Famous British Rappers

21 Savage is a British-American rapper known for his successful career in the music industry. He gained recognition with the release of his breakout project, the collaborative EP "Savage Mode" with Metro Boomin. Signing with Epic Records further propelled his career, leading to the success of his debut studio album "Issa Album" and subsequent projects like "I Am > I Was" and "American Dream." He has achieved multiple chart-topping albums, Grammy Awards, and collaborations with prominent artists like Drake and J. Cole.

Central Cee, a British rapper from Shepherd's Bush, London, gained recognition in 2020 with hit singles like "Day in the Life" and "Loading". His first mixtape, Wild West, debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart in March 2021, followed by the success of his second mixtape, 23, which topped the chart in February 2022. Central Cee continued his rise with the single "Doja" in July 2022, which became the most streamed UK rap song on Spotify. He further solidified his success with the release of his EP No More Leaks and a collaborative EP with Dave called Split Decision.

Stormzy is a renowned British rapper, singer, and songwriter who gained recognition in 2014 with his Wicked Skengman freestyles on the UK underground music scene. He achieved mainstream success with the popular track "Shut Up," reaching number eight on the UK Singles Chart. Stormzy has received accolades such as Best Grime Act at the MOBO Awards, and his debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, made history by becoming the first grime album to top the UK Albums Chart. He continues to make waves in the music industry with his successful albums and chart-topping singles.

Stefflon Don is an English rapper and singer who gained recognition with her hit single "Hurtin' Me" featuring French Montana, reaching number 7 on the UK Singles Chart in 2017. She released her debut mixtape "Real Ting" in 2016 and followed up with another successful mixtape titled "Secure" in 2018. Stefflon Don's music showcases her unique style and versatility, blending elements of rap and dancehall to create a distinct sound that has garnered her a strong following in the music industry.

Skepta is a highly influential British grime MC, rapper, record producer, and DJ. He is a founding member of Boy Better Know and has released several successful studio albums independently and through record labels. Skepta's work has been widely acclaimed, with his album "Konnichiwa" winning the prestigious Mercury Prize. He has collaborated with artists such as ASAP Rocky and released successful singles that have charted globally. Skepta's impact on British popular culture and the grime scene has earned him multiple award nominations and recognition as one of the most influential people in the UK.

Alesha Dixon is a multi-talented English artist known for her work as a singer, rapper, dancer, television personality, and author. She initially gained fame as a member of the successful group Mis-Teeq in the early 2000s before embarking on a solo career. Dixon won the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing in 2007, leading to a musical comeback. She has released multiple studio albums, judged on various TV talent shows like Britain's Got Talent, and hosted several television programs. Additionally, Dixon is an accomplished author of children's books.

Tinie Tempah is a British rapper and singer signed to Parlophone under Warner Music Group. He founded Disturbing London, an entertainment company, in 2006. Known for his successful music career, Tinie released his debut album "Disc-Overy" in 2010, which achieved Platinum certification. He won two Brit Awards in 2011. His second album, "Demonstration," was released in 2013 and achieved gold certification. Tinie's third album, "Youth," featured the hit single "Not Letting Go," giving him his sixth UK number one, the most by any UK rap artist.

J Hus is a British rapper and singer known for pioneering the genre Afroswing. He gained popularity with the release of his song "Dem Boy Paigon" in 2015. His single "Did You See" reached number nine on the UK Singles Chart and was certified Platinum. His debut album, Common Sense, was critically acclaimed and named the best UK album of 2017. J Hus released his second album, Big Conspiracy, in 2020, which became his first number-one on the UK Albums Chart. He has collaborated with artists like Drake and Burna Boy, achieving chart success and critical acclaim.

Bugzy Malone, also known as Aaron Daniel Davies, is a British rapper and actor hailing from Manchester, England. He is recognized as a prominent figure in the "grime revival" movement, steering the UK urban music scene towards a more authentic and underground sound. As the first artist from Manchester to achieve commercial success in the grime genre, Bugzy Malone's album "King of the North" reached No. 4 on the UK Albums Chart upon its release on 14 July 2017. His impact on the music industry continues to resonate, solidifying his position as a trailblazer in British hip-hop.

Estelle Fanta Swaray is a British singer-songwriter, rapper, and actress known for her diverse musical style blending R&B, soul, reggae, grime, hip hop, and dance. She has collaborated with notable American artists and achieved success with her albums, including "The 18th Day" and "Shine," which produced the hit single "American Boy" featuring Kanye West. Estelle's third album, "All of Me," garnered critical acclaim and Grammy nominations. Outside of music, she has voiced the character Garnet in Steven Universe and appeared in various films, showcasing her versatility in entertainment.

Craig David is a British singer and songwriter known for his debut album, Born to Do It, released in 2000. He has worked with various artists and released a total of six studio albums. David has achieved success with 20 UK top 40 singles and seven UK top 40 albums, selling over 15 million records worldwide. He has been nominated for multiple Brit Awards and received two Grammy Award nominations for Best Male Pop Vocal Performance. David's career has showcased his talent and versatility in the music industry.

Scarlxrd, known for his unique blend of trap music and heavy metal, is an English rapper and former YouTuber. He gained recognition as a pioneer of the trap metal genre, transitioning from his YouTube persona Mazzi Maz to become the frontman for nu metal band Myth City. His breakout single "Heart Attack" propelled him to fame, amassing over 100 million views on YouTube. Scarlxrd continued to make waves in the music industry with hits like "King, Scar," "6 Feet," "Berzerk," and "Head Gxne."

Jay Sean is a British singer and songwriter known for his success in the music industry. He began his career as part of the Rishi Rich Project before launching his solo career. With hits like "Down" and "Do You Remember," he made history by becoming the first solo artist of South Asian origin and UK urban act to top the Billboard Hot 100. Throughout his career, he has released successful albums, collaborated with other artists, and achieved recognition for his contributions to the music industry.

M.I.A., also known as Mathangi "Maya" Arulpragasam, is a British rapper, record producer, and singer. She began her career as a visual artist, filmmaker, and designer before transitioning into music in 2002. M.I.A. gained early fame as an underground artist with singles like "Sunshowers" and "Galang." Her albums "Arular" and "Kala" received critical acclaim for blending hip hop, electronic, and world music. She has won ASCAP awards and MTV Video Music Awards, and is recognized as a pioneering artist in the music industry.

Mel B, also known as Melanie B, is an English singer, songwriter, actress, and television personality who gained fame in the 1990s as part of the iconic girl group Spice Girls. She launched a successful solo career with hit singles like "I Want You Back" and "Feels So Good." Mel B has also made a name for herself as a talented judge on various reality TV shows including The X Factor, America's Got Talent, and The Masked Singer. Additionally, she has showcased her dancing skills on Dancing with the Stars and co-hosted Lip Sync Battle UK.

Cher Lloyd is an English singer who rose to prominence after participating in the seventh series of The X Factor in 2010, finishing in fourth place. She signed with Syco Music in the UK and Epic Records in the US, releasing her debut album "Sticks and Stones" in 2011. The album included hit singles like "Swagger Jagger" and "With Ur Love". Despite her second album "Sorry I'm Late" not achieving the same success, Lloyd continued to release music, making a comeback with singles like "Activated", "None of My Business", and "M.I.A."

Jacob Taio Cruz is an English singer-songwriter, rapper, and record producer known for his successful music career. He gained recognition with his debut album Departure in 2008, achieving certified gold status in the UK and receiving a MOBO nomination. Cruz continued his success with the release of his follow-up album Rokstarr in 2009, featuring hit singles like "Break Your Heart" and "Dynamite". He has collaborated with artists such as Kesha, Kylie Minogue, and Travie McCoy, and has contributed to notable songs like "Telling the World" for the film Rio. Cruz's professional journey includes co-writing for David Guetta and Usher, releasing new singles, and collaborating on tracks like "Booty Bounce".

Dizzee Rascal is a British rapper and MC known for pioneering British hip hop and grime music. His work has incorporated various genres like UK garage, bassline, and R&B. Signing with XL Recordings in 2002, he released his critically acclaimed debut album "Boy in da Corner" in 2003, winning the Mercury Prize. Subsequent albums "Showtime" and "Maths + English" also garnered praise. While exploring a more pop-oriented sound with "Tongue n' Cheek," he returned to grime roots with "Raskit" and continued to release albums like "E3 AF" and "Don't Take It Personal."

Anthony David McPartlin is an English television presenter, former singer, rapper, and actor. He is best known for his collaboration with Declan Donnelly as part of the presenting duo Ant & Dec. McPartlin gained fame in children's drama series Byker Grove and went on to establish a successful career as a television presenter. He has hosted various popular shows such as SMTV Live, I'm a Celebrity...Get Me Out of Here!, Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, and Britain's Got Talent. He has also co-hosted programs like PokerFace, Push the Button, Pop Idol, and Red or Black?. Additionally, McPartlin and Donnelly have served as hosts for charity appeal Text Santa and performed together as pop music duo PJ & Duncan.

Shygirl, known for her stage name, is a versatile English artist who is a singer, DJ, rapper, and songwriter. She is also the co-head/founder of the record label Nuxxe. Her music blends various genres including dance, industrial hip-hop, experimental pop, grime, and deconstructed club. Shygirl gained recognition through collaborations with notable producers like Sega Bodega, Arca, and Sophie. Her work has caught the attention of industry giants like Rihanna, who featured Nuxxe tracks in her Fenty Beauty campaigns. Shygirl has released multiple singles and EPs, and her debut studio album, Nymph, received widespread critical acclaim upon its release.

Soph Aspin is an English rapper associated with Blackpool Grime Media. Known for her feuds with other BG Media artists, she has gained a significant following on Instagram and YouTube. As a self-proclaimed "proper queen of Blackpool grime," she enjoys performing at local gatherings and has been featured in the documentary 'Noisey Blackpool' alongside other grime artists. With a strong presence in the Blackpool grime scene, she continues to engage with fans through her music and live performances.

Ty, known for his stage name Ty, was a Nigerian-British rapper who made a significant impact in the music industry with his albums Awkward, Upwards, Closer, Special Kind of Fool, and A Work of Heart. His work was well-received, earning a Mercury Prize nomination for Upwards. Ty collaborated with a variety of talented musicians including Shortee Blitz, Drew Horley, Tony Allen, Roots Manuva, and De La Soul. Through his music, Ty established himself as a respected artist known for his unique style and contributions to the rap genre.

Brian Lee Harvey is an English singer known for his role as the lead vocalist of the pop group East 17. Following the group's later incarnation as E-17, he achieved success with two top 20 singles on the UK Singles Chart and the album Resurrection reaching the top 50 of the UK Albums Chart. After parting ways with E-17, Harvey signed a record deal with Edel Records, releasing singles such as "Straight Up (No Bends)" and "Loving You (Ole Ole Ole)" in 2001.

Deno Driz is a multi-talented British artist known for his skills in singing, songwriting, rapping, and acting. Hailing from London, he quickly gained popularity in the city's afro-wave music scene from 2018 onwards. Deno's career took off with the release of viral music videos and hit songs, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the industry. His versatility as a performer and his ability to create engaging and catchy music have solidified his position as a rising star in the entertainment world.

Lethal Bizzle, a British rapper from Walthamstow, London, has made a significant impact in the music industry since emerging in 2002 as a grime MC. Known for his aggressive and chart-topping singles like "Pow! (Forward)", he has released albums such as Against All Oddz and Back to Bizznizz. Bizzle has successfully blended mainstream genres with grime, resulting in multiple top 40 hits. Apart from music, he is active on social media platforms like Twitter and Snapchat, leveraging them for independent music promotion and launching his clothing brand "Stay Dench".

A J Jacobs, a popular British rapper and one half of the hip-hop duo 'AJ x Deno', ventured into the music scene after meeting Deno Driz at a YouTube event. Their collaboration led to hits like 'Know Me', 'Chase', and 'London', with the latter's music video amassing over 33 million views on YouTube. Jacobs, also a social media influencer with a significant Instagram following, serves as the brand ambassador for FashionNovaMen. Currently, he is focused on his first EP and performs nationwide with Deno Driz.

Shaznay Lewis is an accomplished English singer and songwriter who gained fame as a member of the girl group All Saints, co-founding it in 1993. Her contributions to the group include co-writing several of their hit singles, such as "Never Ever", "Bootie Call", and "Pure Shores", which reached number one on the UK charts. In addition to her success with All Saints, Lewis ventured into a solo career with the release of her debut album "Open" in 2004 and followed up with her second album, "Pages", in 2024.

Professor Green, also known as Pro Green, is an English rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, television personality, and mental health activist. Growing up in east London, he achieved significant success as a multi-platinum artist with 3.5 million sales in the UK. He co-hosted Lip Sync Battle UK on Channel 5 and authored a bestselling autobiography. He is also known for his advocacy work as the patron of the suicide prevention charity CALM.

Maverick Sabre is an Irish singer, songwriter, and rapper known for his soulful voice and poignant lyrics. He gained recognition for his unique blend of R&B, hip-hop, and reggae influences. Sabre has released several successful albums and singles, showcasing his versatile musical talents and storytelling abilities. He has collaborated with various artists and producers, expanding his reach in the music industry. Sabre's career has been marked by critical acclaim and a loyal fan base, establishing him as a prominent figure in contemporary music.

Mams Taylor is a British boxing promoter, talent manager, and musician of Persian descent. He serves as the President/CEO of Proper Loud and the Co-President of Misfits Boxing. With a diverse set of skills and experiences, Taylor has established himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. His roles involve overseeing talent management, promoting boxing events, and contributing to the music scene. Through his leadership and expertise, Taylor continues to make significant contributions to the world of entertainment.

Lady Leshurr is a versatile British artist known for her skills as a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer. She gained recognition for her Queen's Speech series of freestyles, particularly the fourth installment which garnered popularity in 2016. Her freestyle Queen's Speech 5 was highly praised, being described as "brilliant" and a standout performance in 2015. Lady Leshurr showcased her competitive spirit by winning The Celebrity Circle for Stand Up to Cancer and impressing audiences on Dancing on Ice, reaching the semi-final in the thirteenth series.

Maxi Jazz, known as the lead vocalist of British electronic band Faithless, was a versatile musician, rapper, singer, songwriter, and DJ. He made significant contributions to the music industry during his time with Faithless from 1995 to 2011 and later from 2015 to 2016. His distinctive voice and lyrical prowess captivated audiences worldwide, establishing him as a prominent figure in the electronic music scene. Maxi Jazz's professional journey was marked by his passion for creating innovative sounds and delivering powerful performances on stage.

Tricky, a British record producer and rapper, emerged as a key player in the Bristol underground scene through his early involvement with Massive Attack. His solo career took off with the acclaimed debut album "Maxinquaye" in 1995, followed by numerous successful releases. A pioneer of trip hop music, Tricky's distinctive style combines elements of hip hop, alternative rock, and ragga. Known for his dark and layered sound, he has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, solidifying his influential presence in the music industry.

Akai Osei is a multi-talented British actor, dancer, presenter, and musician. He gained fame by winning the first series of Got to Dance and has been involved in various projects since then. His career includes acting roles in films such as StreetDance 3D and its sequel, StreetDance 2. Osei has also appeared in music videos, adverts, and live dance shows. He has showcased his talents on TV programs like Blue Peter and CBBC's 4 O'Clock Club, establishing himself as a prominent figure in the entertainment industry with a diverse range of skills and experiences.

Mike Skinner is a versatile English artist known for his work as a rapper, singer-songwriter, musician, and record producer. He gained prominence through his music project, the Streets, and has also ventured into solo releases. Additionally, Skinner has collaborated with Rob Harvey to form the duo D.O.T. He has explored different sounds and styles under the pseudonym The Darker the Shadow the Brighter the Light, showcasing his creativity and diversity as a musician in the music industry.

Josh Tate, known by his stage name Little T, is an English grime artist from Blackpool. He gained popularity through his association with the YouTube channel BG Media and has been releasing music since a young age. Some of his notable tracks include ‘#STOPBULLYING’, ‘Never Be’, and ‘Chit-Chat’. Tate became embroiled in a public feud with fellow Blackpool artist Soph Aspin in 2016, resulting in the release of diss tracks that garnered attention. Over the years, Tate's music has transitioned from themes of romance to addressing social issues.

Example is an English musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer with a successful career spanning several studio albums and hit singles. He rose to fame in 2010 with his album "Won't Go Quietly," featuring chart-topping singles like "Won't Go Quietly" and "Kickstarts." Example continued his success with albums like "Playing in the Shadows" and "The Evolution of Man," each showcasing his talent for producing number one singles. His popularity in the dance music scene is evident, with multiple chart-topping hits and a strong following of fans.

Cadet, born Blaine Cameron Johnson, was a British rapper who began his career in 2011. He gained recognition by releasing freestyles on platforms like OSM Vision and Link Up TV. His debut project, The Commitment, was released in 2016, followed by The Commitment 2 the next year. One of his most popular tracks, "Advice" featuring Deno, reached number 14 on the UK Singles Chart. Tragically, Cadet passed away in a car accident on his way to a performance at Keele University in 2019.

Ms Banks, a Nigerian-British rapper, singer, and songwriter, has established herself as a prominent figure in the music industry. With three mixtapes under her belt, she has showcased her talent and versatility. Her releases, including "Once Upon a Grind," "New Chapter EP," "The Coldest Winter Ever," and "The Coldest Winter Ever Part II," have garnered critical acclaim. In 2023, she graced the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest as part of the opening act. Ms Banks continues to captivate audiences with her unique style and powerful lyrics.

Roots Manuva, born Rodney Hylton Smith, is a prominent British rapper and producer known for his contributions to the music industry since 1994. He has released numerous albums and singles on the label Big Dada, with notable commercial success achieved through albums like Run Come Save Me and Slime & Reason. Regarded as one of the most influential artists in British music history, Roots Manuva continues to make an impact with his work. His latest studio album, Bleeds, was released in October 2015.

Simon Webbe is a British singer and rapper with a successful career in the music industry. Best known for his membership in the popular boy band Blue, he has contributed to the group's massive success, selling over 15 million records worldwide. Webbe has also established himself as a solo artist, releasing three studio albums and achieving five UK Top 40 singles. With a strong presence in both group and solo endeavors, he has made a lasting impact on the music scene over the years.

Abz Love is an English singer, rapper, and songwriter known for his work in the boy band Five and the supergroup Boyz on Block. He released his debut solo album Abstract Theory in 2003, which produced three top-ten hits. Abz Love has also appeared on television shows such as All Star Mr & Mrs, Celebrity Big Brother 12, and BBC Two's documentary series Country Strife: Abz on the Farm. His professional career has showcased his versatility and talent across various entertainment platforms.

Akala, a British rapper, journalist, author, activist, and poet from Kentish Town, London, has made significant contributions to the music industry and Black British community. He was honored with the Best Hip Hop Act award at the MOBO Awards in 2006 and has been recognized as one of the most influential Black British figures in the UK. Akala's professional life is marked by his impactful music, insightful journalism, thought-provoking literature, and passionate activism, all of which have solidified his place as a prominent voice in British culture.

Big Narstie is a versatile British entertainer known for his work as a MC, author, rapper, singer, songwriter, comedian, and television presenter. He began his career in 2002 as part of the grime crew "N Double A" before gaining recognition for his solo ventures. Big Narstie is celebrated for his comedic performances related to grime music and its culture. He is also famous for hosting his chat show, The Big Narstie Show, showcasing his talents across various entertainment mediums.

Edwin Onokhua, known professionally as EO, is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and YouTuber based in London. He began his career as a comedian on his YouTube channel, eocrossover, creating song parodies and comedic skits. EO gained recognition with his debut single "German," which reached No. 13 on the UK Singles Chart. He was signed to Columbia Records, and his music video for "German" was professionally re-recorded by producer JRocs. EO has been recognized by the Urban Music Awards and Apple Music for his music achievements.

Jethro Callow Sheeran, known professionally as Alonestar, is a versatile British musician, music producer, rapper, and fashion model hailing from Bristol, England. With numerous accolades to his name, he has achieved Billboard chart success and collaborated with a wide array of renowned artists across various genres. Notable collaborations include 2 Pac, Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Snoop Dogg, and more. As the first cousin of Ed Sheeran, Jethro has also worked closely with his cousin on writing and producing music, showcasing his talent and versatility in the music industry.

Mumzy Stranger, also known as SP, is a British rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He debuted in 2009 with "One More Dance" and "Showgirl", followed by the release of "Fly with Me" the next year. He is the first Bangladeshi artist to enter the mainstream music industry in the UK and is considered a prominent figure in British-Asian R&B. Mumzy's music style uniquely blends reggae, dancehall, R&B, and soul, and he sings in various languages such as English, Bengali, Punjabi, Hindi, and Arabic.

ArrDee, also known as Riley Davies, is a British rapper who gained prominence with his viral guest verse on the hit single "Body" by Russ Millions and Tion Wayne. With over five years of experience in rapping, he had previously released freestyle songs like "Cheeky Bars" and "6am in Brighton." ArrDee released his debut mixtape "Pier Pressure" in March 2022 and has dropped singles such as "Oliver Twist," "Jiggy (Whiz)," "Flowers (Say My Name)," "Come & Go," and "Hello Mate." Collaborations with Wayne and Aitch on tracks like "Wid It" and "War" showcase his versatility. He is notably recognized for incorporating his hometown of Brighton in his music videos and is currently signed to Island Records.

Lady Sovereign, born Louise Amanda Harman, is a British rapper renowned for hits like "9 to 5" and "Love Me or Hate Me." She gained prominence after being signed to Def Jam in 2005 by Jay-Z. Known for her unique style and energetic performances, Lady Sovereign has made a significant impact on the music industry with her bold lyrics and distinctive voice. Her talent and creativity have solidified her status as a respected figure in the world of hip-hop, inspiring many with her music.