What Is London Rap Called?

By Alice Nichols

London rap, also known as UK rap or grime, is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in London, England in the early 2000s. This genre has gained immense popularity in recent years and has produced some of the most successful artists in the UK music industry.

The Origins of London Rap

London rap is heavily influenced by Jamaican sound system culture and the UK garage scene that emerged in the late 90s. The sound system culture involves DJs playing music at outdoor events or parties, often using custom-built speaker systems for a unique sound experience. This sound system culture gave rise to MCs who would “toast” or “chat” over tracks, providing hype and energy to the crowd.

In the early 2000s, grime emerged as a distinct subgenre of London rap. Grime is characterized by its fast-paced beats and aggressive lyrics often centered around social issues such as poverty and police brutality.

The Evolution of London Rap

Over time, London rap has evolved to encompass a broader range of sounds and styles. Some artists have moved away from the aggressive sound of grime towards a more melodic style influenced by Afrobeat and R&B.

One notable example is J Hus, who emerged in 2015 with his mixtape “The 15th Day.” J Hus’s music blends elements of Afrobeat with trap-style beats and has been praised for its catchy hooks and unique flow.

The Influence of London Rap on Global Music

London rap has had a significant impact on global music, particularly in the United States. In recent years, American artists such as Drake and A$AP Rocky have collaborated with UK artists like Skepta and Giggs.

The success of these collaborations has helped to expose American audiences to the unique sound of London rap. In addition, many UK rappers have found success on the global stage, with artists like Stormzy and Dave gaining critical acclaim and commercial success.

Conclusion

London rap, also known as UK rap or grime, is a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in London in the early 2000s. It is heavily influenced by Jamaican sound system culture and the UK garage scene.

Over time, London rap has evolved to encompass a broader range of sounds and styles, including Afrobeat and R&B influences. The genre has had a significant impact on global music, with many UK artists finding success on the international stage.