By Jordan Kwong
Over the last few years, UK rap has taken the world by storm. Its combination of catchy lyrics and hype beats entices any listener. While other British artists such as One Direction hide their accents while singing, British rappers embrace it. The accent has a marveling effect, making for a fun tone and hypnotic experience. Needless to say, the genre is extremely expansive, with hundreds of artists and thousands of songs. Prospective listeners often stray away, intimidated by the selection. Below is a list of five British rap songs curated to get anyone into the genre.
- “Sprinter” – Dave, Central Cee
Starting off strong, “Sprinter” remains the most streamed British Rap song of all time – for good reason. A collaboration between the two superpowers of the genre, Dave and Central Cee, the song is the most well known of its kind. The song embodies high energy and a relentless drive to move forward, perfect for anyone looking for an uplifting beat. It’s ideal for daytime car rides and intense workouts. With mesmerizing flow and infectious lyrics, “Sprinter” is hard to not jam out to.
- “Us Against the World” – Strandz
Breakout single “Us Against the World” by Strandz captures the raw emotions of love and unity. The background features a deep, rhythmic pulse. Layered on top, lyrics speak to rising above the odds. Strandz’s passionate delivery brings the song together, making for a relatable mood. Listeners truly feel embedded in the music. “Us Against the World” makes for a great late night listen for anyone looking to mix up their options.
- “Rain” – Aitch, AJ Tracey, Tay Keith
With a beat laid out by the prominent producer Tay Keith, “Rain” features exchanging verses from rappers Aitch and AJ Tracey. The song demands attention, with strong bass and a fast tempo. Meanwhile, sharp lyrics continuously boast about wealth. The high energy is able to turn any setting into a party, bound to hype up any nearby listener. For anyone in need of a boost, listening to “Rain” is a surefire way to elevate the vibe.
- “Stylin” – Sainté
Effortlessly cool and undeniably smooth, “Stylin” by Sainté elucidates the more laid-back side of UK rap. The track blends together mellow tones with Sainté’s calming vocals. His main message – relaxation after finally finding success – provides motivation for many listeners. It’s perfect for a summer day or cruising with the windows down. For those intimidated by the high energy of other British rap songs, “Stylin” offers a solution.
- “Barking” – Ramz
Ramz’s flagship song, “Barking” was an instant anthem upon its release. Ramz captures the thrill of making new connections set on top of an upbeat instrumental. The song’s strongest feature, it’s catchy rhymes and lyrics, hooks any listener from start to finish. It is a lighthearted piece, best for hangouts with friends or just singing along. Overall, “Barking” is a feel good track that never fails to bring smiles.