Central Cee is not just a leading figure in UK rap; he's also one of the most prominent hip-hop artists on the global stage today. His rise to fame began in 2020 with the release of the singles "Day in the Life" and "Loading." In 2021, he dropped his debut mixtape, Wild West, which quickly climbed to No. 2 on the Official UK Albums Chart.

By 2022, the 26-year-old rapper had achieved international acclaim with his hit single "Doja," which made its mark on the US Billboard charts and peaked at No. 2 on the UK Singles Chart. It later became the most-streamed UK rap song on Spotify.

Central Cee is also recognized for his distinct fashion sense, often seen in tracksuits, puffer jackets, and skull caps—staples of British streetwear culture.

It's undeniable that modern UK rap wouldn't be what it is today without Skepta's profound influence. A pivotal figure in the grime scene since the early 2000s, Skepta has left an indelible mark on the genre. Born to Nigerian parents, he has worn many hats as an MC, rapper, producer, and DJ. Alongside his younger brother Jme, Skepta briefly joined the British grime crew Roll Deep before they co-founded Boy Better Know in 2005.

At 41, Skepta's career has been marked by significant milestones, including the independent release of his debut studio album, Greatest Hits, in 2007, followed by Microphone Champion in 2009. His influence crossed the Atlantic when he produced and featured on A$AP Rocky's 2018 hit "Praise the Lord (Da Shine)," which became the highest-charting single for both artists.

Dave is known for his socially conscious lyricism and wordplay.

In 2019, he released his debut album, Psychodrama, and was met with widespread critical acclaim. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Officials UK Albums Chart, having the biggest first-week streams for a UK rap album. It also won Album of the Year at the 2020 Brit Awards. 

Dave was the first UK rapper to get a Drake remix on his 2016 hit single “Wanna Know.”

J Hus, who is of Gambian descent, is credited with pioneering Afroswing. The genre combines elements of hip-hop and grime with dancehall and Afrobeats.

He gained popularity in 2015 following the release of his song "Dem Boy Paigon."  In 2017, his hit "Did You See" became his most successful single, peaking at No. 9 on the UK Singles Chart and eventually being certified platinum.

J Hus got his stage name from the word "hustler."

Stormzy has been a trailblazer in the grime and the UK hip-hop scene.

His 2017 debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, was the first grime album to reach number one on the Official UK Albums Chart and won British Album of the Year at the 2018 Brit Awards.

Stefflon Don, who is of Jamaican descent, was born in Birmingham, England.

She rose to fame following the release of her 2017 hit single "Hurtin' Me" featuring French Montana. It peaked at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart.

Giggs is the father of UK rap. He is known for his unique sound, which combines a deep voice with a slow flow.

He went international in 2017 after being feature on two songs on Drake’s More Life. JAY-Z even name-dropped him on his “God Did” verse, where Hov said Giggs reminded him of himself.

AJ Tracey received his commercial breakthrough in 2018 when he released "Butterflies" featuring fellow British rapper Not3s. It peaked in the top 20 on the UK Singles Chart.

He released his self-titled debut album independently in 2019, which peaked at No. 3 on the Official UK Albums Chart.

You may know Little Simz for her role in Netflix revival drama series "Top Boy," but she's way more than that.

She rose to fame with the independent release of her first three albums -- 2015's A Curious Tale of Trials + Persons, 2016's Stillness in Wonderland and 2019's Grey Area. 

Little Simz's fourth album, Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, was released in 2021. Multiple publications deemed it the best album of that year. It also earned her a Brit Award for Best New Artist in 2022.

Fredo is known for his unique combination of trap and hip-hop. His lyrics tend to showcase the lifestyle and experiences he had growing up in West London, where he was surrounded by gang violence and crime.

The 30-year-old released his debut single, "They Ain't 100," in 2016. Shortly after, he went to prison on a knife crime charge, which was later dropped. The track gained popularity while he was behind bars, with radio play and millions of views.

Fredo's chart-topping hit “Funky Friday” with Dave furthered his success.

Ms Banks started her music career with releasing mixtapes. She released her first mixtape, Once Upon a Grind, in 2014.

The Nigerian-British rapper supported Cardi B on her UK tour in 2017 and she even recieved shout outs from Nicki Minaj.

Headie One is considered to be a trailblazer in the UK drill scene. He released his debut album, Edna, in 2020 and it peaked at No. 1 on the Official UK Album Chart.

He is also a member of the Bristish hip-hop group OFB.

Digga D, who is also considered to be one of the pioneers of the UK drill scene, rose to fame in 2017 along with band CGM.

His mixtapes Double Tap Diaries and Made In The Pyrex peaked at No. 11 and No. 3 on the Official UK Albums Chart.

Ivorian Doll was originally a YouTuber who revealed that she got into the rap scene by mistake. She made her debut in the music industry with Abigail Asante, releasing singles under the name Abigail x Ivorian Doll.

She is now a solo artist.

Nemzzz first gained recognition in 2021 with his singles "Elevate" and "2MS."

His very first mixtape, Do Not Disturb, was released this year and it debuted at No. 17 on the Official UK Albums Chart.

Pozer's fanbase grew when he released his debut single, "Kitchen Stove," this year. It peaked at No. 22 on the UK Singles Chart.

The rapper's music career began in 2018 after gaining traction from freestyle videos that he posted on TikTok.