Forgive me if I ever refer to Grime and Afrobeat beat as Hip-Hop and it offends you. I am aware that they are not rap or Hip-Hop music as Americans define it and they have their own respective identities, but I want to put this under the umbrella of Hip-Hop culture so that Hip-Hop fans can access it because I believe it has appeal to that crowd.
- Wizkid – OJUELEGBA (2015)
Repping: Surulere, Nigeria
Wizkid (as seen on Drake’s “One Dance”) reminisces on his come-up on this bouncy afrobeat track.
2) Skepta – Shutdown (2016)
Repping: Tottenham, UK
3) Little Simz – Wings
Islington, UK
Apple recently showed UK songstress Little Simz some love by placing this song in an iPhone commercial. Little Simz is dual-talented on the mic as a rapper and singer.
4) Burna Boy – Soke (2015)
Repping: Port Hartcourt, Nigeria
Nigerian-legend Burna Boy glides all over this sensual “Soke” track.
5) JAMALWOON – Speakerbox Freestyle (2016)
Colliers Wood, UK
JAMALWOON contributes rap flows and vocal melodies on this mellow boom-bap beat.