After years outside the spotlight, UK rap has finally emerged into the mainstream. Artists like Dave, Stormzy, Central Cee, and A.J. Tracey have brought the genre to audiences stretching from Ladbroke Grove to Streatham—and everywhere in between.
To fully appreciate the movement, one must understand its history. UK rap may be enjoying its moment, but today’s artists are building on the foundations laid by their predecessors.
Skepta, JME, Dizzee Rascal, and Kano all paved the way for Black British artists to find acclaim today. So too did Giggs, the renowned MC whose booming voice evokes a chilling sensation among listeners.
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Giggs is no newcomer to UK rap. In fact, on Sunday, he’ll have the chance to cement his contributions to the genre by performing during the New York Jets’ clash with the Denver Broncos at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
So, what has Giggs’ career looked like so far? Here’s what you need to know.
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Who is Giggs?
Giggs is a veteran of the UK rap scene. A London native, he is widely considered “The Godfather of Road Rap,” though he prefers to be recognized simply as a UK rapper.
The 42-year-old got his start as a DJ, spinning reggae and dancehall records while running his own radio station as a teenager. His stage name is a play on “Giggler,” a nickname from his youth. When he went to prison, people began calling him “Gigsy” or “Giggs,” giving rise to his iconic moniker.
After releasing a handful of mixtapes in the mid-2000s, Giggs dropped his debut album, Walk in da Park, in 2008. The project proved successful, earning him his first—and to date, only—BET Award.
Since his debut, Giggs has released five more albums and collaborated with some of music’s biggest names, including B.o.B, Ed Sheeran, Style P, Drake, Dave, and 21 Savage. A stalwart of the genre, Giggs is one of the most notable musicians in Black British history. He expressed excitement at the prospect of performing on Sunday.
“It’s a huge moment to be a part of the London Games,” Giggs said. “I’ve been on a journey with my music, and to get to share that with my city and the NFL fans is something I’m really proud of.”
Where is Giggs from?
Giggs hails from Peckham, a district in South London. Located in Southwark, Peckham is one of the United Kingdom's most diverse neighborhoods, boasting a primarily Black/African/Caribbean/Black British population, according to a 2011 Office for National Statistics local area report.
Giggs grew up on the Gloucester Grove Estate, part of the "five estates" of Peckham. A member of Peckham Boys, a street crew that emerged in the 1990s, Giggs bore witness to the poverty that swept across the neighborhood at different points in his childhood.
"It’s just what you grew up in," Giggs said of Peckham during a 2016 interview with Vice. "You don’t know any different. You know what I mean? Yeah, Peckham’s a mad place. Unpredictable. You don’t know what’s going to happen throughout the day or the night. Today in the morning everything’s cool. In the afternoon you’re in mad beef."
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Giggs top songs
In terms of popularity, it's hard to imagine Giggs has a more successful song than "Lock Doh", the infectious single from his 2016 album, "Landlord."
The track features an inspired hook from British singer-songwriter Donae'o.
He was a prominent figure in Drake's 2017 project, "More Life", featuring on two tracks — "KMT" and "No Long Talk."
His duets with Dave — namely "Straight Murder", Peligro" and "Incredible Sauce" — have all proved wildly successful.