Are the UK ready to take over rap music?

For many years USA have ruled the world when it comes to rap music, but is the UK ready to take over. With many big American artists, like 50 Cent and Lil’ Wayne, it always looked impossible for any Brit rappers to challenge them. However, when grime artist Dizzee Rascall had some success across the pond with his 2007 album, ‘Maths + English’, it seemingly gave other UK MC’s the confidence that they could do the same.

N-Dubz

Now, four years on, an abundance of British talent has arrived and are starting to have a grip hold on the rap and hip-hop billboard charts. These artists include east London threesome N-Dubz, grime artist Wiley and the hugely popular Tinie Tempah. Tempah had a successful 2010 in the UK with two of the biggest smash hits of the year, ‘Pass Out’ and ‘Frisky’. This gave him the stepping stones to launch a career in America and already this year he has collaborated with US chart-topper Kelly Rowland. 

Another member of the new breed of British talent, Chipmunk, is also having a standout year so far. His new album has seen him collaborate with three of the biggest US R n’B acts in Chris Brown, Keri Hilson and Trey Songz and he is starting to get the recognition in the US that his music deserves.

Chipmunk

  

The debate over what nation has the better rappers continues to rumble, and is a debate I will not be able to answer. However, all I can leave you with is one of my favourite rap songs in recent times.