How the UK changed Hip-Hop Forever

How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever

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Music: Hip Hop, RnB & Dancehall: Hip Hop

How The UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever

Ashley Walters explores the UK's influence on hip-hop.

British actor and rapper Ashley Walters explores the UK's influence on hip-hop.

To mark hip-hop's 50th anniversary this year, this series explores the UK's influence on hip-hop. From foundational British artists to the unexpected encounters that influenced a generation, each episode will tell the story of a surprising but significant link between the UK and a key moment in hip-hop history.

Each episode starts with a key moment. We'll then reveal the UK involvement through key interviews and archive moments, and ask why it matters now.

How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever: 6: The Drake Effect

6: The Drake Effect

BBC Radio 1Xtra - How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever, 6: The Drake Effect

Ashley Walters explores how Drake’s love of the UK has smashed through hip hop’s barriers.

From One Dance to J Hus to Top Boy, Drake’s love of the UK is well known… but how has it changed the game?

The highlight of Drake’s UK tour in 2019 was unarguably when J Hus – released from prison that week – appeared alongside him onstage. It was the latest in a long line of links with the UK and Drake’s success smashed perceptions of who could be the world’s biggest rapper.

When singer Kyla got a call in 2016 saying a huge international artist wanted to use her tune Do You Mind, she thought it was an April Fools joke. 

Ashley reflects on the conversation with Drake that kickstarted Top Boy going to Netflix and reveals the impact the show had for British rappers stateside.

In this episode we hear from Drake, Kyla, 1Xtra’s Tiffany Calver, Mimi The Music Blogger, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson and rapper and singer Estelle

Archive in this episode:
J Hus onstage with Drake, O2 Arena London 2019
Drake on BBC Radio 1Xtra, 2017
Drake on BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra, 2019


Presenter: Ashley Walters
Producer: Emily Dicks
Written by Emily Dicks
Technical production: Ant Danbury
Additional production: Dari Samuels, Tommy Dixon and Zayna Shaikh
Editor for BBC Audio: Andy Worrell
Commissioning producer: Jonathan O’Sullivan
Commissioner for BBC Music: Will Wilkin
A BBC Audio production

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