of UK garage with grime, creating a catchy, danceable anthem. AJ Tracey’s flow is smooth and effortless, and the infectious beat makes it impossible not to move to. The track became a huge hit, charting in the UK and becoming a summer anthem. “Ladbroke Grove” helped cement AJ Tracey’s place in the mainstream rap scene, showcasing his versatility and ability to craft memorable tracks.
5. “Shutdown” – Skepta (2016)
Skepta, a key figure in the grime scene, released “Shutdown” in 2016, and the track quickly became a classic. The song is a celebration of Skepta’s rise to success and his dominance in the UK rap scene. “Shutdown” features a minimalistic, hard-hitting beat that complements Skepta’s gritty flow. The lyrics are filled with confidence, reflecting Skepta’s journey and his impact on the genre. The song’s infectious hook and energy made it a fan favorite, and it helped propel Skepta to international success. “Shutdown” is one of the defining tracks of the grime movement and is a must-listen for fans of UK rap.
6. “Wicked Skengman” – Stormzy (2014)
Before becoming a mainstream star, Stormzy was known for his work in the grime scene, and “Wicked Skengman” is one of his early hits that helped build his reputation. Released in 2014, the track features a high-energy, aggressive beat that perfectly matches Stormzy’s rapid-fire delivery. The song is a declaration of Stormzy’s skills, with his commanding presence and razor-sharp lyricism taking center stage. “Wicked Skengman” showcases the early sounds of grime and is a vital part of Stormzy’s discography, helping to set the stage for his future success. The track has become a cult favorite among grime fans and is a classic in the genre.
7. “Fredo – They Ain’t 100” (2017)
Fredo is known for his gritty storytelling and street-savvy lyrics, and “They Ain’t 100” is one of his standout tracks. Released in 2017, the song showcases Fredo’s ability to blend his distinct flow with compelling narratives about life in the streets. The track’s minimalistic beat allows Fredo’s lyrics to shine, with each verse offering a glimpse into his world. The track was a commercial success, reaching the top 10 on the UK Singles Chart, and it cemented Fredo’s position as one of the UK’s top rap artists. “They Ain’t 100” is a must-hear for fans of UK rap and drill music.
8. “Greaze Mode” – J Hus ft. Burna Boy (2019)
“Greaze Mode” is a collaboration between UK rapper J Hus and Nigerian artist Burna Boy, released in 2019. The track blends afrobeats, grime, and rap to create a unique sound that stands out in both the UK and global music scenes. J Hus’s distinctive flow and Burna Boy’s melodic contributions create a catchy, danceable track that’s also filled with swagger. The song’s infectious beat and memorable hook helped it gain widespread popularity, with its fusion of genres making it a favorite among fans of both rap and Afrobeat music. “Greaze Mode” is a perfect example of how UK rap continues to push boundaries and experiment with different sounds.
9. “Black” – Dave (2016)
Dave, one of the most talented and introspective rappers in the UK, released “Black” in 2016. The track is a deeply personal reflection on race, identity, and what it means to be Black in modern Britain. The song features an introspective piano-driven beat that complements Dave’s powerful, thoughtful lyrics. His delivery is calm and measured, adding weight to the powerful message of the track. “Black” was widely praised for its depth and honesty, showcasing Dave’s ability to tackle complex social issues while maintaining his distinct musical style. The track has become an anthem for many, resonating with listeners around the world.
10. “Man Don’t Care” – JME ft. Giggs (2015)
“Man Don’t Care” is a collaboration between JME, one of grime’s founding fathers, and veteran rapper Giggs, released in 2015. The track is a no-holds-barred anthem about not caring about the opinions of others and doing things on your own terms. The aggressive, bass-heavy beat pairs perfectly with the raw energy of both JME and Giggs’s verses. “Man Don’t Care” became a huge hit within the grime scene, capturing the rebellious spirit of the genre. The track showcases both artists’ talents and their ability to craft bangers that remain timeless in the UK rap scene.
See Also: 8 Step-by-Step Guide to How to Make a Latin Trap Beat
Conclusion
The UK rap scene has become a powerful force in global music, with artists blending influences from grime, drill, trap, and hip-hop. The tracks recommended in this article showcase the diversity of styles within British rap, from the aggressive energy of drill to the introspective lyricism of grime. UK rap continues to grow, evolve, and shape the direction of modern hip-hop. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just beginning to explore this genre, these tracks offer a perfect starting point for discovering the best that British rap has to offer.
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