REAL RAP BACK IN FASHION

Watching George The Poet’s ‘It was written’ was a tear-jerker, to say the least, the performance paid homage to UK rap and the remarkable impact it has had on a wider music scene. The performance evoked bittersweet memories, reminding me of times I sat under my television to watch Channel U and see artists like Bashy, Giggs and BBK on my screen as a child. George also mentioned the bright future in store for rappers and the healthy revenue provided by music, revenue that was not as promising years ago. The reference to pirate radio and the censorship faced by rappers during the beginnings of UK rap highlight the difficulties it faced and is currently challenged with.

2019 was a historically impressive year for UK rap, according to the Official Charts Company data, sales and streams in UK rap singles reached a record of 42.2% and UK rap album sales and streams increased to 26.9%. Both figures demonstrate how this particular genre is carrying the entire music industry with its roots. UK rap is a ground-breaking genre that is home to a variety of sub- sounds including, drill, street rap, trap, wave, grime, afro swing and alternative rap. These are subgenres that have impacted us all with the stories that are sang and memories created through them.

Sounds that are associated with lavish hall parties, sounds that emanate from tower blocks and sounds that we blast on our aux systems. This is our history and the participants have cemented themselves in the music hall of fame, for creating something when there was nothing.

One genre that has stuck out for me particularly this year is a sound called real/street rap, typically known for its frankness about hardships faced on the cold streets. We have seen people bond over UK rap classics such as ‘Pain is the essence’ via No Signal radio and music audiences across this country rekindling their love for street rap. This resurgence of real rap and it being back in fashion provides old UK rap listeners with a sense of nostalgia, while simultaneously creating a brand-new audience. The gap between the two groups of music listeners is bridged by this new era and it is incredibly exciting to witness. Real rap is appreciated due to its ability to document street life and social issues, such as poverty, civil rights and deprivation. The artists documenting these issues fill their music with soul and brutal honesty.

Additionally, the frequent use of soulful elements in real rap instrumentals add to the hopes and dreams of these rappers, and their intentions to leave the past while the past struggles to leave them.