Famous Canadian rapper Drake has stirred up conversation once again, this time by openly declaring his admiration for UK rap.
During his headline performance at the Wireless Festival in London on Saturday night, the multi-award-winning artist boldly claimed that no rapper in the world can match the lyrical skills of London rappers.
Drake, known for blending genres and working with artists across borders, took a break during his set to express deep respect for the UK rap scene. He made it clear that, in his view, British rappers are at the top of the global rap game.
“Nobody can out-rap London”
While addressing the energetic crowd midway through his performance, Drake didn’t hold back his thoughts.
“When I talk about my love for London and London rappers, these are the best lyricists in the world. Mark my words,” he said. “I don’t care what anybody says. Nobody can out-rap London. Nobody.”
The statement sparked loud cheers from the audience, many of whom welcomed the praise as a long-overdue acknowledgement of the UK’s growing influence in global hip-hop. Drake added that while he respects American rappers and his home country of Canada, he sees London as the peak of lyrical talent.
“No disrespect to America. No disrespect to my country. But nobody in the world can out-rap London rappers,” he continued. “This is the best, highest level. And this is what I inspire to be.”
Drake’s support for British rap is not new. Over the years, he has collaborated with several UK artists, including Skepta, Giggs, Dave, and Central Cee. He has also been known to include UK slang and references in his music, something that’s helped bridge the gap between UK and North American hip-hop audiences.
In 2017, he appeared on stage with Giggs during the London leg of his “Boy Meets World” tour, and in 2021, he co-signed UK rapper Headie One on the track Only You Freestyle, where both artists traded bars over a moody drill beat.
Drake has even gone as far as sampling or remixing tracks created by UK artists, showing just how much the London sound has influenced his style.
Stirring debate in the rap World
Drake’s bold comments are already sparking fresh debates online. Rap fans and commentators across platforms are weighing in, with many praising his willingness to shine a light on UK talent. However, others, especially fans of American rap, are pushing back, claiming the U.S. still holds the crown when it comes to hip-hop’s most skilled artists.
Regardless of the controversy, Drake’s remarks are bringing more attention to the evolving UK rap scene, which continues to gain ground globally. In recent years, British artists like Stormzy, Little Simz, Dave, and Central Cee have made major waves beyond the UK, performing on international stages and earning recognition at prestigious award shows.
Drake’s praise reflects what many music fans and industry insiders already believe: London is no longer just a local hub for rap but a global force. The UK’s unique sound, blending grime, drill, and traditional hip-hop, has found a loyal international audience.
What sets London rappers apart, according to Drake and many others, is their lyrical depth, creative flow, and cultural authenticity. British artists often use storytelling, social commentary, and sharp wordplay in ways that stand out in today’s crowded music scene.
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