In the seasons closing episode, Layyah left Kenny Allstar speechless with her final freestyle, giving an emotional performance with soulful hooks, operatic backing vocals and verses detailing struggles with depression and friends who’ve passed away, as well as confidently asserting her ability, rapping “I was born for this, I was meant for this.”

@layyah_2000 @rapgameukbbc SEASON 6 WINNER I’m completely overwhelmed from the support I’ve received since yesterday’s final of @rapgameukbbc it’s been a journey and the people I’ve met along the way has made this so special. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead @bbcthree @bbciplayer #layyah #layyahmusic #rapgameuk #therapgame #rapfans #ukrap #artist #ukartist #fyp #raptok #foryoupage #foryou ♬ original sound – LAYYAH2000

Kenny Allstar was watching on with excitement, smiling, bopping, and giving a wheel-up halfway through the performance for her to run it again – the DJ’s highest gesture of praise for the MC’s. He told the cameras in an interview after that she was “special” and has “the potential to be a generational talent”.

Talking to BBC Newsbeat after her victory, Layyah expressed her joy at winning the renowned rap reality show. “It is a dream come true. I really do hold this title highly and want to make the absolute best of it.”

She went on to cite influences both musical and familial, noting Lauryn Hill and Little Simz as two artists she looks up to, as well as drawing inspiration from the “strong females” in her life – “My mum, my grandma, aunties, even my little sister, she’s so strong beyond her years.”

Liverpool native Haydog came in at a close second – he gave consistency throughout the whole contest, with his brand of hard-hitting, authentic street rap and hungry personality shining throughout. He even managed to secure 1^st place in a challenge co-judged by one of his greatest influences, Potter Payper.

Speaking to the Wirral Globe, he said, “Being a part of the show was a surreal experience. I feel like I have learned a lot and improved a lot as an artist. I am forever grateful for the opportunity, and I hope to inspire people through my storytelling.”

This season saw a milestone for the show, becoming the longest running unscripted show in the UK focused on Black British music and culture, across all mainstream television platforms over the past 25 years.

Hosted, judged and mentored by UK-rap stars Krept & Konan, and iconic grime pioneer DJ Target, the show has gathered a sizeable audience and accolades, breaking viewing records among under 25’s, and winning an Edinburgh TV Award for Best Entertainment Series in 2020, as well as BAFTA and RTS Television nominations.

In an interview with the BBC during previous seasons, Target says “I think the show is super important. The fact that the BBC commissioned a show like this and let us bring what we bring to the table in terms of knowing how to make this authentic, which was one of the main things we wanted when we got on board.”

As the first female MC to take the top spot, Layyah hopes her win can help to make change in the male-centric industry. “In the music scene, there’s a bit of a boys club. The guys stick together, not so much the girls. So there should be more support for the females.”

All episodes of The Rap Game UK can be streamed on BBC iPlayer, here.

The show has been produced by Fremantle label, Naked and distributed by A+E networks. Speaking on the release of the new series, BBC Commissioning Editor Patrick McMahon says: “I’m thrilled to welcome Krept, Konan and DJ Target back for a new series of the Rap Game UK. With epic new challenges, gripping new format twists, and some of the most talented artists we’ve ever had competing for that crown, this year’s contest looks set to be the biggest, best and toughest yet.” Naked Creative Director Tom O’Brien added, “It’s great to be bringing The Rap Game back again. With new showrunners (Trent Williams Jones and Steve Earley), a new cast and new even higher stakes, Naked can’t wait to see who will be the new winner.” 

In 2021, The Rap Game UK was most nominated for two Broadcast Digital Awards, being the Best Entertainment Programme and Best Popular Factual Programme. That year it was also nominated in the Formatted Popular Factual category in the 2021 RTS Programme Awards. The show was also nominated for a BAFTA Award back in 2020.

This years up and comings MCs taking part include, T Big Jest and JClarke, P3Lz, Mayo, Mwangi and Zoellz. The six contestants have travelled to Manchester to compete in a series of challenges aimed at showcasing their individual musical, lyrical and performance abilities. The six MCs will undertake challenges across the series whilst being guest mentored by some of the biggest names in the UK scene – and this year this includes Unknown T, Shaybo, BackRoad Gee, Leomie Anderson, D-Block Europe, Lethal Bizzle, Jaykae, and more.  The winner will gain a £20,000 cash prize, as well as a mentorship scheme to help them create and launch their own music after the contest ends.

A teaser for the opening episode of the new series that came out last Thursday shares, “DJ Target and Krept & Konan return to Manchester to search for the next big rap star. Six aspiring rappers discover that winning this series will be tougher than ever, with a twist revealed that none of them expect. Their opening challenge sees some artists make a bigger impression than others.”

You can watch the show live on BBC Three at 9pm every Thursday. You can also watch the new series online via BBC iPlayer, where the past three series are also available to stream.