British hip hop, also known as UK hip hop, has been an underground scene for over three decades. It has its roots in American hip-hop, but British artists have added their own unique flavour to the genre. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the history of British hip-hop, its evolution, and the artists who have contributed to its growth.
Origins of British Hip Hop
British hip-hop started to emerge in the early 1980s, and it was heavily influenced by American hip-hop. The first wave of British hip-hop artists was heavily influenced by the electro-funk sounds coming out of the United States, with acts like the Rock Steady Crew and Afrika Bambaataa. Early British hip-hop was also heavily associated with breakdancing and graffiti culture.
The Rise of British Hip Hop in the 1990s
The 1990s saw a significant rise in the popularity of British hip-hop. Acts like London Posse and MC Duke emerged on the scene, bringing a distinctly British flavour to the genre. These artists were heavily influenced by reggae and dancehall music, which gave their music a unique sound.
In the mid-1990s, a new wave of British hip-hop artists emerged. These artists were heavily influenced by American gangsta rap and introduced a new, harder edge to British hip-hop. Acts like Blak Twang and Rodney P were at the forefront of this movement, bringing a new level of authenticity and grit to the genre.
The Evolution of British Hip Hop in the 2000s
In the early 2000s, British hip-hop began to evolve and take on a more diverse sound. Grime emerged as a new subgenre of hip hop, characterized by its aggressive beats and fast-paced lyrical delivery. Dizzee Rascal and Wiley were two of the most prominent grime artists of the time, and their influence can still be felt in British hip-hop today.
In the late 2000s, a new wave of British hip-hop artists emerged, led by the likes of Tinie Tempah and Chipmunk. These artists fused hip-hop with other genres, such as pop and electronic music, creating a more mainstream sound that appealed to a wider audience.
The Current State of British Hip Hop
Today, British hip-hop continues to thrive, with a new generation of artists pushing the genre in new and exciting directions. Acts like Little Simz, Dave, and Slowthai have been making waves in the UK and beyond, bringing a fresh perspective to British hip-hop.
Conclusion
British hip-hop has come a long way since its early days in the 1980s. From its roots in American hip-hop and electro-funk to the emergence of grime and the current fusion with other genres, British hip-hop has evolved and grown over the years. With a new generation of talented artists pushing the genre forward, it is clear that British hip-hop is here to stay.