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The UK music scene has long been a breeding ground for some of the world’s most innovative and boundary-pushing artists. From grime to drill, R&B to alternative hip hop, the landscape continues to evolve with new talents emerging from every corner. As 2025 unfolds, several UK artists are on the verge of breaking through and deserve more recognition for their contributions to the music world.
A2
Wesley Bishop, known as A2, is a versatile songwriter and producer from Croydon, South London. He is a key figure in the new “7” movement, alongside artists like Krept & Konan, Stormzy, Bonkaz, and Section Boyz. A2 started his musical journey in grime but soon transitioned to blending R&B sounds with grime influences, creating a unique style that incorporates old-school R&B samples. This innovative mix has led many to describe his music as "Trap Soul."
Since 2012, A2 has released a number of highly regarded projects, including eight EPs such as Hennessy Thoughts, Faded Photographs, VII, VII 2, Once Too Many, and the critically acclaimed More Sleep. In late 2016, he dropped More Sleep 2, followed by R.E.D in 2017, a collection of songs that kept fans eagerly anticipating his debut LP, Blue. Upon its release later that year, Blue received widespread acclaim, solidifying A2’s place in the UK music scene.
Harvey Whyte
Harvey Whyte, a rapper, self-taught pianist, and producer from Hackney, London, is known for his unique piano-rap fusion, blending genres such as hip hop, trap, neo-soul, alternative RnB, jazz, and electronic music. His clever wordplay, vivid storytelling, and versatility have made him a sought-after collaborator, with past partnerships including Sigma, Footsie, Greentea Peng, KeepVibesNear, Luke RV, and Fatima.
Harvey's breakout came in August 2022 with the release of his EP East 2 West, followed by his debut album Piano Rap in September 2023. His track Mocktails and Weed went viral on Instagram, amassing over 2.5 million views and attracting celebrity attention, including a comment and DM from SZA.
Over the past 18 months, Harvey has performed live extensively, showcasing his distinctive style at venues like Sofar Sounds, Colours, and The Jazz Café, as well as shows in Paris, Hamburg, and Berlin. His upcoming performances include SXSW Austin in spring 2025. Harvey's sophomore album, Fatalism, was released on 31 October 2024.
Sam Wise
Sam Wise, a rapper from Kennington, London, made his mark as part of the Frank Ocean co-signed collective House of Pharaohs, an eclectic group that merges music, dance, and fashion. His debut solo EP, Sorry You Were Saying (2019), introduced his raw, distinctive voice to the scene. However, his mixtape Free Game took his sound further, blending a homegrown, bold charm with elements of trap, boom bap rap, breezy atmospherics, and sax flourishes.
On Free Game, over 13 tracks featuring collaborations with Knucks, Venna, and Lord Apex, Sam Wise delves into the complexities of youth, exploring themes of uncertainty and growth while navigating life's grey areas. This mixtape helped solidify his potential as an artist with a transatlantic appeal.
Just Banco
Just Banco, an artist from Manchester, developed a passion for music at a young age, influenced by his cousins who were part of a local group called Raw-T. He aims to create and popularize a genre known as "Trapanese." Before signing with DirtyHit, Banco released several singles, including his debut track "Just Stay."
Blanco
Joshua Eduardo, professionally known as Blanco, is a British rapper from Kennington, South London, and a member of the influential UK Drill collective Harlem Spartans. Blanco first gained attention in 2016 with tracks like "Call Me A Spartan," "Kennington Where It Started," and "Kent Nizzy," which solidified the collective’s presence in the UK Drill scene.
In 2017, Blanco was arrested alongside fellow Harlem Spartans member MizOrMac after police discovered a loaded gun on MizOrMac and a samurai sword on Blanco. Blanco was sentenced to three years in 2018.
After the group disbanded, Blanco successfully transitioned into a solo career, showcasing his versatility by experimenting with genres such as Trap and Afroswing. His debut EP, English Dubbed (2019), was inspired by his love for anime, featuring slow-set cadences and clever wordplay. Blanco’s full-length mixtape, City of God, released in August 2021, was met with critical acclaim.
Pa Salieu
Pa Salieu Gaye, born on 1 July 1997, is a British rapper and singer signed to Warner Records. He gained significant attention in January 2020 with his breakout single "Frontline," which became the most-played track of the year on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Known for blending elements of afrobeats, grime, and UK drill, Pa Salieu’s sound quickly resonated with audiences. He released his debut mixtape, Send Them to Coventry, on 13 November 2020, further cementing his place in the UK music scene.
Joe James
Joe James is a UK rapper known for his deep baritone and blues-tinged grime beats. His lyrics, filled with themes of love and loss, are set over mellow beats intertwined with soulful loops and pitched-up R&B samples. Joe has become a cult figure in the UK underground scene, offering an important counterweight to the fast-paced, viral nature of contemporary UK rap. With no agent or publicist, his steady growth is fueled by raw, emotional music painted in shades of blue and pink. His earthy voice paints vivid pictures of Southend, from drug sales and grow houses to the tension of local violence. Joe’s debut album marks his bid to reach a broader audience.
YT.
YT. is a 21-year-old rapper and producer from North East London who has quickly become a key figure in the underground UK rap scene. He gained attention with his breakout track "Arc'teryx," and continued to build momentum with follow-up tracks like "Rent Free" and "Maple Money." With frequent SoundCloud drops, YT. shows no signs of slowing down as he solidifies his place in the UK rap landscape.
Sam Recks
SamRecks is a rising UK rapper born in Nigeria and raised in South London. Known for his unique style and lyrical talent, he has earned co-signs from industry figures like Snoochie Shy and Robert Bruce. His music blends smooth flows with quotable bars, highlighting his charismatic personality and skillful storytelling. With a distinct sound and captivating presence, SamRecks continues to make waves in the UK rap scene, carving out a path for his own musical journey.
Ashbeck
Ashbeck is an emerging talent in the London underground rap scene. Hailing from Northwest London, he and frequent collaborator El Londo first linked up in 2019 to release their joint tape Ashlondo. Ashbeck has continued his surge in 2020, releasing the Starmix EP as well as he and Londo’s second tape Ashlondo 2 before the close of the year. Whereas Ashlondo helped to establish their style and showcase a variety of sounds, Londo’s production on their second project demonstrates tremendous growth. This fine-tuned soundscape, paired with an increasingly open and vulnerable Ashbeck, creates the space for the young NW10 rapper to showcase his fast-improving pen game alongside playful verses from Londo himself.
Ashbeck has released a number of other singles and features, and his slick flows and playful bars are slowly and steadily lighting up the London underground scene.
Glizz
Glizz made a name for himself in the underground scene with his 2021 breakout hit One Pop, showcasing his distinctive flow and brutally candid wordplay. Since then, he has consistently delivered hard-hitting tracks, solidifying his presence as a rising force in UK rap. With each release, Glizz continues to refine his sound, proving he’s one to watch in the ever-evolving scene.
T Skinz
Tskinz, a rising star from London, has been making waves in the UK music scene with his unique blend of Hip Hop and Trap. Known for his high-energy beats and impactful tracks, Tskinz seamlessly merges these genres, creating a sound that's both infectious and fresh, solidifying his place as a standout talent in the industry.
Kid Wild
Kidwild, born Keaton Edmund on December 12, 2005, is a rising British drill rapper known for his authentic storytelling and emotionally driven lyrics. He first gained recognition through viral freestyle clips on TikTok, building a strong fanbase. His breakout single, "Popular Loner," has earned millions of streams on Spotify, marking his solid presence in the UK music scene.
Jordy
Jordy is a rising rapper from Tottenham, part of the Vibbar collective, which is named after "vibes" in Swedish. Growing up listening to 50 Cent and Ludacris, his early love for rap led him to explore Grime, but his influences now lie with Jay Z, Pusha T, Kendrick Lamar, Ghetts, and Frank Ocean. One of his career highlights so far has been appearing on Ghetts' track "Spiritual Warfare" from Ghetto Gospel: The New Testament, marking a significant milestone in his journey.
Kirbs
Theo Okoli, aka Kirbs, is a rising UK rapper from Highbury, North London, known for blending melodic drill with jazzy influences. His unique sound resonates with both contemporary trends and nostalgic melodies.
Signed to Live Yours, a label owned by Central Cee and YBEEZ, Kirbs’ growing success highlights his undeniable talent. His introspective lyrics, laid over infectious beats, connect deeply with listeners from all walks of life.
With his passion and distinctive style, Kirbs is quickly establishing himself as one of the most exciting voices in UK rap.
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