1979-1995 UK Hip Hop – Classics / Oddities / Novelties

Contrary to the misinformed UK rap didn’t start with Dizzy Rascal, The Streets & Stormzy

Neither was it always an inferior emulation of its US counterparts. The UK took musical influences from diverse sources inspired by the countries uniquely diverse spectrum of international cultures, embryonic influential moments that transformed into multiple worldwide musical phenomenons, hugely successful genres that could only of been forged in the UK.

The evolution of rap in the UK is a complex and fascinating story, many of its first commercial releases might of been novelties or pop hit records but a parallel strong & passionate underground scene developed via events, clubs, magazines and nationwide specialist Rap radio shows, Hip Hop in the UK was a transformative colour blind unifying force.

Although much of it was ignored outside of the UK, Early British rap from across all regions of the country created many landmark timeless anthems that still sound as fresh and urgent today as they did when first released, equally as relevant as seminal revered releases from the same era across the pond, they deserve more respect and attention.

I’ve tried to include as many of my favourite tracks from 1980-1996 as possible in this mix. In chronological order, but by no means definitive, I’m fully aware I’ve missed out loads of other great records, (and added some curveballs simply to infuriate purists) so my apologises to those legends & pioneers I didn’t feature.

Also I’m certainly no turntablist so please don’t expect cutting, scratching or masterfully theatric blends, I’ll leave that to the experts.