23 Best European Rappers

13. Kano

Kane Robinson, also known as Kano when he makes music, is an English rapper and actor from East Ham, London. He has been active in the music industry since the early 2000s and has released several successful albums, including Home Sweet Home, London Town, and Hoodies All Summer. Kano mixes grime, hip-hop, and UK garage into his music.

His powerful lyrics often address critical social issues such as urban life, violence, and racism. Some of his most famous songs include “P's and Q's,” “3 Wheel-Ups,” and “T-Shirt Weather in the Manor.”

14. AJ Tracey

AJ Tracey is a British rapper from West London who rose to fame with his unique blend of grime and hip-hop. He began making music in his teenage years and gained a loyal following on Soundcloud before being signed to a major label. Some of his best-liked songs include “Ladbroke Grove,” “Butterflies,” and “Psych Out!”

AJ Tracey has won critical acclaim for his creative approach to music and has been nominated for multiple awards, including the Mercury Prize and BRIT Awards. He is known for his high-energy live performances and charismatic stage presence and has collaborated with several other notable artists, including Skepta, Stormzy, and Dave.

15. Capo Plaza

Capo Plaza is an Italian rapper and singer known for his unique sound that blends rap and trap with catchy melodies. Born in 1998 in Salerno, Italy, Capo Plaza began making music in 2016, gaining popularity through collaborations with other Italian artists such as Sfera Ebbasta and Ghali.

His debut single, “Allenamento #1,” was released in 2017 and received widespread recognition, followed by his debut album, 20, in the same year. Capo Plaza's music often explores street life, love, and success. Some of his most popular songs include “Tesla” and “Giovane Fuoriclasse.” He continues to be a prominent figure in the Italian music scene.

16. Capital Bra

Capital Bra, born Vladislav Balovatsky, is a German rapper of Ukrainian and Russian descent. He gained popularity in the German hip-hop scene with his viral hit “Nur noch Gucci” in 2017. Since then, he has had over a dozen number-one hits and multiple chart-topping albums.

Capital Bra's music is characterized by his melodic flow and autobiographical lyrics, often touching on topics such as his upbringing in poverty, his family, and his rise to fame. Some of his most popular songs include “Benzema,” “Prinzessa,” “Berlin lebt,” and “Cherry Lady.” Capital Bra has also won several awards in Germany, including the 1LIVE Krone Award for Best Hip-Hop Act in 2018 and 2019.

17. J Hus

J Hus is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter of Gambian descent. He became famous in 2015 with his debut single “Dem Boy Paigon” and gained critical acclaim for his 2017 album Common Sense. J Hus's music is a fusion of genres such as Afrobeat, grime, dancehall, and R&B. He has been praised for incorporating elements of his Gambian heritage into his music.

Some of J Hus's most popular songs include “Did You See,” “Bouff Daddy,” and “Friendly.” He has been nominated for numerous awards, including the Brit Awards, Mercury Prize, and MOBO Awards. J Hus has also been recognized for his philanthropic work, donating to various charities and supporting young people in his hometown of Stratford, East London.

18. Wiley

Wiley, also known as the “Godfather of Grime,” is a pioneering rapper and producer from the UK. With a career spanning over two decades, Wiley has been instrumental in developing the grime genre, known for its raw, fast-paced beats and confrontational lyrics.

Born in London in 1979, Wiley began producing music in the early 2000s. He has released numerous albums and singles, including the iconic “Wearing My Rolex,” which reached number two on the UK charts in 2008.

He has been recognized for his contributions via numerous awards, including an MBE in 2018.

19. Kaaris

Kaaris is a French rapper born in the Ivory Coast. He gained popularity in the French rap scene with his distinctive deep voice and aggressive flow. His debut album, Or Noir, released in 2013, was well-received and helped establish him as a significant player in the genre. Some of his most famous songs include “Charge,” “Zoo,” and “Tchoin.”

Kaaris' music is known for its gritty, street-oriented lyrics and trap beats. He has collaborated with other prominent French rappers, such as Booba and Niska. In addition to his music career, Kaaris has also appeared in films such as Overdrive and Braqueurs.

20. Octavian

Octavian is a rising star in the UK rap scene, known for his distinct style. Born in France but raised in the UK, Octavian began his music career by releasing a series of mixtapes in 2017. His music draws influence from a wide range of styles, including grime, trap, and UK garage, and features a mix of hard-hitting beats and catchy hooks.

Some of his most popular songs include “Party Here,” “Hands,” and “Bet.” Octavian has a growing fanbase, with many music critics praising his ability to blend different genres and styles in a fresh and innovative way. He has also been recognized with several awards and nominations, including the prestigious BBC Sound of 2019 award.

21. Gzuz

Gzuz is a German rapper born in 1988 in Hamburg. He rose to fame as a member of the hip-hop group 187 Strassenbande. He has also released solo albums, including Ebbe & Flut and Wolke 7, which have been popular in the German hip-hop scene.

Gzuz's music is known for its raw and gritty style, with hard-hitting lyrics and beats. He has collaborated with many well-known German rappers, including Bonez MC, RAF Camora, and Maxwell. Some of his best songs include “Was hast du gedacht,” “Optimal,” and “Warum.”

22. Giggs

Giggs, whose real name is Nathaniel Thompson, is a rapper and songwriter from London, England. He began his music career in the early 2000s, releasing a series of mixtapes and gaining a following in the UK grime scene. He is known for his deep, distinctive voice and reflective lyrics that often touch on his personal struggles.

In 2008, Giggs released his debut album Walk in da Park, which received much attention and helped establish him as a major figure in UK rap. He has since released several successful albums, including Landlord in 2016 and Big Bad… in 2019. Some of his most popular tracks include “Talkin the Hardest,” “Whippin' Excursion,” and “KMT” with Drake.

23. Veysel

Veysel Gelin, better known simply as Veysel, is a German rapper of Turkish descent. He was born in 1984 in Frankfurt and started making music in the early 2000s. He attained mainstream success with his mixtapes 43 Therapie and Audiovisuell in 2017. Veysel often combines rap and R&B, switching between singing and rapping within a song.

His lyrics frequently touch on challenges like dealing with anxiety and depression. He has also addressed political and social issues like racism and police brutality. Some of Veysel's most popular songs include “Kleiner Cabrón,” “Gringo”, and “Bargeld.” In addition to his music, he has also acted in several films and TV shows.

Top European Rappers, Final Thoughts

The European rap scene continues to evolve and produce some of the most innovative and exciting music in the genre. These artists are creating a diverse range of sounds and styles that are catchy and fun to listen to.

Whether you're a long-time rap enthusiast or a newcomer to the scene, there's no shortage of talent to discover and explore among the best European rappers in the game.