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: 8: UK to the World

8: UK to the World

BBC Radio 1Xtra - How the UK Changed Hip-Hop Forever, 8: UK to the World

Ashley Walters reflects on how the new wave of British rappers today.

The UK’s influence on hip hop over the decades has paved the way for the next generation of British rappers smashing it around the world today.

Dave and Central Cee are part of the new wave of British artists taking rap further than ever before. They stand on the shoulders of the innovators and pioneers who have come before, from those in the early UK hip hop scene, the artists who made waves in the States and the producers who opened up international ears for British music.

In 2023, all eyes are on Central Cee. How did the way he built his fanbase shape his journey? Why was his LA Leakers freestyle so significant? And how did and Dave manage to break streaming history?

In this episode we hear from Central Cee, rapper and YouTube reactor Scru Face Jean, hip hop journalist Elliott Wilson, 1Xtra’s Tiffany Calver, Romesh Ranganathan and Mimi the Music Blogger.

Archive material in this episode:
Central Cee at Glastonbury, BBC
Central Cee LA Leakers freestyle

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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8: UK to the World

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