So it’s now officially been over a year since I started this blog and one of my first posts was to list my top 10 UK Rap and Grime songs of 2016. So this year I feel its right to do the same. I’ve tried to include some tracks which maybe weren’t at the top commercially and tried not to go off sales figures or views, but tracks that I feel really have had an impact on the scene. Also remember these are my opinions and if you think I’ve missed out any obvious choices feel free to comment your opinions. So let’s just get into this list:
10. Davinche – Powers
To start things off we have DaVinChe. For me this had to feature, firstly Davinche’s production is second to none, this track stood out from the crowd in so many ways. Firstly with the speech at the start and the wordplay involving all the artists names.
“And if you were born in the ghetto Don’t let anyone tell you that that’s as good as it gets To all my authors in the making Keep your pen game hotter than August in midday Until it’s a scorcher you’re creating You can earn your shit Live in a big house and push German whips Make your Mercs turn heads while you burn the strip You’re a clever lot”
Then we just witness why the movement are still one of the best collectives in the whole industry. I do wish that Devlin featured on this though.
9. Hardy Caprio ft. One Acen – Unsigned
Thank God it’s finally Hardy’s year, I’ve been waiting on Hardy to blow up for the past couple of years. He is clearly talented and to be honest he has had quite a few big hits in 2017. For me, the pick of the bunch is Unsigned, One Acen’s hook is super smooth and I particularly enjoyed Hardy’s take on Talkin’ Da Hardest.
8. Fredo – Like that.
Fredo is probably one of the UK’s stand out stars throughout 2017 producing banger after banger. He also seems to show no signs of stopping with YRF ft. Not3s just being released, there’s no doubt in my mind that will blow. I chose Like That but Change could just have easily featured.
7. Young T & Bugsy – Gangland.
I knew that if I ever created a blog post for the top ten of 2017 this would feature. One of my favourite hooks of the year and Young T & Bugsy are starting to become one of my favourite pairs in the UK Scene. Belly Squad have also had a great year, their most recent track with Section Boyz was definitely close to featuring.
6. Cadet ft. Ghetts – Don’t Take It Personal
This is by far for me the best back to back of the year, and probably the best out and out Grime song on this list. The whole energy of the song and lyricism is definitely something to be admired. When Ghetts started counting down, I couldn’t help but think about Artillery. I love how they’re almost clashing each other, the track reminded me why Ghetts is one of the best in the UK, and why everyone should be keeping an eye out for Cadet in the next few years.
5. Avelino ft. Stormzy, Skepta – Energy
Commercially this song has done big things, I always seem to see the Lynx advert and of course it’s featured on FIFA. I do love the whole vibe of the song and its music video, with both Skepta and Stormzy delivering solid verses. Avelino’s word play is also second to none and if you have some spare time I’d highly recommend listening to No Bullshit.
4. Dave X J Hus – Samantha
Both Santan and J Hus have had unbelievable 2017’s. Common Sense is probably my favourite project of the whole year and Dave’s Game Over consists of some of the most interesting content coming from any rapper in the world, forget about the UK and age ranges. The track was released at the start of 2017 and has racked up almost 30 million views on Dave’s own independent channel! I’ve already uploaded a post on the song itself so I won’t say too much apart from these two really are setting the levels ridiculously high.
3. Steel Banglez – Money ft. MoStack, MIST, Haile, Abra Cadabra
For me, hands down the best producer in the UK of 2017 is Steel Banglez. The East London producer seems to be able to make hit after hit, and so it was a tough choice on which track to choose. I ended up choosing Money just because I feel each artist brings their own unique style to the track, especially Haile’s verse.
2. Skrapz – Not Like Me
Ice city boyz have had a crazy 2017, in the past few months alone everytime I go on youtube there’s a new track from one of the Ice City Boyz. Out of all these releases for me Not Like Me stood out to me, Skrapz’ relaxed flow over the beat yet his quite cut throat lyrics is so different to anything I’ve heard.
“Stepping on these n*****s like carpet
I went ghost for a whole year these n*****s should’ve took advantage”
Also the music video, getting Dominos delivered by helicopter, I mean.. this had to feature.
- Blinded By Your Grace – Stormzy ft. MNEK
Whether you love him or hate him Stormzy is doing things for UK music that has never been done before. He’s honestly made history and for me this is the best song off the album. That rounds up my top 10, if you have any additions be sure to comment below.