Top 10 Best British Rap Artists

While the United States may be hailed as the birthplace of rap, the UK has been far from a silent bystander. In fact, the British rap scene has been thriving, vibrant, and steadily rising to global prominence, offering a fresh and distinctive flavor to the world of hip-hop.

British rappers are known for their unique lyrical style, infusing their rhymes with regional dialects, local slang, and cultural references that make their music as authentic as it gets. Whether it's Grime, Drill, or UK Hip Hop, these artists have redefined the boundaries of the genre, presenting narratives that range from the struggles of street life to thought-provoking social commentary.

So, here's a shout-out to the artists who have been spitting bars under the grey skies of the UK, offering us a blend of gritty realism, razor-sharp wit, and a hefty dose of British charm. This list is a celebration of their talent and contribution to the global rap scene.

The Top Ten

Tinie Tempah

Patrick Chukwuemeka Okogwu (born November 7, 1988), better known by his stage name Tinie Tempah, is a British rapper and singer. He has been signed to Parlophone since 2009, which is now a subsidiary of Warner Music Group. He created his own entertainment company, Disturbing London, in 2006, along with... read more

He is the best English rapper so far without any doubt about it. All I can say is just keep going just the same way. Don't change anything, mate.
Professor Green

Just brilliant, he never seems to disappoint and endlessly releases chart hits. Fantastic lyrics peppered with clever jokes.

That guy is the best of the rappers I have ever seen in my life, and best after Pitbull and Eminem.
Tinchy Stryder
Dappy

Dappy is a legend. I've seen him in the studio. He knows how to work the tracks and drop some sick lines.
Chipmunk
Plan B

This is proper rap right here. All the others on here rap about nothing useful, except Pro Green. Plan B is a proper musician who raps about important issues. I think Professor Green is more talented, but he raps like Eminem and raps about the same things, and he also tours with these other novices. Whereas Plan B collaborates with proper artists, and that is what being a musician is about.

His lyrics and storytelling are perfect. He has never made a bad album and he can sing without autotuning. He is just amazing.
M.I.A.

Mathangi Arulpragasam, better known by her stage name M.I.A., is a British singer, rapper, songwriter, record producer, visual artist, filmmaker, designer, and activist. She gained international fame with her 2007 hit Paper Planes. Her work often addresses political and social themes influenced by her... read more
Rizzle Kicks

Brilliant rap, cool music, creative everything... and humor, too. Love these guys!
Dizzee Rascal

Dylan Kwabena Mills, better known by his stage name Dizzee Rascal, is a British rapper and MC. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of grime music and British hip hop. His work also incorporates elements of UK garage, bassline, and R&B.

He brings his own thing into hip hop. He isn't the best. The best live out in America but probably the best British rapper.
Ed Sheeran

Edward Christopher "Ed" Sheeran is an English singer-songwriter and musician. He was born on February 17, 1991, in Halifax, West Yorkshire, and raised in Framlingham, Suffolk. He's known for hit songs such as "The A Team" (2011) and "Shape of You" (2017).... read more

Ed Sheeran is, without a doubt, the best British artist. Not just in rap, but with his acoustic as well.

The Newcomers

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21 Savage

Shéyaa Bin Abraham-Joseph, born October 22, 1992, is better known by his stage name 21 Savage. He is a British-born rapper based in Atlanta who gained early recognition with mixtapes such as Free Guwop (2015) and the collaborative EP Savage Mode (2016) with Metro Boomin. His debut studio album, Issa... read more
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AJ Tracey

The Contenders

Stormzy

Michael Ebenezer Kwadjo Omari Owuo Jr., known professionally as Stormzy, is an English rapper, singer, and songwriter. He gained widespread recognition with his debut album, Gang Signs & Prayer, in 2017, which won the Brit Award for British Album of the Year. He is also known for his activism and support... read more

I'm from the US and think he is better than at least 95% of the rappers here. He could arguably be compared to Tupac, Biggie, or Nas.

Stormzy is the GOAT without any argument whatsoever.
Lowkey

He speaks the truth like no one else. He's got style, and he raps fast too.
Slick Rick

Richard Martin Lloyd Walters (born January 14, 1965), known professionally as Slick Rick, is a British-born American rapper. He rose to fame in the 1980s with his narrative style of rapping and songs like Children's Story and La Di Da Di. Slick Rick is considered a pioneer in hip hop and has influenced... read more

Come on, people. This is hip hop's greatest storyteller. This guy is a hip hop legend, and I mean legend, as he is well-known in the US and has been known since the late '80s. He was one of the legends in the first golden era along with KRS, Rakim, Big Daddy Kane, etc. And this guy is 17th on here? Wake up.

The fact that Ed Sheeran is ranked higher than the best rapper of all time, never mind UK rapper, is baffling. This man deserves so much more.
Skepta
Wretch 32

His lyrics and flow are actually really sick.
Example

Elliot John Gleave, known by his stage name Example, is an English musician, singer, songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He gained popularity in the late 2000s and early 2010s with chart-topping singles such as Changed the Way You Kiss Me. Example has released multiple studio albums and remains... read more

His lyrics complement the life of fun! Love him! He should be in first place.

Why is this so low? Example for life!
Devlin

Devlin did a great job in some of his songs. I think he can be regarded as better.
The Streets
KSI

Olajide Olayinka Williams "JJ" Olatunji, better known as KSI, is an English YouTuber, rapper, and former professional boxer. In 2019, The Sunday Times ranked him second on its list of the top 100 UK influencers. He is also a co-founder and former member of the Sidemen, a prominent British YouTube group... read more
Bugzy Malone
Giggs

Giggs is sick! He is the first UK gangster to step on a red carpet. Say nothing.
Ghetts

Best UK lyricist of all time. This list is a disgrace. I mean, Slick Rick and MF DOOM are better than Ed Sheeran? Absolute garbage.
Boyinaband

His raps are usually really meaningful or actually intelligent.
Roll Deep
Lunar C