Over the last couple of years, UK hip-hop, rap and grime (yes, they are separate genres) have risen in popularity across the world. Section Boyz and Dave got massive co-signs from Drake; the likes of Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, Skepta and Giggs finally got the recognition they deserved outside of the UK; Stormzy established himself as one of the best artists in the world; and Kanye West bringing out a mob of UK artists to "All Day" back at the 2015 BRITs awards all but cemented the artistic scene in the UK as the hottest property.
In 2017, many listeners were introduced to the depth of talent coming out of the UK via Drake’s More Life making them hungry for more-- whether it be the soothing vocals of singer Jorja Smith or the bravado of Giggs. MCs and crews delivered, with Dave, J Hus, AJ Tracey, Stefflon Don, 67, Dizzee Rascal, New Gen, Section Boyz, Nines, Wiley and Stormzy releasing albums that were lauded by critics and fans alike. With such a prominent roster of artists on the come-up, it makes sense that there’s a healthy, bubbling underground waiting to burst and take a shot at the throne.
We’ve broken down 10 artists to watch out for in 2018; some may have had a serious 2017 but this is their year to get more than just a foothold in the game. Featuring a variety of styles from UK drill to grime to bashment rap to UK hip-hop, the following 10 artists are just the tip of the iceberg.
1. IAMDDB
"Shade" was IAMDDB’s announcement to the world that she’s ready to take over.
Leaned Out, her 2016 self-released project, shows that the Mancunian artist is capable of delivering multiple hits. The sometimes-singer, sometimes-rapper is effortlessly cool; whether that comes through on her social media platforms or on her videos, audiences and fans have been flocking to her like bees to honey. Her voice is a mirror reflection of that, a hazy auto-tune mixed with the spaced-out psychedelia of early A$AP Rocky and Clams Casino collaborations.
At a time when most UK artists are mirroring their counterparts across the pond, IAMDDB is going off on a distinctive path by herself and with her success racking up, she’s firmly grabbed 2018 already to make it her own.
2. Loyle Carner
After releasing "Yesterday’s Gone" to critical and commercial acclaim last year, Loyle Carner has seen his career take a meteoric rise. Laying his soul bare on each track, Carner’s album was nominated for the 2017 Mercury Prize. Though NME deemed 2017 was his year, Carner’s rise was overlooked by the mainstream as Stormzy, Sampha (who won the 2017 Mercury Prize), Wiley and Dizzee Rascal released projects that overshadowed the young rapper’s debut album.
His take on old-school rap somehow feels fresh in a world dominated by trap, drill and grime. The laid-back production coupled with Carner’s deep, soothing voice is rejuvenating. Reminiscent of iconic artists like Gang Starr, Mos Def and Common, Carner manages to carve himself a distinctive path while managing to keep the comparisons with the legends at bay - for now. 2018 is the year he can truly elevate his status within the game.
3. Flohio
Having only released a handful of tracks, Flohio shows off her incredible bars on God Colony-produced tracks "Fights" and "SE16." It only takes one listen to understand why she’s already being touted as the next breakout star, Flohio’s rapid-fire flow mesmerises you as she weaves in stories of her life around her braggadocio bars.
Boasting complex bars, you can feel the confidence coming through in her music; there’s a passionate thirst with FLOHIO to be the best in the game and not just a flash in the pan. 2018 should be the year where she establishes herself as one of the best in the game, especially if she keeps her choice of producers in line with what she has in the past.
4. K-Trap
UK Drill is one of the hottest genres currently being made. K-Trap epitomises the genre: rapping about moving product, keeping his fashion aesthetics in line with the genre’s expectations. But at a time when the UK music scene seems saturated with drill rappers, K-Trap has managed to create a singular take on the South London formula. Take his bars, aggressive production and put him in an underground, dark club and you can see a mosh pit emerging. There’s a strange familiarity with his music and it’ll be interesting whether he continues 2018 in the same vein or takes it in a different direction.
5. Zone 2
Drill crew Zone 2 are from Peckham and you should know who they are real quick. So here we go. Their latest mixtape, Known Zoo, is scary good. As in, there were peerless in 2017 for having a drill mixtape so cohesively strong. Although some critics think drill may be too aggressive to make the transition into the mainstream, Zone 2 are switching up what drill truly is and can be as evidenced by a number of the tracks on Known Zoo.
Crews like Odd Future and Brockhampton have changed things up in the North American sound; Zone 2 are on the path to do the same in the UK.
6. Octavian
Pay attention when UK Twitter starts talking about rappers because there’s undeniable talent being unearthed there. Octavian is the perfect example. His track "Party Here" made the round as it could easily belong anywhere from a house DJ’s set to a basement dancehall dance floor. Razor-sharp lyrics are spat from a deep, gravely voice - one that arrests your attention right away. With barely five true tracks to his name, Octavian possesses so much star potential that you can’t help but root for his success this year.
7. Skengdo x AM
If you’re unfamiliar with the UK drill scene, Skengdo x AM are the perfect introduction. Guaranteed to be the breakout stars in 2018 with their unique lyrics - full of intricate rhymes, hilarity and relatable stories - and tight production, the duo barely need a written introduction. Listen to either their Fire in The Booth session or one of several recent tracks to get a grasp of why they’re lauded both critically and in the underground.
8. Lotto Boyzz
Mix up dancehall and bashment, sprinkle some reggae in there and you’ve got the Lotto Boyzz. The genre-defying artists have got a one-of-a-kind take on music, standing atop a hill peerless in the UK because they’ve created a genre that only they know how to control. Even celebrated artist J Hus cites them as one of his favourites.
9. Trillary Banks
Equally capable on dancehall beats, trap hi-hats, Trillary Banks has a delightfully lackadaisical delivery full of sly rhymes. Her hooks are Afro-bashment centric and infectious as they come. Surrounded by witty bars and a tight production, Trillarly Banks is sure to be a household name in a few years. She’s got the potential to be a crossover into the mainstream and here’s hoping 2018 will ensure she gets her fair share of the spotlight because she’s being unfairly slept on lately.
10. SL
When you’re 15 and drop your first music video, probably the last thing you expect is for the track to be viewed over 14 million views. But that’s exactly what happened with SL. He’s been touted as a teenage Giggs, especially accompanied with the bleak beat backing him.
Everyone brushed him off as a one-hit-wonder after the video for "Gentleman" surfaced, but lo and behold, SL dropped "Tropical" garnering a cool 4 million views quickly. Coupled with his age, the future looks bright for this teenage star. He’s already shown he can deal with the pressure of expectation and is consistently delivering quality product. A strong full-length project, whether an EP or an LP, should mark 2018 as a pivotal year for the talented young rapper.