So I posted this a while ago for someone else looking for recommendations;
“If you want slick wordplay and a personal story then check out;
Dave - Enviroment (most Dave is 10/10 though)
Bugzy Malone - M.E.N III (video might be a good idea, helps explain some of the stuff he raps about)
Frankie Stew & Harvey Gunn (one of them is a Brighton STH in the north stand I believe) - Emotions Dancing
Potter Payper - When I was Little
If you want something with deeper that tackles bigger topics;
Ocean Wisdom - Can’t Breath Either (Brighton’s very own)
Kano - Teardrops (the video from the Rated Awards 2020 is incredible)
BERWYN - Glory (for Jools Holland version on YT)
Cadet - Sterotype.
Tried to go for a mix of different styles there so hopefully you like something!”
On top of that I’d also recommend some of the host of incredible albums from this year:
Songer - The Sunrise Project
Dave - We’re All Alone In This Together
Berwyn - Tape2
Ocean Wisdom - Stay Sane
FS&HG - Handle With Care
Slowthai - Tyron
Potter Payper - Thanks for Waiting
Unknown T - Adolescence
Ghetts - Conflict of Interest
M1llionz - Provisional Licence
The ‘Daily Duppy’ freestyle platform on YouTube is also brilliant for people just getting in to Hip-Hop as the video edits illustrate a lot of the wordplay and punchlines meaning you should hopefully catch more. There’s a lot of great freestyles on there from Arrdee (another Brighton rapper), Chip, J Hus, Hardy Caprio, Wretch 32, Akala, Cadet, Avelino etc. If you’re willing to go a bit more street and tolerate some less PG lyrics then Unknown T, Fredo, Abra Cadabra, V9, Potter Payper & Digga D are great too
There’s also some things that deviate from the norm which are worth checking out. Whether it’s the f*cking hilarious Big Heath or the two 70 year old rappers who have gone from parody to beloved part of the scene; Pete & Bas
Let me know if you enjoy any of that and I’ll be happy to guide you from there.
Check out Mick Jenkins, he sounds like what you need.
Freddie Gibbs is high on my rotation, he can do so many different styles and sub genres of rap. Very talented.
Denzel Curry cracks me up, he's hilarious but also a very intelligent rapper.
Meek Mill has good range of styles too.
Underachievers
Flatbush Zombies
Some good stuff to get your teeth into. I usually open Spotify or YouTube, search for an artist and let the algorithm to do it's thing and get some good recommendations that way.