London used to rule
UK rap – but now the biggest hits are from outside the M25. Manchester’s Aitch, Coventry’s Jay1 and Leicester’s Trillary Banks explain why
If someone comes to visit
London, it’s only ever a matter of minutes before they mention the price of two things: houses and alcoholic beverages. Even if they’re a successful rapper with sell-out tours and Top 20 hits under their belt, they will still be horrified. “Look at the house prices – it’s way cheaper in Cov,” notes Coventry’s Jay1. “London is expensive, man.” He gestures at his passionfruit daiquiri. “It probably cost £10 for this!” Yep, not far off.
The oppressive price of cocktails is one of many reasons why the UK’s rap scene is currently flourishing beyond London. Core styles such as grime and drill emerged from the capital, as have the vast majority of the most significant
British rappers of the past 20 years: Dizzee Rascal, J Hus, Wiley and Kano from the east; AJ Tracey and Fredo from the west; Skepta, JME and Wretch 32 from the north; Stormzy, Dave and Giggs from the south. The Streets’ Mike Skinner may have kept his Brummie accent, but he had already left Birmingham by the time his debut was out.