Coincidently, the following selection may also read as my hot for 2017 (*with the addition of A J Tracey and Stefflon Don who are not included here).

2016 has been a remarkable year for UK music as a whole and I am bursting with pride over the accomplishments of our rappers and MC’s. The power and influence of these genres has, for too long, been underestimated and overlooked – but not anymore. Huge success makes the facts undeniable. Rappers aren’t ‘selling out’ for the acceptance of the mainstream; they are now outselling the ‘mainstream’ with what’s popular – good, relatable music. Their talent, intelligence and the ability to articulate their thoughts and experiences so creatively, eclipse much of the dross we hear in the charts and on airwaves. 2017 may just be the best year yet for the music I love.

Dave – Picture Me

Much more than Streatham’s finest. Picture Me, Wanna Know and the EP, Six Paths, reminds us all just how much we love this guy.

Abra Cadabra – Robbery Remix ft Krept & Konan

Nobody can outshine Abra’s MOBO win for the Robbery Remix – only, maybe, his own gold tooth which shone very brightly as he collected his award.

MIST – Karla’s Back

The Sickmade Karla Tour sold out in minutes – I tried to get tickets and failed, twice. Dab Cos We’re Winning Now, Ain’t The Same and Karla’s Back are all sick but the latter more so. Refreshing to hear a brummie voice amongst the sea of Londoners.

Nines – Trapper of the Year

The same high quality and consistency we have come to expect from Nines. As always, staying loyal to soil, he signed his new XL deal on the Church End Estate in NW London.

Ice City Boyz – All Out

The ‘rap collective’ concept wins this year. 67, Section and the like have sent the people in to frenzy. The Ice City Boyz may not attract as much attention, but they sound good, if not better than the rest.

Giggs ft Aystar & Youngs Teflon – The Best

On repeat, still banging and therefore a fitting title for several reasons.
1. This is the best track on the album.
2. Landlord is brilliant (the best album of 2016).
3. The Landlord show in London was the best I’ve been to all year.

Mostack ft Krept, Konan & J Hus – Liar Liar Remix

Mo never, ever, ever disappoints. Melody, humour and oodles of personality. Lovely guest verses on this one, too.

Big Tobz & Blittz – Believe In Your Barber

Big Tobz can do serious but this one makes me laugh. I’ve gone back to it time and time again and for this, and The Move and he deserves a spot.

Donae’o ft JME & Dizzee Rascal – Black

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Di4n72lmm-U&feature=youtu.be

This year marks the second coming of Donae’o. Strong features and some very decent tracks of his own. I like his skippy flow on Black and JME is a solid addition.

Ghetts – You Dun Know Already

Veteran, top MC, energy god and my favourite showman hands down. A decade’s worth of experience under his belt and a live performance of this track is second to none.

Twitter – Jada Guest