Complex UK

We ranked the TOP 30 UK rappers of 2025! 🎤🔥 2025 was an interesting year for British rap. While some artists enjoyed mainstream success, the underground was truly where it was at, captivating ears globally with many even surpassing those with major machines behind them. This all setting the scene up for a promising 2026 ✨ Hit the LINK IN BIO for the full list 🔗 📝: @josephjppatterson 📝: @jamesmbkeith 📝: @yemitheabiade 📝: @nazfromnewham

For the latest edition of @josephjppatterson ’s ‘UK Culture Picks’ column, he handpicks the artists we should be paying close attention to this year—and beyond! 💫 Hit the LINK IN BIO for the full list 🔗

EsDeeKid drops in to Fortnite TONIGHT… check out his official collab 🎮

Drake calls out DJ Khaled on ‘Ice Man’ over his silence on Palestine. “Your people are still waiting for a ‘Free Palestine’ but apparently everything isn’t black and white and red and green.” Back in 2023, Drake signed an open letter calling for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Drake fans are overly hype rn👀 hundreds of people pulled up outside the CN Tower to listen to Iceman drop. 🎤: @imaaniwalker

Zara knows ball. 🔥👏 [📹: @rollingstone ]

@tyrell.trey returns with his latest single, “I Got U”, a smooth garage-rap bubbler fit for the summer! ☀️ Hit the LINK IN BIO to watch the music video 🔗

The Fastest Lap feat. @charles_leclerc 🏎️💨 We caught up with the Ferrari driver ahead of the Miami GP, at the launch of his ‘CR16’ whiskey with @chivasregal ✨ #formula1 #charlesleclerc #ferrari #chivasregal

The stars stepped out for ‘The Art of Possibility’ exhibition, celebrating 150 years of Cup culture ⚽️✨ @emiratesfacup and @adobewomensfacup took over the Saatchi Gallery with an immersive exhibition featuring 12 artists including @olaoluslawn , @soldierboyfriend , @mattia.guarnera & more. What is your favourite FA cup moment? 🏆 📸: @_faysalhassan

ON A LEVEL: @joeblackuk & @squeekstp 📈✨ In this episode of ON A LEVEL, @josephjppatterson catches up with Islington road rap icons Joe Black and Squeeks as they prepare to release their new mixtape, ‘The Usual Suspects’ 🔥 15 years after dropping their cult-classic track of the same name, the duo reunited in the studio to finally deliver a full-length project for the people. Arriving at a time when that raw, road rap energy has felt somewhat absent from the UK scene, this project reconnects with the honesty and substance that defined an era, standing as both a nod to the sound’s foundations and a statement of intent for its future. Both artists have built respected (albeit sporadic) careers, with underground releases that continue to resonate years later, from Joe Black’s 2011 mixtape ‘Realionaire’ to Squeeks’ 2012 anthem, “Big Squeeko”. Here, the pair reflect on the early road rap era, their role in helping pave the way for a new gen of North London rappers, and also share their thoughts on culture vultures, what it means to be “authentic” today, and the future of this scene that we all love. Hit the LINK IN BIO to watch in full 🔗

@jdsports and @asics_sportstyle brought together music, style and wellness across the May Bank Holiday weekend. ✨ Hit the LINK IN BIO to read more 🔗

The ‘Fancy That’ era continues 🇬🇧🎶 @pinkpantheress links up with British TV icon @davinamccall and video director @la.uzza for the ‘Girl Like Me’ video.