2020 marked the start of the new decade and, perhaps, is a milestone for a new era in the budding U.K. Rap scene. The culture has witnessed an overwhelming display of progression as, more frequently than ever, rap projects enter the running for the Official Charts’ #1 position.
British Rap culture hails Dizzee Rascal as one of the most successful U.K. rappers of the millennium. In 2003, the grime emcee’s debut album, “Boy In Da Corner”, granted him universal critical acclaim as he peaked at #23 on the UK Top 40 and won 2003’s Mercury Prize.
Over a decade later, the charts have revealed two U.K. Rap albums occupying both first and second positions. The week beginning from 9th to 15th October 2020 sees Headie One’s debut album “Edna” clock in at #1, beating efforts from John Lennon and Travis. The rapper’s hit singles from what is the UK’s most streamed album of the week is sprinkled across the Top 40, including tracks, “Ain’t It Different” and “Princess Cuts”.
D Block Europe’s debut, “The Blue Print: Us vs Them”, successfully enters at #2. The British duo, who sold out Alexandra Palace twice, already have a string of charting singles and acclaim. The historical sentiment behind two leading British Rap acts simultaneously debuting in the charts is worth a celebration.
The momentum is at an all time high as singles from Dutchavelli, M1llionz, Hardy Caprio and Chip all occupy a spot on the Official Singles Chart Top 100! J Hus’ “Big Conspiracy”, M Huncho’s “Huncholini The 1st”, Nines’ “Crabs In A Bucket” and Potter Payper’s “Training Day 3” are all examples of high performing projects from our scene that, all in one year, saw commercial success. This is what the future looks like.
