Anyone who knows me know for a fact I prefer overseas English music rather than the rinky dink bullshit we're forced to love here in Amerikkka. Despite recent surge of U.K acts in the states as well as influence from the U.S. poisoning the Brits wonderful sound (ala Sugababes, Taio Cruz,Jessie J), there are still legitimate acts over the pond that have lyrical depth and hot beats to slay your speakers and ears so I'll give you 5 artist ( some who have released music stateside,support the arts people) that I've been feeling for a minute some you may not know and some you do, I HIGHLY recommend you pay close attention to this post and check these acts out below.
Akala
Breaking out on the U.K. underground scene in 2004 with his mixtape The War Akala( Born Kingslee James Daley, in Kentish Town, London) Became a sensation with Grime and Hip-Hop lovers, but didn't catch mainstream attention until his collaborative mixtape A Little Darker with his older sister Ms. Dynamite (as mentioned below) which was acclaimed by critics and fans alike. He recently released the eccentric album Double Think featuring the lead single XXL .
Dizzee Rascal
Probably the most popular British rapper now, he's racked up hits for almost a decade since hiting the scene with his debut album Boy In Da Corner winning him the prestigious Mercury Prize as well as being the first rapper to do so. He has a distinct voice and rhyme style known for blending various genres with a strong U.K. Grime feel and more recently he released his fourth album Tongue n' Cheek in 2009 which explored a more retro Hip-House sound reminiscent to the late 80's early 90's sound (which is making a STRONG comeback). The albums four singles all topped the U.K. Charts and the album went on to become a platinum seller and my favorite song I'll recommend is Dirtee Cash from the album.
Estelle
She's internationally known for her hit single American Boy featuring Kanye West which topped charts everywhere, known mostly for her soulful singing, she's also an acclaimed FemCee which was showcased heavily on her debut album The 18th Day in 2004, despite her switching her styles more prominently on singing more poppier tunes, she still manages to spit a hot 16 on a her tracks as heard on her recent dance smash Freak with Kardinal Offishal, which is the lead single of her upcoming 3rd. Album
Ms. Dynamite
The reason why I gave U.K. Rap a chance is this woman right here changed my whole perspective on U.K. life and life elsewhere. She is often compared to Lauryn Hill for her conscious lyrics which is featured on her first two albums A Little Deeper and Judgement Day. Fusing U.K. Grime with Hip-Hop and Reggae and made probably the most socially aware music since Bob Marley. She dismisses the notion of being another harlot in the sexed up rap game, she also crossed over in America on her debut back in 2003 with hits Dy-na-mi-tee and It Takes More. She took time off in 2006 to have her first child but made a massive return to music in 2010 with the dubstep number What You Talkin' About? which if you ask me is enough to say Dynamite is back.
Tinie Tempah
I still have reservations on how I feel about him completely however his talent cannot go unmentioned. My personal opinion he's Kid Cudi gone right genre expanding music with lyrical flare exploring fame, love and youth(he's only 22). His debut album also explores sounds of Rock, Dance and R&B setting him aside from the other U.K. rappers and some American ones as well, I want you to keep an eye on this guy he's already done huge things and he will surely do more. check out his single Written In The Stars .
