Wretch 32 just dropped one of the most thoughtful and passionate hip-hop tracks you’ll hear this week with “Black And British,” featuring Little Simz for a guest verse and Benjamin A.D on the chorus. It follows previous projects like 2021’s Little Big Man and covers a whole lot of topics with a lot of compelling grace. Family trauma, social dynamics, and educational systems fall under their empathetic and pained magnifying glass over a gorgeously progressive, calm, and orchestral instrumental.
In addition, “Black And British” also comes with a music video that sees the “Ocean Deep” MC pay homage to his family history while commenting on its struggles. Furthermore, he does a great job of painting the picture here with very vivid imagery and a lot of sharp lines. Also, Benjamin A.D provides some solid melodies, and as for Little Simz, the “Satellite Business 2.0” creative offers a mindful glimpse into her upbringing. Wretch 32 came through with a pretty dense cut, but the musicality on display and the skillfully focused performances make it resonate even if you don’t catch everything on first listen.
With all this in mind, we can’t wait for what the Upon Reflection lyricist crafts next. If you haven’t heard Wretch 32’s “Black And British” with Little Simz and Benjamin A.D yet, you can find it on your preferred streaming service or check out the music video via YouTube below. Down there, you can also find some standout lines from the record and the comments section for you to leave your thoughts on the new single. As always, come back to HNHH for the best new rap drops around the clock.
Wretch 32’s “Black And British” With Little Simz & Benjamin A.D: Stream & Watch The Music Video
Quotable Lyrics You put our feels to the side, bills to the side, Out of sight, out of mind, is my dad still alive? Step-dad arrives, devil in disguise, Tina, Wanna ask your partner how it feels to be Ike?
Headie One is of the United Kingdom’s most reputable rappers for a lot of reasons. Whether it be his bangers, great topical focus, or commanding presence on the mic, he is always offering up something for everyone. Headie One is showcasing all of these qualities on his sophomore album, The Last One. This the Tottenham, London native’s follow-up to his debut LP, EDNA, back in 2020. Additionally, it is the closing chapter in his “One”-titled mixtape series.
The first of them hit streaming in 2018 with The One and the sequel would follow later that year. For Headie One, The Last One is his story about entering the music industry and everything that has followed. He explained it in an interview with The Line of Best Fit, saying, “I’ve made a lot of music that tells a story, but I feel like the stories are all separate and individual from each other. I’ve never told the full story, from start to finish, about how I came into music and how things were up until a certain point. That’s the story the album is telling”.
One track that Headie One cites as extremely important to The Last One‘s themes about this up-and-down journey is “Martin’s Sofa”. Even though it originally dropped back in January of last year, this track still fits seamlessly in this tracklist. It sort of pays homage to his friend Martin who let him crash at his place while he was trying to make it in rap. It is extremely touching and one of many vulnerable hits on this stacked project.
Central Cee is a massive star. The UK rapper has been recording since 2014, but he blew up off the strength of his 2022 single “Doja.” It’s been one success after another for the rapper, who scored a number one UK single with “Sprinter” in 2023. It seems apparent that Central Cee is here to stay, and DJ Akademiks is one internet personality who is absolutely convinced. Akademiks not only praised Central Cee during a recent stream, but claimed Cee was one of the most relevant rappers in the world.
The bold proclamation was made on June 25. DJ Akademiks was trying to work out who the biggest rappers were in terms of success. Central Cee, in Ak’s not-so-humble opinion, trumps most of the U.S. names at the moment. The cultural implications were not lost on the streamer. “Is this the first time,” Ak asked his viewers. “That a UK rapper could arguably be in the top 5 of rap?” He asserted that if Cee was not already, then he will be very soon. “I think Central Cee might be knocking on that door,” he asserted. “Top 5 relevant, right now.”
Viewers were quick to shoot down Ak’s ruling. That being said, Central Cee does have a lot going for him at the moment. He received a prestigious co-sign from Travis Scott in 2023, when the Texas rapper was seen dancing and rapping along to one of his tracks. Cee was the first UK rapper ever to land on the XXL Freshman List. He was also the first UK rapper to earn a billion streams in a single year on Spotify. These are not fluke achievements. The “Sprinter” hitmaker is doing, in many ways, what Bad Bunny did for the reggaeton genre during the first half of the decade.
Central Cee is keenly aware of American hip-hop. He told The Guardian that he listened to the greats when he was growing up, and attempting to bring a similar level of authenticity. “J Cole, Kendrick Lamar,” he recalled. “I had to go and listen to these people for the first time. Even Jay-Z. So that was a fun time, because everything was clicking. I just remember lightbulbs.” The rapper is adamant that he plans to stay true to his unique style, however. “When I rap, I’m in a neutral mood,” he said. “I can relate to everything, every emotion that I’ve ever felt.” Let’s see if DJ Akademiks’ claim proves true.
Central Cee’s new single “CC Freestyle” contained some not-so-subtle shots at frequent rival Digga D, who took some time out of his prison stint to respond to it via an Instagram community page. Moreover, on Thursday night (May 9), he added onto his wait for a trial on drug charges by anticipating an eventual showdown with his fellow U.K. rapper. “I ain’t Drake or Kendrick,” Digga wrote, referencing their ongoing beef and suggesting that, if he and Cench really go at it, it’s not going to be for rap beef, but rather something much more dangerous and serious. “N***as like sneak dissing in the UK,” he concluded. “I shouldn’t even say n***as.”
Furthermore, the two drill and grime artists have a lot of built-up animosity over the years stemming from alleged criminal group ties, physical run-ins, and confrontations. For example, Digga D’s entourage allegedly stabbed Central Cee’s brother back in the day, something that the former even referenced in an unreleased 2021 freestyle. Here’s what the Might Delete Later collaborator had to say about Digga on “CC Freestyle.” “Surrender your flag because you’re not no Crip / I trapped and it changed my life /You trapped and all that you got was blues.“
“I’m a millionaire, bro, what about you?… They book me in L.A., they book you in Leicester,” Central Cee also raps on the cut. As for Digga D, we know that he’s never been shy about making his hectic and dangerous lifestyle evident on social media, such as him recording what seemed like a police raid on his home on Instagram Live. As such, we can’t really tell where this feud will go, especially considering that one of the opponents is behind bars. Still, hopefully they keep things to the bars themselves and sharpen their pens rather than their blades.
Meanwhile, with what looks like an Ice Spice collab on the way, Central Cee is probably poised to stay relevant and representative for the U.K. hip-hop scene, with Digga D not too far behind. They might clash again in the future, but at this point, they both clearly want to handle their careers differently. Whether this leads to subliminals for the rest of their careers or a one-on-one is anyone’s guess. But considering the temperature in rap music right now, all is fair in love and war.
Tinie Tempah, the British rapper, singer, and songwriter, has amassed considerable wealth throughout his career. According to Celebrity Net Worth, his net worth stands at a remarkable $10 million in 2024. Let’s delve into the impressive figure and the factors contributing to his net worth.
Early Career & Rise To Fame
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 01: Singer Tinie Tempah visits Kiss Radio on February 1, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Chris Jackson/Getty Images)
Born Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu Jr. on November 7, 1988, in London, England, Tinie Tempah showed an early interest in music. The “Mayday” MC began his journey by releasing mixtapes in his teens, garnering attention in the underground music scene. Tempah’s breakthrough came with the release of his debut single “Pass Out” in 2010, which topped the UK Singles Chart. The success of this track propelled him into the mainstream spotlight, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal fan base.
LONDON, ENGLAND – JUNE 10: Tinie Tempah arrives by Mercedes-Benz at his “What We Wear” label fashion week presentation at Old Truman Brewery on June 10, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz)
Following the success of “Pass Out,” Tinie Tempah continued to dominate the charts with hit singles like “Written In The Stars” and “Frisky.” His debut album, Disc-Overy, released in the same year, received widespread praise and commercial success, further solidifying his status as a rising star in the music industry. Tempah’s unique blend of rap, pop, and electronic music appealed to a wide audience, leading to further accolades and awards. He went on to release successful albums such as Demonstration and Youth, showcasing his versatility as an artist and cementing his position in the music industry while also collaborating with artists like Roy Woods (“Moncler [Remix]“) and Not3s (“Top Winners“).
Factors Contributing To His Net Worth
MILAN, ITALY – JANUARY 13: Tinie Tempah walks the runway at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Men’s Fashion Week Fall/Winter 2018/19 on January 13, 2018 in Milan, Italy. (Photo by Jacopo Raule/Getty Images)
Tinie Tempah’s net worth of $10 million is a testament to his successful career in music. Furthermore, Tempah has diversified his income through lucrative endorsement deals, brand partnerships, and investments. Moreover, his entrepreneurial spirit has led him to venture into fashion with his clothing line, Disturbing London, and collaborate with renowned brands such as Nike and Adidas. Additionally, Tempah has expanded his reach into other creative endeavors, including acting and philanthropy. With a strong work ethic and a keen business sense, Tinie Tempah continues to thrive in the entertainment industry, solidifying his position as one of the most influential figures in British music.
Tinie Tempah’s journey from humble beginnings to international stardom is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and entrepreneurial spirit. With a net worth of $10 million in 2024, he has established himself as a prominent figure in the music industry and beyond. From his early days releasing mixtapes to his chart-topping singles and successful albums, Tempah has undoubtedly delivered music that resonates with audiences worldwide. His ability to adapt and innovate has allowed him to stay relevant in an ever-evolving industry, while his ventures into fashion and other creative pursuits have further solidified his legacy. As Tinie Tempah continues to evolve as an artist and entrepreneur, one thing remains clear: his impact on the music industry and popular culture is undeniable.
Ghetts is here to deliver his long-awaited album On Purpose, With Purpose. The project had its rollout begin in the latter half of last year with a slew of singles. “Laps” with Moonchild Sanelly kicked things off on October 20. Then, the UK rapper would go on to release four more tracks over the next five months.
The last and only track we were able to sink our teeth into was “Double Standards” with Sampha. It was a great listen and tracks like this one show the intent behind On Purpose, With Purpose. In an interview with Apple Music, Ghetts shared some of the themes that are woven into the record. “To anyone who feels like they’re being overlooked, don’t have conversations with people about ‘It should be you.’ No, it shouldn’t. Don’t download the virus.”
Ghetts continues passionately, “‘It should be you’ is a virus if you take that upon yourself, you’re going to put out this energy of [being] underrated-now you become that. Your time comes when it’s meant to.” That powerful but honest message is very similar to the title of this LP. Ghetts is conveying to the listener that success happens when you move with a sense of purpose and go about things the right way, you will get your shine.
What are your thoughts on this brand-new album, On Purpose, With Purpose, by Ghetts? Is this his best project ever, why or why not? What songs are you gravitating toward and why? Who had the strongest feature performance and why? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ghetts. Finally, stay with us for the most informative project posts throughout the week.
On Purpose, With Purpose Tracklist:
Intro
Mount Rushmore (feat. Kano & Wretch 32)
Double Standards (feat. Sampha)
Anakin (Red Saber)
Blood On My Hands (feat. Unknown T)
Stylish Nxxxa (feat. Lancey Foux)
Laps (feat. Moonchild Sanelly)
Twin Sisters (feat. Skrapz)
Mine (feat. Shakka)
More Than I Required (feat. Jay Angelo) [Interlude]
Little Simz started her Drop EP series back in 2014, with its first five editions surrounding the release of her 2015 debut album. Drop 6 arrived in 2020, acting as a transition between her critically acclaimed studio albums, Grey Area and Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. Unlike her Inflo-produced albums, the five-track EP included production from numerous beat-makers, including Kal Banx, BLK VYNL, and St Francis Hotel.
Since 2019, Simz and Inflo have been on a 3-peat run of stellar hip hop masterpieces. They have consistently outdone themselves as one of hip hop’s most talented rapper/producer duos. In 2022, they dropped their third full-length collaboration, No Thank You. With Inflo’s help, we are currently seeing Simz at what appears to be a long-lasting creative peak. As we await her next album, Little Simz is back with Drop 7, a new EP fully produced by British musician Jakwob. It gives us an exciting glimpse into the next phase of her artistic evolution.
Little Simz and Jakwob are frequent collaborators. He notably produced “Rollin’ Stone” from Sometimes I Might Be Introvert. However, this is their very first time locking in for an entire project. From Grey Area to No Thank You, Simz and Inflo built their own unique sound chemistry, but Drop 7 sees Jakwob pushing her out of her comfort zone. Little Simz explores completely new musical territory on this EP. Over the course of seven tracks, she covers a range of genres.
The first two songs blend hip hop with Brazilian funk. This sound may be new for her, but it is unsurprising considering she once rapped about being “in São Paulo eating palm hearts.” “Mood Swings” is a minimal yet energetic opening track that is dynamic in how it transitions between a calm hook and hard-hitting verses. The song seamlessly flows into “Fever,” another danceable Brazilian funk track. From there, we get hip hop bangers like the fast-paced “Torch” and the bouncy “Power.” There is also “I Ain’t Feelin’ It,” which has a wavy trap instrumental. Songs like the house fusion, “SOS” and the Jersey Club-inspired “Far Away” also test the limits of Little Simz’s sound. She traverses each of these musical styles with ease, freeing herself of artistic boundaries.
With Jakwob’s multifaceted production skills, Drop 7 proves to be a short yet adventurous listen. His beats recall the aesthetic of Little Simz’s earlier work but with a more diverse soundscape. The experimental production is part of what makes this EP such an enjoyable change of pace. Still, Little Simz is always the star of her own show. Much like on Drop 6, she tries new flows and cadences.
Simz sounds more playful than ever on songs like “Fever,” where she raps in Portuguese and gives another nod to São Paulo. She proclaims herself as “International Simbi.” There is also “Torch” where she tries different voices. She playfully asks listeners if they “wanna see some more” before telling them “don’t be afraid of the bounce” as soon as the beat drops. The aptly-titled “Mood Swings” shifts between soft-spoken lyrics over muted percussion and demanding bars over explosive drums.
Simz also flexes her success and realness on “I Ain’t Feelin’ It.” On this track, she references her Top Boy character as she says, “shell, shell, shell when they see me / Shelley’s nail bar only exists on the TV.” No matter how she raps, Little Simz is always commanding in her delivery, demanding the attention of the listener. She even reaches beyond rapping as she sings on the closing track, “Far Away.”
Overall, Drop 7 comes and goes as a 15-minute listen, but its seven songs leave a lasting impression of the potential next steps in Little Simz’s creative progression. It is a quality reminder of how the Drop series has helped foster this growth. Drop 7 is ultimately satisfying as a short EP that builds anticipation for her next full-length album. The latest installment in the series hopefully signifies what is next to come from the UK wordsmith.
One could argue that the UK’s rap scene has been running laps around that of the United States for many years. A vast city filled with a variety of cultures and styles, London has been the hub for many of the world’s best lyricists. The British capital has a rich history of pushing musical boundaries, including hip-hop and beyond. The development of London’s rap scene as we know it occurred almost concurrently with the rise of grime in the 2000s. Over the years, the genres have often overlapped, with many grime MCs taking on hip-hop production, eventually evolving to what we now know as UK drill and afroswing — two of the most popular styles of British rap music.
Today, we are highlighting 7 London rappers you should be listening to. While London is home to many legendary rappers and grime MCs, this list prioritizes the stars of today who are actively establishing themselves as the future of the city. Many UK icons still continue to release music, but we are spotlighting both the new legends and those who are working toward that status. Take a look at the list below.
Tottenham in North London is home to many of the UK’s greatest MCs, including Skepta, JME, Frisco, and Wretch 32. Also hailing from the district is Avelino, the skilled and criminally underrated lyricist. His big break was in 2015 when he released a collaborative mixtape (Young Fire, Old Flame) and an earth-shattering freestyle with his mentor, the aforementioned Wretch 32.
Fast forward to 2023, Avelino stayed on course, finally releasing his debut album, God Save The Streets earlier this year. Executive produced by Wretch, the album fulfilled Avelino’s true potential. It contains clever wordplay while also serving as a cautionary tale to his home city. With one of the best rap albums of the year, Avelino is a must-listen.
Headie One
Another Tottenham native, Headie One is the drill superstar who brought the sub-genre to new heights. Headie has played an integral role in drill’s longevity, bringing depth to the tough and aggressive style. The London rapper started his takeover at the end of the 2010s, releasing street anthems like “Know Better” and “18Hunna.” Following his 2019 mixtape, Music x Road, Headie One served four months in prison for knife possession, but he came back bigger than ever.
In 2020, he collaborated with Fred again.. for the groundbreaking GANG EP and released his gold-selling debut album, EDNA. The album hosted features from Drake, Skepta, Future, AJ Tracey, Stormzy, Young Adz, and others. More recently, Headie One branched out with his collaborations on his No Borders compilation, which featured rappers from all over Europe. He also recently teamed up with K-Trap for the collaborative mixtape, Strength To Strength. Headie One is an essential listen for drill fans.
Dave is one of London’s biggest superstars and is rapidly growing his fanbase in the United States. The Streatham, South London rapper is known for his deep lyricism and conscious subject matter, as well as his numerous hit records and award-winning albums. Both of his studio albums, 2019’s PSYCHODRAMA and 2021’s We’re All Alone in This Together are considered modern classics, earning a Mercury Prize win, BRIT Awards, and numerous platinum certifications. He’s worked with the likes of Drake, Burna Boy, Wizkid, and others. This year, Dave teamed up with Central Cee for Split Decision, a collaborative EP that included the hit single, “Sprinter.” Dave is a London rapper who is quickly building his status as a young legend in the game.
One of the UK’s most trailblazing figures is J Hus. A pioneer of the afroswing genre, the Stratford, London rapper and singer heavily celebrates his Gambian heritage in his music. Hus’s humorous bars, endless versatility, and infectious melodies have earned him the status of one of the UK’s most revered artists. With classic albums like 2017’s Common Sense and 2020’s Big Conspiracy, as well as hit singles like “Did You See,” J Hus has never missed. This year, he returned with Beautiful And Brutal Yard, his third studio album that included features from the likes of Drake, Jorja Smith, and frequent collaborator Burna Boy. With one of 2023’s best hip-hop albums, J Hus is continuing his reign as one of London’s most unique rappers.
Loyle Carner
Loyle Carner is as authentic as it gets. The Lambeth, South London rapper is known for his transparent lyricism, often rhyming over jazzy hip-hop breaks. Loyle Carner’s autobiographical bars are compelling in their content and delivery. Each of his distinctly unique studio albums serves as a journey of self-discovery that marks key points in his life. Loyle Carner has worked with artists such as Jorja Smith, Sampha, and frequent collaborator Tom Misch. Loyle Carner is in a lane of his own when it comes to many different styles of hip hop coming from London.
With each album, Little Simz has grown both artistically and in notoriety. The Islington, London native has experimented with numerous styles of hip hop, crafting abrasive bangers and soulful moments of reflection. While she has recently tightened her collaborative circle, Little Simz has worked with artists like Chronixx, Syd, Chip, and Ghetts. She frequently collaborates with Cleo Sol of Sault, as well as Inflo, the producer and Sault member responsible for producing her last two critically acclaimed albums.
While each of Little Simz’s projects has its own unique sound and style, 2021’s Mercury Prize-winning Sometimes I Might Be Introvert and last year’s No Thank You took her career to new heights. Rolling Stone even listed the former on their controversial list of the 200 Greatest Hip Hop Albums of All Time. Little Simz is definitely a London rapper that you should be listening to.
Stormzy
It is impossible to discuss UK rap without mentioning Stormzy. With only three albums in his discography, the Croydon MC is one of London’s most prolific and legendary artists. He launched his career as one of grime’s most promising names before expanding his repertoire on his 2017 debut Gang Signs & Prayer. The album incorporates elements of hip-hop, grime, R&B, and gospel, with features from Ghetts, J Hus, Wretch 32, and more. In 2019, Stormzy made history at Glastonbury, becoming the first black British solo artist to headline the festival.
Stormzy’s second album, Heavy Is The Head served as a victory lap to his newfound legend status, boasting features from Ed Sheeran, Burna Boy, and H.E.R. Recently, the rap star has been releasing singles throughout 2023 following the release of his third studio album, 2022’s spiritual and R&B-centric This Is What I Mean. While Stormzy is one of London’s biggest rappers, his skill set should not go unnoticed in the U.S.
Digga D recently took to social media to share just how close his alleged recent close brush with death was. Moreover, the U.K. MC uploaded two pictures and a video that seem to depict an attempt on his life, and it’s chilling footage all things considered. One of these includes a video that quickly cuts out after you hear shots ringing out from outside the vehicle. In addition, Digga posted pictures of a Mercedes Benz SUV with bullet holes in it, showing presumed evidence of the attack. “Cherish God More,” he wrote as his post’s caption alongside a prayer hands emoji, acknowledging how lucky he is to have escaped harm’s way.
Considering the violent subject matter of much of the drill scene in the region, stories like these don’t get any less scary. It also came at what should be a celebratory time in the London rapper’s life, as he just released his albumBack To Square One in late August. This new footage from Friday (September 15) shows that things could’ve taken a very nasty turn. Fortunately, it seems like the 23-year-old is safe and sound, and he elaborated on the experience on his Instagram Story.
“What soldier you know goes to war & don’t get shot or shot at,” Digga D wrote on the social media platform. “Most these punk uk rappers have experienced it & are embarrassed to talk about it cause they don’t stand on business! They rather just show u the good side. I’d rather show you the Real side. Remember death is a place of no return. Don’t go out wrong trying to impress a bunch of people that will forget about you. Whatever religion you are, keep praying no matter what Cherish God More CGM.”
Meanwhile, the “G Lock” artist might be moving away from this violent lifestyle, at least artistically. Recently, he declared that he was done with drill, and teased a more dancehall-inspired cut to shift gears. With this in mind, no matter what musical route he takes, we hope that he doesn’t face more situations like these. For more news and the latest updates on Digga D, keep checking in with HNHH.
U.K artist Twyce just dropped a new freestyle titled “Attention,” and it demands it with narrative bars and a breezy instrumental. Moreover, the South London rapper is one of many voices bubbling in the English hip-hop scene, which covers grime, drill, and beyond. However, this newest track is well within a stateside hip-hop head’s wheelhouse. For example, the track’s production is similar to the melodic, emotionally resonant, and wavy tracks of a lyricist like J. Cole. While it’s a short track, Twyce injects a lot of passion and personal perspective in its two-minute runtime. It’s yet another creative track from beyond the pond, in an age where regions no longer define genre or style.
Furthermore, the beat on “Attention” is an emotive and laid-back approach, with a slow tempo and a lot of atmosphere. For example, there are some very subtle keys that hang in the background, so lush they sound like guitar strums. However, the guitar’s already the main melody, looping some soft electric chords throughout its runtime. Also, there are some beautiful saxophone lines that come in toward the midway point, contrasting nicely with the guitar. While it may not be the most dynamic or evolving backdrop, it’s still layered enough to warrant repeat listens. Regardless, Twyce’s bouncing flows, heartfelt narratives, and engaging wordplay and diction are the song’s standout achievement. In fact, some fans might be reminded of Dave’s introspection and his chilled and measured demeanor.
Lil baby you wrong I could tell that I’m right, or whatever NLE Choppa said
Still, what did you think of Twyce’s latest freestyle, “Attention”? However you may feel, let us know in the comments and peep notable lines and its music video down below. Also, if you haven’t heard this track yet, you can find the song on your preferred streaming service. As always, stay tuned to HNHH for the best new music releases, with or without that smooth British accent.
Quotable Lyrics She was a girl on the corner, juxtaposed while I’m on the corner, just a pose, Opinions opposed, you’re in my head naked, no clothes, first time Seeing me, you froze, we’re great together, but trust me I’m good on my own, They give Qs, I say no when they ask me “Do you regret this fully?”
(@uk.gossiptv)
