Old school UK hip hop, emerging in the late 1980s to early 1990s, is a foundational genre that blends traditional hip hop rhythms with distinctly British cultural references and regional accents, distinguishing it from its American counterpart. Characterized by gritty, sample-heavy beats, and a DIY aesthetic reflective of its underground origins, the genre showcases a diverse array of storytelling, ranging from socio-political commentary to raw street narratives. Artists like London Posse infused reggae and dancehall into their sound, while groups such as Hijack and Hardnoise asserted a more hardcore and breakbeat influenced musicality. As a whole, old school UK hip hop not only provided a platform for British rappers to voice their unique experiences but also set the stage for the evolution of British urban music.

The Darkest Knight EP

MC Duke

Ep - 4 Tracks - Released July 26, 2024