Last week on July 3, Skepta posted “I want to clash an American rapper” on X, to “get this UK/US rap debate sorted”. In following posts, he selected some lyrical lineups to battle it out. In full, he suggested Chip vs Kendrick Lamar, Dave vs Lil Wayne, Central Cee vs Jack Harlow, Queenie vs Megan Thee Stallion, JME vs Tyler, the Creator, Eminem vs Ghetts, Lancey Foux vs Travis Scott, Youngs Teflon vs Meek Mill and Blade Brown vs Pusha T.

I wanna clash an American rapper anyway, finally get this UK/US rap debate sorted.

— Big Smoke – (@Skepta) July 3, 2025

Skepta even put himself forward for a clash with a surprising opponent: friend and longtime collaborator, A$AP Rocky. Some fans were confused at the idea given the two’s close relationship, but Skepta emphasized that the competition is all in good nature. “It’s not beef, Rocky is my family,” he posted. “Rap is a sport, same way we have dissing matches on the block we can do it on record.” He wrote that it’d be a “fire clash,” between him and Rocky, with “No violence, just bars, punchlines and counteractions.”

The Tottenham grime veteran also argued that the Brits would have the upper hand in this match up, as they’ve gotten to know the styles of their American counterparts over the years, whereas UK rap has been under appreciated (and sometimes unnoticed) by US artists and fans: “The average American rapper don’t even listen to UK rappers, but we’ve listen to them (for years) and that is exactly why the UK can’t lose”

While none of the proposed clashes have been confirmed, American rapper Joyner Lucas confidently came forward to join in battle, posting on X: “The moment I’ve been waiting for… say the word, Joyner Lucas vs Skepta #UKvsUS”

The moment I’ve been waiting for… say the word, Joyner Lucas vs @Skepta #UKvsUS pic.twitter.com/G78knC2ySE

— Joyner Lucas (@JoynerLucas) July 4, 2025

In response, Skepta goaded Joyner, while offering him some respect for stepping up to the plate. In a short video, he said: “I’m gonna respect the fact that you stood up and said something. The first man, you get me? But this is just another example of the ignorance. Jonah, if you was from the UK, fam? Quiet, bro, understand?”

“So, when I make my diss track for Rocky, I’m gonna give you two bars and then make one of the young Gs just rub you out… I didn’t do the work that I did for Jonah Lucas just to be saying my name anyhow. I got diss track on YouTube with 30 million views, no ad-libs. It’s levels, bro.”

Skepta responds to Joyner Lucas calling him out to battle him:

“You make up the numbers out there”

“When I make my diss track for A$AP Rocky I’m gonna give you 2 bars”

“I didn’t do all the work I did my life just for Joyner Lucas to be saying my name” pic.twitter.com/eYyiu1YU9C

— Ahmed/The Ears/IG: BigBizTheGod (@big_business_) July 6, 2025

Skepta recently made a surprise appearance at Glastonbury, filling in last minute after Deftones dropped out of their set. You can read our coverage on that here.

It was Carner’s biggest set of his career to date, with a higher crowd number than his previous appearance at Glastonbury 2023 on the West Holts Stage. After kicking things off with ‘In My Mind’ from his new album ‘Hopefully!’, he told the audience, “My name is Loyle Carner, this might be the biggest show we’ve ever played in our whole fucking lives man.”

@loylearchive loyle carner glastonbury 2025#loylecarnertiktok #bencoylelarner ♬ original sound – loyle archive

He gave his fans a mix of classic hits and more recent numbers, backed by a band that enhanced his soulful hip-hop with funky, jazzy live instrumentation. The audience were treated to some older tunes like ‘Damselfly’ and ‘Ain’t Nothing Changed’ from his debut album ‘Yesterday’s Gone’. He also provided some tunes from later records, such as his second studio album ‘Not Waving, But Drowning‘. UK R&B stars Sampha and Jorja Smith both joined Carner onstage for their features on the album: with Sampha on ‘Desoleil (Brilliant Corners)’ and Smith on ‘Loose Ends’.

@loylearchive loyle + jorja smith glasto 2025 #loylecarnertiktok #bencoylelarner #loylecarnervibes #loylecarnertour #loylecarner ♬ original sound – loyle archive

He delved into tracks from his third album, ‘Hugo’, such as ‘Homerton’ and ‘Nobody Knows (Ladas Road)’, the latter of which Carner finished by saying “F**k Nigel Farage”.

While introducing ‘Lyin’ from his new album, he gave fans an emotive story of how his son helped his anxiety on the way to the festival by singing music together on the drive there. “That’s why I sing – not because I’m good at it,” he said. “It feels good, you get me? This is only the fourth time in my life that I’ve sung in front of an audience I don’t know, so be easy on me.” His latest album, ‘Hopefully!‘ has seen Carner experiment with new musical styles, and singing as well as rapping.

You can watch Loyle’s full set on BBC iPlayer, here.

Carner will venture on his own UK headline tour in November, kicking things off with four dates at the O2 Academy in Brixton, London. You can find the dates and details on his official site, here.

The track sees Giggs employ his slow flow over a banging, dark trap beat, produced by Jeremy Davis, going by his producer alias JERMbeats. The celebratory, confident character of the track is captured by some punchy lyrics, like “Baddies in my car look gorgeous / And we’re goin’ my yard, big fortress” and “Your ni**a just got smoked, was it worth it? These ni***s are jokes, Eddie Murphy”.

His cadence on the menacing beat may remind fans of his older work over slower trap instrumentals, like “Uummm!!!” from his debut album, ‘Walk In Da Park’.

The track comes a month after the London legend dropped ‘11^th May’, an introspective, pensive number where he reflected on his rise to fame and the environment around him.

In a press release, Giggs compared the difference between the two new songs: “‘11th May’ was me out with the kids and the dog,” he said. “And then ‘Gorgeous’ is the night after when I’ve dropped the kids off at their mums and I’m ready for a few drinks.”

The recent drops of singles will have fans wording if a full-length release is coming soon. Giggs’ last album was ‘Zero Tolerance’, his sixth LP that came out in 2023. The project featured collaborations with the likes of Popcaan, Jadakiss, 21 Savage, Dave, Potter Payper, Tiny Boost and more.

It’s also been confirmed that Giggs will appear on hip-hop icon Slick Rick’s upcoming record – his first album in 25 years. Coming on June 13, the British-born NY rapper has promised that the project will showcase “British artistry at its finest”, also featuring Idris Elba and Estelle.

Giggs recently performed for Due North, an event curated by END., THE FACE and Stone Island, a brand that the Peckham performer has been seen wearing regularly. Taking place at Manchester venue Hidden, he also brought his son ML to play a set, as he’s taken after his father by following him into rap music.

Later this summer, the ‘Talkin’ da Hardest’ rapper is set to take to the stage at Somerset House for his Giggs & Family event – you can find details for that here.

Today, the rapper shared details of a “one-night-only” concert at the Royal Albert Hall in London to commemorate five years since the release of his sophomore effort. The concert will take place on Tuesday, June 17.

Link me.
Tickets out Friday 12pm.
Royal Albert Hall. pic.twitter.com/29AI5FQg0x

— J Hus (@jhus) May 28, 2025

A press release promised that the upcoming gig will bring the “genre-defining sound of ‘Big Conspiracy’ back to the stage – and bigger than ever”. It continued, saying that “This will be an intimate and deeply personal show, honouring an album that helped redefine the sound of British music.”

‘Big Conspiracy’ dropped in January 24, 2024, following a social media announcement from Hus the day before its release. It debuted at No. 1 on the UK Album Charts, and hosted Top 40-charting singles such as ‘Must Be’ and ‘No Denying’. Collaborators on the record include afrobeats icon Burna Boy, UK R&B star Ella Mai and Jamaican singer-songwriter Koffee.

Mixing multiple genres such as afrobeats, hip-hop, grime, R&B and garage, it was received critical acclaim from major publications. The Line Of Best Fit gave it a 9/10 review, saying that “Big Conspiracy is an album that certifies J Hus as one of the most influential artists in UK music.” It also earned him a nomination for the 2021 Brit Award for ‘British Album of the Year’.

In a time of rising ticket fees and dynamic pricing controversy, Hus has kept the prices for this show as low as possible, with tickets costed at £30. The press release expanded on this decision: “In an era of rising costs and inaccessible shows, this decision reflects Hus’ ongoing commitment to his community – making sure the people who made the music matter most can be there in person,”

The Royal Albert Hall has featured nights from hip-hop artists before, such as Nas for his 2024 tour honouring the 30^th anniversary of his debut album ‘Illmatic‘. Public Enemy are also set to take to the stage for a show on June 27.

Tickets will go on general sale at 12pm BST tomorrow, on Friday (May 30). You can purchase tickets and find event details here on Ticketmaster.

The release of ‘Hairclips’ follows his debut album in 2024 ‘Dog Eat Dog Food World’, which reached Number 2 on the Independent Albums Chart. The project includes some of his most popular songs such as ‘Trespass Coat’ which has reached over 6m listens on Spotify. 

Austin claimed his fast rise to fame after the release of his 2020 satirical British song ‘Who’s That What’s That’. The song quickly became a lockdown anthem with its massive popularity on TikTok. The rapper’s starkly humorous and relatable lyricism struck a chord with many listeners on social media, earning him a cult following.

After reaching such great heights with ‘Who’s That What’s That’, his following musical activity circulated social media, including a freestyle rap ‘Love Island’ which went viral on TikTok.

@songs4souls Niko B – Love Island Freestyle #loveisland #nikoB #ukrap #freestyle #newmusic #songsforsoul #music #songs #chillsounds #musictok #ukmusic #singers ♬ original sound – songsforsouls

When he released his debut album ‘Dog Eat Dog Food World’, he shared with Dazed Magazine that the project would be “happy songs for headfuck times”. The album is a reflective and humorous look on hopefulness and aging. He talks lyricism with Dazed, sharing his inspiration for using British references throughout his songs. He says, “I was the same as every other regular kid who grew up in the UK so if I mention these random niche things that people will recognise or remember again, it makes them feel more connected to my songs.”

In an interview last October with Victory Lap , he discussed his music favourites at the time including Madness’s hit single ‘It Must Be Love’ along with indie rock band Born At Midnite. Both artists gave a hint to some other musical directions he might cover as well as his bouncy disco influenced synth sound which can be heard in ‘Hairclips’.

Austin will be performing a sold out UK tour this December. Other upcoming performances can be found here.

The playful, punky spirit of the release leans into a more comical side of Simz’s artistry, from an artist who’s commonly remembered for her heavily thoughtful, thematic works. Over a sharp bassline, Simz drops some catchily simplistic flows about everyday English living: “A bottle of Rio and some chicken and chips/In my fuck-me-up pumps and my Winehouse quiff”

The energetic music video comes from director Dave Myers, who previously worked with Simz on her video for ‘Gorilla’ from her 2022 album ‘NO THANK YOU’. The video sees Simz dressed as a boisterous old lady, causing trouble from her window and on the streets, before performing with a band at a punk party.

Simz said she was happy to share a less serious side of herself with this new single: “I was able to tap into a character. That was fun for me. It’s just a moment of light heartedness.”

The single is the third offering from her upcoming ‘Lotus’ album, after the Mercury Prize-winning rapper shared ‘Free’ and ‘Flood’ earlier in the year. ‘Flood’ features a similar bass-led, drum-heavy sound to her latest single, while ‘Free’ gives a soulful, tender production with lyrics about loving others and yourself.

In a press release for the highly anticipated record, the LP was described as an embodiment of “renewal and growth, mirroring her evolving artistry and the album’s thematic voyage through life’s intricate phases.”

In an interview with Jack Saunders of BBC Radio One, Simz explained her fascination with lotuses, being one of the only plants to bloom in muddy waters – she felt that this is a fitting metaphor for “anything” to become something “extraordinary” no matter the conditions.

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A post shared by simz (@littlesimz)

The rapper recently shared the tracklist for the upcoming album, containing 13 tracks with a roster of collaborators including Michael Kiwanuka, Moses Sumney, Sampha, Obongjayar, Wretch 32, Moonchild Sanelly, Yussef Dayes and more. The record, which has had its release date delayed before, is now expected to drop on June 6. You can pre-order/pre-save it here.

Simz is also ready for the 2025 edition of Meltdown Festival at London’s Southbank Centre, where she will be performing an orchestral set alongside a stellar lineup featuring The Streets, Lola Young, Ghetts and more. You can read our MXDWN coverage on that here.

The new song has been accompanied by a video, showing Stormzy performing his boastful bars against a simple red backdrop. He throws some nice brags and flexes within his verses, paired with some faith-based references that he’s delved into before: “I pray for my nemesis / the devil is convincing, I saw it in Genesis / She said, “Do you miss me?” I said that I never miss”

It’s thought that the title could be a reference to either his sister Rachael, who he previously referenced in his song ‘Rachael’s Little Brother’, or his PR Rachel Campbell – listeners are speculating that the small voice-note at the start of the track could be hers.

It’d make sense if it was Stormzy’s PR being referenced in the song, considering his divisive public image after partnering with McDonald’s earlier this year to bring out his own “Stormzy Meal”. He received online backlash for this collaboration, as the BDS (Boycott Divestment & Sanctions movement) had previously called for a global boycott of McDonald’s for their support of Israeli forces in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict.

The Croydon rapper drops some rhymes responding to the discourse in his new song: “I heard they wanna hang me out to dry for a nugget meal / The world might never love your way again but my mother will”.

Stormzy had previously been vocal in his support for Palestine, sharing a post in October 2023 with a clear stance on the conflict, saying: “I hope everyone is good, some fleeting thoughts.

“1. Free Palestine

“2. In the future, if there is ever a clear injustice in the world, no matter how big or small, 100 times out of 100 I will be on the side of the oppressed. Unequivocally. As I always have been. Social media is a brilliant way to stand up for what is right, there are also a whole load of other ways to do this.”

But fans noted that this post was removed from Instagram after announcing his partnership with McDonalds. Sources close to Stormzy claim that any rumours that the removal of his post are linked to his business with McDonald’s are “simply not true”.

The release of ‘Sorry Rach!’ marks the first solo release from Stormzy since his soul/R&B-influenced album ‘This Is What I Mean’ was released in November 2022. Since then, he’s also appeared as a featuring artist in collaborations including ‘Backbone’ with Chase & Status and ‘The Weekend’ with RAYE.

Back in March, Stormzy won a Brit Award in the fan-voted ‘Hip-Hop/Grime/Rap Act’ category, beating out the likes of Central Cee and Little Simz. You can read our coverage on the 2025 award show here.

The two North London rappers used to be friends and collaborators, both part of the legendary grime crew The Movement, alongside Ghetts, Devlin and Mercston. It’s said that their friendship fell apart after Wretch began a relationship with Scorcher’s long-term partner while Scorcher was in prison. Apparently, Wretch and Scorcher’s ex are still together today.

Wretch recently appeared on the Zeze Millz show, where the presenter asked “Do you see all the online noise? Are you ever gonna clear up rumours… about Scorcher… are you ever going to talk about it?”

Wretch 32 clears up the Scorcher beef on the Zeze Millz Show.

Wretch says it happened 10 years ago, sometimes the heart overrules the head, and the story was misconstrued pic.twitter.com/quCIELEBKp

— TMC Music Connoisseur x THEUNPECTEDTV (@MusicConnoisseu) May 2, 2025

Wretch responded regarding the online discourse, saying “just because something’s entertaining, doesn’t mean it’s entertainment.” He then commented on the situation with Scorcher: “no one took no one’s partner when no one was in jail… not that the situation was ideal, but in the court of the body, sometimes the heart overrules the head. The heart overrules the head. You won’t understand that until it’s your heart.” He then went on to say that he “doesn’t take it personal”, and that he and his partner have been together for 10 years.

After Wretch’s interview and the revival in online discussion about their situation, Scorcher shared a voice note on social media. Scorch confidently cut to the chase, dissing Wretch’s integrity and standing within the rap scene: “I’ve been silent on a few things but I’m gonna talk my mind quickly.”

SCORCHER RESPONDS https://t.co/WtT9kXdbb7 pic.twitter.com/saCAwIrb4c — TMC Music Connoisseur x THEUNPECTEDTV (@MusicConnoisseu) May 4, 2025

“Number one, a snake rap weasel could never trick me out of my spot. I’ve earned it, I’ve earned it. Me, against… I don’t know what and who.”

“Number two, a punk could never use me – never use me – to sell his mix CD cos there ain’t no gas in the car no more. That’s your business. That’s your bed go lie in it.”

“And thirdly, do you know what else? There’s only one me. And that ain’t you. I don’t care what you’ve got going on, I don’t care what good things you’ve got going on in your life. There’s only one me, and it ain’t you.”

Wretch has just dropped his sixth studio album, ‘HOME?’. The conscious, sweeping selection of songs has garnered high praise from critics – Rolling Stone appreciated its themes, claiming that “Once Wretch switches his gaze to the UK, his knack for incisive social commentary — with no wasted words — comes to the fore.”

In a recent interview with The Guardian, Wretch explained some of the concept behind his new release: “I think the word that comes to mind is ‘displacement’,” he says. “For anyone who feels like: ‘I’m here, but am I accepted here? Or am I just tolerated here?’ Anyone who is in the middle of that, this record is for you.”

More recently for Scorcher, he managed to win the ‘Best Grime Act’ award at the 2025 MOBO’s. Upon accepting the award, he gave some words of inspiration for independent artists who are trying to make it:

“This MOBO here, this beautiful award, this ain’t even my award… this award’s for all the artists that ain’t got a billion streams, that ain’t got a million followers, ain’t got no distribution, no record label, no manager… but they know their music’s good!”

You can order or stream Wretch’s new album ‘HOME?’ and look through his merch on his official website, here.

In his trademark low voice and stone-cold delivery, he raps over a tender piano-led beat provided by Levi & Side Real and Desro. He flexes his status and how for he’s come and also ponder his relationships: “hardly got no friends left, but you know the play/Nine times out of ten it’s gonna go that way.” The ambient instrumental and pensive lyrics might remind fans of tracks like “The Essence” and “Slow Songs”.

He also confidently speaks on his undeniable influence in UK rap, referring to himself as the “biggest goat/You know how much London man I’ve given hope?”

A statement describes the song and its contemplative nature: “No gloss, no gimmicks – just grown-man truths, laid bare in that unmistakable baritone. It’s a slow burn of a track, where reflection hits heavier than the beat…this is Giggs holding a mirror up to himself and daring us to look too.”

Giggs is seen by many as a legend of the UK rap scene, and one of the spearheads of the road rap movement that took Britain by storm in the 2000’s. He’s had numerous high-charting releases, such as his fourth album ‘Landlord‘ and commercial mixtape ‘Wamp 2 Dem‘ peaking at no. 2 on the UK album chart.

Giggs has been steadily dropping some new songs over the past few months. His last full-length release was in 2023, with the well-received mixtape ‘Zero Tolerance’. In October last year, he teamed up with Quavo and US fashion brand Kid Super to drop a new single, ‘Big In Da Game’.

More recently, he released a new song in February called ‘The Entry’ via a unique format – a live video performance with DJ AG on the decks. In March he dropped ‘Big On Change’, a menacing trap banger with an imaginative music video.

In a recent feature with Something About Rocks magazine, the Peckham Landlord shared his admiration for the newer generation of British rappers, naming some that he’s particularly fond of: “Everyone influences me and I get influenced to this day by the new kids. Dave, Strandz, they inspire me.

“[The UK rap scene] is always evolving. From the beginning to now: it’s gone crazy.

“Look at the likes of Central Cee, Stormzy – they’ve taken it to the highest of heights. All of them.”

Giggs currently has a couple of gigs scheduled for 2025, one of them being “Giggs & Friends” at Somerset House. He will be joined by guests Potter Payper, P Money and Tiny Boost for an outdoor performance at the London venue. More details can be found here.

Describing the project, Lex Amor shared in a press statement: “‘FORWARD’ exists in the space between the present and what comes next – where imagination meets reality, where new worlds take shape, and where possibilities begin to unfold. This vision would not have been possible Javon Davis, Caleb Femi, and Charlie Rees, three directors whose distinct creative energies merged to craft something entirely original. Each brought their own perspective, their own beautiful way of transforming emotion into art.” 

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A post shared by lex amor (@lexysaluteme)

In her reflection on the film, she emphasised the deep sense of collaboration that shaped its creation. The entire team – both behind the scenes and in front of the camera – worked as a unified force, each person bringing their full presence to the project. The result was something far greater than any individual effort could have achieved. The DJ/rap artist delved into the shared energy, love, and collective spirit are embedded in every frame. The film was designed not just as a visual narrative but as both a statement and a question – an invitation to see the world with fresh eyes. It challenges viewers to reconsider what they perceive as fixed, to recognise that everything is constantly shifting, always evolving, always moving forward. 

The film follows vibrant scenes across North-East London’s urban landscape – the childhood home of Lex Amor. The artist has lent her hand to many types of work in the past, spinning tracks as a radio DJ, eventually hosting The Mellowdic Show on Reprezent Radio. Releasing music since 2016 on Soundcloud, Amor has released two albums to date, including 2020’s ‘Governement Tropicana’ which explores themes of duality between being Black British and Black Nigerian. Her latest full-length effort ‘Forward Ever’ (2024) was released to critical acclaim, weaving a hypnotic soundscape that merges hazy electronica with Afrobeat, hip-hop, jazz, jungle, and soul. 

More of Lex Amor’s discography is available on Bandcamp.