2020 has been a wild year from a global standpoint as well as musically. The UK music scene is bigger than it’s ever been before. Here’s a list of freshmen on the scene that have undoubtedly dominated the year.
Dutchavelli
Dutch has had the biggest breakthrough in the scene this year since his release from prison. The East London rapper took the UK by storm with his anthem ‘Only If You Knew’. Dutch hasn’t stopped there and has continued to release banger after banger, eventually bagging himself a spot on Tion Wayne’s ‘I Dunno’ featuring Stormzy peaking at seventh on the UK singles chart, which is an incredible feat to have under your belt in less than a year back on the scene. His menacing voice culminated with his gritty lyrics catch the ears of many and can shut down every motive as soon as you hear Dutch breathe. The next step for the 26 year-old is definitely a project before the year ends for listeners to get a grasp of the man behind the music.
M1LLIONZ
The North West Birmingham rapper is already become one of the hottest drill rappers in the UK. Everyone seems to bite the ‘M1llionz Flow’ but there is only room for one M1llionz. From his unique brum flow to his extravagant bars that make you feel like you were in witness of El Chapo’s great escape. No wonder why he’s picked up some major co-signs from the likes of Drake so early in his career.
M24
The Brixton rapper first gained traction with his 2019 hood anthem ‘We Don’t Dance’, a year later and we are very much still hearing his name. Tracks like ‘London’ and ‘Dance With Smoke’ show us why he’s been on everyone’s radar. M24’s flow and adlibs are the closest of anyone in the UK in comparison to his Brooklyn counterparts, which already screams cross-over ability. With an upcoming project on the way, we want some introspective tracks from The Get-Backs front man.
MEEKZ
The masked rapper first gained buzz after appearing on P110: Music’s Hottest Hoods and has hit the ground running since. He’s one of many artists from the bubbling Manchester scene that are giving Londoners a run for their money. Meekz unlike his contemporaries is heavily influenced by old school rap hence his sample of the classic Jay-z ‘Can’t Knock The Hustle’ and it’s evident in his lyricism. The Manucian depicts his struggle and hard knock life throughput his music, which is very reminiscent of the early days of UK rap with rappers such as K Koke and Potter Payper. Meekz has taken this year by storm, if you need any indication take a look at his visuals to ‘ Like Me ‘ from his EP ‘ Can’t Stop Won’t Stop’. The rapper has it all, with a co-sign from Giggs, the manc rapper is certainly heading in the right direction.
PA SALIEU
Pa Salieu has been on our radar since his 2019 single ‘Dem A Lie’, but he caught his big break after his track ‘Frontline’ went viral. His unorthodox flow and Gambian influence only remind us of Top Militèrian; J Hus. Hus recently gave a co-sign to the rapper for embracing his individuality and even calling him his ‘Gambian Brother’. Pa is reinventing afro-swing with his own unique twist.
DARKOO
The 18 year old first caught my attention after a preview to her single ‘Gangster’ was shared all over twitter. Many songs that are previewed on social media hardly ever live up to the expectation, but Darkoo shocked us all, so much that she scored a top 30 spot on the UK charts. Her success was very organic and well deserved due to her tight song writing ability and infectious melodies. Darkoo is one to look out for who can undoubtedly have a number one record on her hands soon.
CENTRAL CEE
Originally Cee was closely associated with the thriving trap-wave sound early on in his career, since then he has dropped two drill-inspired tracks. The West London native has gained popularity for his whit’s, flow and quotable lyrics, I know I’m not the only repeating “Turn Off The Auto Tune, Let’s See How You Really Rap “ throughout the day. It took Cee a while to find his sound but his perseverance and work on his craft is a testament to why artist’s should never give up.
IVORIAN DOLL
Controversy may have surrounded her name earlier on but since she capitalized on these rumours on her debut track of the same name, all these attempts on her livelihood have been put to bed. The influencer turned rapper was formerly a duo but it was clear to see that Ivorian Doll had the most potential of the two. With over 3.6 million views on her own channel, her visuals are a breath of fresh air in comparison to her UK counter parts. Ivorian Doll has the whole package to be a superstar in the making.
SHAYBO
Shaybo’s career goes as far back as 2011 with her iconic freestyle long before UK rap became all glitz and glam. The female MC has always had bars and can comfortably hang with the best. Her battle-rap style mixed with her sassy side and Yoruba twang make her incomparable to other rappers in her class.
TEEZANDOS
Although she may look innocent, don’t be fooled her raps are completely different in contrast. The female MC is lyrically beyond her years and songs make you question why your opps are still breathing. Anthems like ‘Highlander’ display her lyrical prowess and maturity. Tee already has the flow on lock, we now wonder what’s next for the young MC.
S1MBA
S1mba already has the highest charting track of any artists mentioned on the list, with his smash-hit Rover peaking at number 3 on the UK official charts. Rover achieved such a feat because of its catchy chorus and popularity on social media app Tik-Tok. S1mba is already showing signs that he can deliver a great hook and carry a melody. His achievements so far are something many artists would dream to accomplish, I look forward to the evolution of this young man’s career.
DC
I remember five years ago seeing his ‘Gleamin Freestyle’ on twitter and thinking to myself who is this guy?. It was a while before I heard of DC again till his Colors performance, and then I remembered being in awe many years ago. Fast forward and his latest releases; ‘Neighbourhood’ and the garage inspired ‘Tears, Sweat & Blood’ don’t fall short of expectation. DC’s calm demeanor and storytelling remind me of a young J. Cole, at this rate I see DC being mentioned with the UK elites very soon.
MNELIA
The songstress having released an EP, 2:4 in 2018 I saw hope that R&B is still alive and kicking within youth in the UK. Two years later, we now have the throwback anthem ‘Say Yeah’. If you love 90’s R&B the visuals were filled with nostalgia; I honestly thought I went back in time. Mnelia’s music gives off sexy and fun vibes. Could a full length project from the songstress start a new wave of R&B in the UK? I really think she is more than capable of it.
GEOVARN
The 25 year old Tottenham singer has been on the scene since 2014 and is now getting the recognition he deserves. Geovarn embodies the 90’s R&B scene with a modern twist. His Instagram #Meanstyles series finds him freestyle over old school instrumentals, I honestly wish they were full-length tracks. The UK R&B scene has suffered in recent years but with his smoothness on his records Geovarn could easily become our own Bryson Tiller and bring UK R&B to the forefront.
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