I just have a quick question for you all. Have you ever asked yourself, “What is English Rap called?”

Well, if you’re like me, someone who really pays attention to music styles, you’ve probably noticed by now that the UK has its own sound. It’s not copying American hip-hop. It’s something different. Something that is raw and real.

So today, I’m taking you on a journey through English rap, what it’s called, where it came from, who made it famous, and how it’s changed the game worldwide.

With nice and easy steps, let’s break it all down, shall we?.

What Is English Rap?

In simple words, English rap is hip-hop made by artists in the UK. But it’s not just hip-hop with a British accent. It’s more than that.

English Rap blends local slang, deep basslines, fast beats, and real street stories. The sound is different and energy is different. Also, the attitude is unapologetically British.

Some call it UK Hip-hop, some call it British Rap, but it also includes subgenres like Grime and UK Drill and these are the two styles that completely flipped the UK music scene on its head.

Which means that, “English Rap” is the umbrella term, but inside it, you’ve got these unique styles making their mark.

How Did It Start?

Back in the late 1980s and early ’90s, rap music from the U.S. was blowing up. Everyone was listening to artists like…

Public Enemy, N.W.A, Tupac, and Biggie.

UK artists felt that same vibe. But they wanted to do it their own way. So they started rapping about their own lives.

They spoke about London streets, council estates, racism, struggle, and growing up in tough neighborhoods. These weren’t the same stories as American rappers, but the pain and hustle were just as real.

The first big wave came from artists like London Posse and Roots Manuva, who brought that British flavor to rap.

They didn’t fake an American accent. Instead, they used their real voices, their slang, their accent. This way, it was special in it’s own way.

Grime: The Heartbeat of British Rap

Going further, you can’t talk about English rap without bringing up Grime. Born in East London in the early 2000s, grime is fast, gritty, and raw. It’s like rap on steroids, the beats hit harder, and the flows are lightning quick.

Think of artists like:

Wiley – The “Godfather of Grime” who helped shape the genre.

Dizzee Rascal – His album Boy in da Corner was like a nuclear bomb for UK rap.

Skepta – He took grime global and kept it true to the streets.

Grime was different because it wasn’t trying to sound like American rap. It had its own sound, dirty beats, wild rhythms, and aggressive lyrics that hit hard.

It gave kids from the ends a voice, and suddenly, British rap wasn’t just a copy, it was its own thing.

UK Drill: The New Era of English Rap

Fast forward to today, and UK Drill is the loudest voice in England when it comes to rap. This subgenre came out of South London and took the internet by storm.

The beats are dark, the lyrics are sharp, and the message is clear. It serves as the raw truth of life in the UK.

Artists like:

Headie One

Central Cee

Digga D

Unknown T

 

…have helped bring UK Drill into the spotlight. And guess what?

The world is listening. Even American rappers are inspired by the drill sound coming out of London.

UK Drill is intense. But it’s also creative. The beats are full of flavor, and the flow switches keep you on your toes. It’s not for the weak. However, it’s definitely for the real.

What Makes English Rap Different?

You might be thinking…

“Isn’t all rap kinda the same?”

Well…

Not really. Here’s what sets English Rap apart:

Accents and Slang: British rappers rap in their own accents using words and phrases you won’t hear in U.S. rap.

Storytelling: UK rappers often focus on real-life situations, poverty, racism, violence, and even mental health.

Beat Selection: The production is completely different. Grime and Drill beats don’t sound anything like trap or boom-bap.

Cultural Identity: UK rap reflects life in Britain. It’s honest, and it doesn’t try to mimic anyone else.

Is English Rap Popular Around the World?

Absolutely. At one time, people used to laugh at British rappers for their accents. But now, they’re getting respect from artists and fans all over the globe.

Drake has worked with Skepta and Giggs. ASAP Rocky and Pop Smoke borrowed sounds from UK Drill.

TikTok is full of people rapping along to Central Cee bars. This movement proves that british rap is no longer in the shadows. It’s front and center.

Let’s wrap this up with a clear explanation from what we’ve seen so far, for better understanding and clarification.

English Rap is the umbrella term for rap music that comes from the UK. It includes:

UK Hip-hop (old-school style)

Grime (fast-paced and aggressive)

UK Drill (dark, raw, and street-driven)

British Rap (any rap from the UK regardless of subgenre)

But no matter what you call it, it stands on its own.

In case you haven’t been paying attention to the UK scene, now’s the time to tune in. Trust me, you’re gonna hear a lot more of it. Check out the latest releases from the UK.