UK underground rap

Characteristics#

Publications have described the interconnected and collaborative nature of the scene as one of its defining features. The Fader noted that it separated the scene from previous UK rap scenes such as grime, afrobeats and drill. The scene is inspired by American internet rap and “those American influences run deep”, with artists tending to “rely on jerk beats” and lyrics referencing American brands, culture and athletes. British magazine Dazed noted that several artists in the scene were from Generation Z and had been “robbed” of their youth due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Director Lauzza added “The news is just negative, negative, negative: it can be very draining for the average young person.” and “We’re all just reaching for the last time we remember being truly happy, when you could come home from school and slap on FIFA and nothing else mattered.”

Etymology#

The UK underground rap scene has been referred to by publications as “UK UG” and “the UK’s rap revolution”. Much like “indie” rock, the term “underground” is often used to refer to the genre stylistically rather than denoting popularity. The Fader added that " This cohort has the goal of reshaping the overground in their distinct vision."

2015–2023: Origins#

According to The Guardian, London rapper Lancey Foux was “fundamental” to the scene’s initial growth. British rapper Phreshboyswag has also been labelled as a key figure in the rise of the UK underground rap scene, although The Fader noted that he was more associated with the New York jerk revival scene. Zukovstheworld was another pioneer of the scene. British magazine Dazed stated that “Zuko was UK Ug before UK Ug”

2024–2026: Rise to mainstream#

While rooted in the US, jerk music began to gain momentum in the UK in 2024. Spearheaded by artists like Fakemink, as well as YT with his single “Black and Tan”, whose music video made use of the “Frutiger Metro” aesthetic. The song was a “crowning jewel” of the jerk revival, English singer-songwriter PinkPantheress was later inspired by the music video’s visual direction and collaborated with the video’s director, Lauzza, for her future releases. YT’s releases were followed by further major contributions in the genre by artists such as Jim Legxacy, EsDeeKid, Len, and Fimiguerrero. The scene was later further popularised by English rapper Fakemink, described as the “man-of-the-moment” by Dazed. Fakemink’s 2023 debut mixtape London’s Saviour was titled as such because he wanted to “change” the London music scene which he had previously described as “all trash”. Fakemink pioneered a microgenre dubbed “moody jerk” and has been labelled a “critical darling”. The Guardian stated that to the “outside world” EsDeeKid’s rise “seemed to happen overnight”. Several major publications, including The Wall Street Journal and The Guardian described the movement as a “new British Invasion”, with the latter stating “with US rap in the doldrums, the time is ripe for another British Invasion”. The publication Dazed argued that the scene had pushed for more inclusion of rappers’ religious beliefs in British youth culture music.

Associated acts#

Notable musical artists and producers associated with the scene include EsDeeKid, Saam Sultan, SINN6R, Len, Ledbyher, Phreshboyswag, Zukovstheworld, TR Gobrazy, Young Eman, Finessekid, Ceebo, Svn4vr, Notable visual artists and directors associated with the scene include Lauzza, Christian Thomas Irving (known as “CTi”), Rohan Dil, , Moi Digital, and directing duo “Burnermunde”, which is composed of Arran Ashan and Mustafa Mohamoud. Several high-profile musicians and public figures have shown praise for artists associated with the scene, particularly Fakemink, Jim Legxacy and EsDeeKid. This includes Drake, Frank Ocean, Playboi Carti, Dave, Skepta, PinkPantheress, Timothée Chalamet, and Hunter Biden.

London#

London is the most influential city within the UK underground scene, with many of its most significant contributions originating from South and East London. However, the scene is notable for producing successful acts from across the city and from a wide range of ethnic backgrounds. YT from Havering, , Fimiguerrero from Greenwich, and Ledbyher from Newham. Local identity is a recurring theme among London’s artists, many of whom frequently reference their local culture and environment. This includes the London boroughs, Fakemink’s mixtape London’s Saviour, YT’s single Take Me Back To London Where It’s Raining, “This is the time to be young in London” is a common sentiment among members of the movement.

Leicester#

Leicester’s most notable UK underground rapper is Snoa. He has been labeled by The Guardian as “prolific even by the standards of underground rap”, stating that he had released 71 singles and 3 albums in 2025, while keeping “his quality at a remarkably high level”. He released the album 2il De4th Du Us 7art in 2025 which became “a classic of the cloud-rap genre”. His work has been compared to Playboi Carti, Che, Bladee and OsamaSon.

Notable releases#

• Rebel, a mixtape by EsDeeKid.
• Black British Music (2025), a mixtape by Jim Legxacy.
• OI!, a mixtape by YT.
• What The Feng, an EP by Feng.
• CONGLOMERATE, a collaborative mixtape by Fimiguerrero, Len, and Lancey Foux.
• #FEDERAL, an album by Sinn6r.
• “Easter Pink”, a single by Fakemink.
• “LV Sandals”, a single by EsDeeKid, Fakemink and Rico Ace.

See also#

• UK rap
• UK drill
• Grime
• Bassline
• Road rap
• British Invasion
• Second British Invasion
• Third British Invasion
• Cool Britannia
• Alternative hip-hop