22 Best Manchester Rappers

KinKai

KinKai has strong roots in Jamaica and Sierra Leone. He uses his knowledge of worldly issues and socio-economic status to write heart-wrenching and emotional lyrics for his raps. We enjoy the ‘A Pennies Worth’ album from his collection.

P1 Caps

P1 Caps is a big hit in the grime scene in Manchester. He originated as a grime star and has not strayed from his roots, creating heavy grime beats that have a strong following.

P1 Caps collaborated with Yussuf Maleem in 2020 to create another hit single, ‘Take Off My Hat,’ which uses lyrical prowess and grime influences.

Trigga

Trigga is better known as an MC in the underground rap scene in Manchester. Still, he can string together lyrics and beats that make him one of the best rappers in the area. Since he stepped onto the scene, he has been minding his business releasing his music, such as ‘Souped Up’ and ‘Liondub’ in 2022.

Not only is he a well-known rapper and MC, but he created his own label, No Joke Records, in 2022. He uses this platform to create weekly releases and feature new artists.

Trigga uses his influences from his early life to create his songs. He grew up in a tough neighborhood and used his life of crime and loss to spur his musical depth.

IAMDDB

IAMDDB is an Angolan rapper born in Lisbon, Portugal, and grew up in Manchester from age 5. She first released her mixtape in 2017 and broke onto the music scene as a supporting act for Lauryn Hill during her tour at the end of 2018.

She has produced numerous singles since 2015, with her most recent hits titled ‘JGL’ and ‘WHERE DID THE LOVE GO?’

Fans of IAMDDB are pleased to know that she has just released her ‘I Love To Make Boys Cry, Vol. 6’, following her ‘Swervvvvv. 5’ in 2019.

Just Banco

Just Banco is a Manchester-based rapper and MC who has created his own unique genre combining grime, rap, and R&B into self-proclaimed ‘Trapanese’ music. He released his first track, Overdose, in 2016 and increased his popularity with the following single, ‘Can’t Stay.’

This up-and-coming rapper first came onto the scene with ‘Overdose’ in 2016, using minimal trap tones and raps to create a meaningful first single. After he released ‘Can’t Stay’ the following year, he became more of a household name in the rap world.

He has spent 7 months on the Discover Weekly playlist on Spotify. He has also gained attention from numerous plays on BBC Radio and DJ Semtex’s channel.

Furthermore, he has used his YouTube channel, with over 450k weekly viewers, to expand his musical fan base. He also uses Twitter and Instagram to broadcast his music.

Nemzzz

Neemzzz is a new artist in the rap scene in the UK, combining UK rap and hip-hop elements into his music. He has been making music for almost 10 years now but really became a household name only back in 2018 with his debut album. He releases music on YouTube and SoundCloud.

He sets himself apart from other rappers by blending indie influences with hip-hop melodies. In addition to his studio releases, he has performed at festivals around the country, such as Lovebox Festival in London.

Mastermind

Mastermind is a Manchester-born and bred rapper and singer who recently signed with Columbia Records in 2019. He is from Somalia and uses his ethnic influence to create meaningful songs. He grew his musical career by releasing his tunes on YouTube, gaining over 6 million views on the platform since 2015.

Zeph

Zeph is a rapper who released his debut single ‘Prologue’ in 2018 and has produced hit tracks since his inception. His Manchester heritage and musical career under the same level as the new star Aitch has made Zeph one to watch as the years go on.

He began making music at 15 and gained influence from the Birmingham GRime music scene. He began listening to dozens of artists on YouTUbe and has created relatable and versatile music that has garnered a dedicated fan base.

Black Josh

Black Josh is an infamous rapper from Manchester signed to Blah Records. After his first release one decade ago, he has transitioned from his rapping career into a producer and songwriter for various artists nationwide. His prowess for creating meaningful lyrics has made him extremely desirable to work within the industry.

Blak Twang

Blak Twang is a rapper born in Manchester and grew up in Deptford, Lewisham. He is famous around the world for his unique performances, South London influences, lyrical raps, and drum and bass influences. He first put out a single in 1995 with ‘What’s Going’ On’ and continued to put out albums and singles, including hits like ‘So Rotten' and ‘Trixsta.’

Top Manchester Rappers, Final thoughts

Manchester's rap scene flourishes with a vibrant array of talent, giving rise to some of the UK's most exceptional rappers. The city's cultural heritage, coupled with its artists' individual journeys and perspectives, has cultivated a dynamic and influential rap culture.

Although the UK rap scene is typically dominated by artists born and grew up in the capital city, London, Manchester uses Northern influences to create meaningful lyrics and powerful melodies. If you are interested in the latest and greatest rap, check out our list of 21 best Manchester rappers.