During a summer where there feels a distinct lack of UK rap torch bearers, I wanted to shine a light on an underrated pocket of the scene.

Over the last couple of years, people like Prem, Novelist, CASiSDEAD, Tay Jordan and more have been pushing their unique 80s influenced sound, along with the flood of mellow grime remixes everywhere, bringing a very fresh feel to the genre (even if the latter is getting a bit done now).

However, across UK rap there are tonnes of bangers with 80s, 90s & 00s influences and samples, as well as some hall of fame classics (a couple featured here), and for me bringing this all together created a sound that was the ultimate summer vybz.

Enjoy, and allow the odd clanger, it’s been a while brev.

UK Rap loves the 80s

Grime Mix

Trippy Visions Mix

New Skwl Mix

UK Mix

Mix from Leed's based night MOVEMENT debut Manchester party at Soup Kitchen

_ET

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