“Spending too much time with who?
Spending too much time with what?
Spending too much time with Pocaa!”
- Title: The Rap Game U.K. (Season 3)
- Release date: 22nd July 2021
Okay, so I have one question for you guys, and I need you to answer honestly. Right. Here it goes… Have you ever heard of a rapper with a Scottish accent? Yes, you heard me correctly. A Scottish accent. No? Well, if nothing else in this blog encourages you to watch The Rap Game UK, then this should!
For the past few years, UK rap has been a contentious topic, particularly its subgenre, drill, which has been branded as ‘violent music’ that incites just that, violence. Since the dawn of time, many have had a problem with rap music, from the U.S. police force’s attempts to shut down the rap group N.W.A in the 90s to the UK police blaming British drill for fuelling youth violence since 2012. Its lyrical rhymes and fast flows have been something that mainstream audiences have always struggled to understand. With that, prejudices have been placed upon those who create and listen to the genre.
However, The Rap Game UK has attempted to break these barriers by giving underground rappers trying to join the industry a chance to display their skills on mainstream TV. And as a lover of U.K. rap, from the likes of J Hus and D-Block Europe to ArrDee and Central Cee, The Rap Game U.K. is the type of show I have been dreaming of.
Hosted by U.K. artists Krept & Konan, and BBC Radio 1XTRA host and musician DJ Target, season three’s contestants consisted of Kay Rico, Saidu, Kaydizzy, Oakzy B (Scotland’s finest), BRYNBP, my personal favourite Pocaa and latecomer Meduulla. Throughout the six weeks, the artists participated in a series of music challenges set by the hosts to see if they have what it takes to walk away with a record deal and a £20,000 cash prize.
What I found significant about the show is that it gives viewers a chance to see beyond the music and hear the stories behind the lyrics. As well as this, the show is extremely entertaining! All of the contestants have amazing personalities, and as a fan of the genre, I enjoyed deciphering where the artists would situate in the U.K. scene. Pocaa’s deep tones and patois reminded me of Stefflon Don, Saidu’s and Kay Rico’s grit and depth sounded like street drill artists such as DigDat and Unknown T, whilst Kaydizzy’s and Oakzy B’s ability to switch between urban drill and slow songs gave me Krept & Konan vibes.
By far, my favourite challenge of the series certainly had to be in episode two when the artists had to create a song about love and sex and perform it to guest star Hardy Caprio, as the artists created so many amazing tunes.
Kaydizzy, Pocaa and Oakzy B, please let me know when you decide to drop those bangers because the one-minute clip I heard on the show was not enough!! If anyone disagrees with this, then I only have one thing left to say… “Backchat you waaant, backchat yuh get”.
Tia's Not-So-Secret-Diary 