Essex has been home to one of the most influential and acclaimed rappers to come out of the UK, Potter Payper, who recently released his major label debut Real Back In Style on 0207 Def Jam. It’s not London, OK! Before you all come for me, there are still some amazing artists and labels that exist in the south east of England, outside of London. His track “ My Family”, a collaboration with Backroad Gee, has cemented its position as a modern classic of UK hip hop, with both artists channelling the energy of ten men into their performances alongside their captivatingly unique deliveries (the video is amazing, too). Often compared to fellow UK innovator J Hus, the former Dazed cover star’s delivery is less melodically-minded, and sonically his instrumental choices are darker, with many tracks owing more to the cold soundscapes of eskibeat. When Pa Salieu of Coventry burst onto the scene with his breakthrough single “ Frontline”, he arrived as a singular artist and a breath of fresh air. In recent years, however, the Midlands has been producing stars in abundance, with some of the most popular and acclaimed UK rappers born and raised in the region. The first name that comes to mind is the late grime prodigy Depzman, who was tragically murdered back in 2013, but his influence still lives on across the scene – best highlighted in his SB.TV Warm up Session, which, nearly 11 years later, still stands as a highlight from the series. With its melting pot of cultures, the Midlands is home to a wide range of sounds and styles. Not to mention his captivating visuals – in particular, this excellent video for the banger that is “ Like Me ”. His newest album Respect The Come Up showcases his cinematic beat selection, where songs ring like short stories. In recent years, masked rapper Meekz has earned himself a seat at the table with global superstars like Cench and Dave, through his gritty, descriptive tales of street life and deep, gruff delivery. His debut EP NEMZZZ TYPE BEAT flexes his signature playful and introspective sound, as well as his talent for writing a seriously catchy hook. Nemzzz first arrived on the scene with the infectious single “ Elevate ”, showcasing his recognisable Manchester twang and laid-back flow set to the now uber-popular chill drill sound that is currently flooding the sounds of TikTok and beyond. The region also has heavy hitters floating around the mainstream, like Nemzzz and Meekz, whose collective features list boasts names like Central Cee, Dave and Knucks. Emerging from Manchester’s underground hotspot The White Hotel, Blackhaine is a central figure, alongside fellow northern experimentalists like Rainy Miller and Space Afrika, who are creating a powerful, chaotic and raw amalgamation of sounds that surround them – sitting somewhere between dark ambient, drill, electronica and spoken word. The north west has also been fertile ground for some of the most cutting-edge hip-hop music coming out of the UK in recent years.
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