10 Stylish MCs in the UK That You Need to Know

The UK Grime and Hip Hop scene has never been so popular. The move from pirate radio stations to chart-topping hits has meant that stars like Skepta and Stormzy have become household names, often spotted FROW at fashion week or at glitzy industry events. Here we take a look at some of the countries well-known and lesser-known MCs who’ve been making an impact with their style and more importantly, their hair.

Wiley

Hailed as the Godfather of Grime, Wiley is one of the original UK MCs. Along with Dizzee Rascal, Wiley managed to break into commercial radio, paving the way for stars like Stormzy and Skepta to follow suit and he’s even earned an MBE.

The 40-year-old’s style hasn’t changed much over his impressive 25-year career, only his faded haircut has got shorter and his facial hair has been given a clean shave.

AJ Tracey

25-year old AJ Tracey is the West London rapper that’s worked with everyone from Jorja Smith, Giggs, MoStack and Dave.

AJ’s hair journey has seen him go from rocking a high top fade to loose braids and cornrow styles which he pairs with a soft beard. Credit: @ajtracey

Kano

Establishing himself alongside Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, Kano has not only made an impact in music, but he’s also now one of the lead roles in hit TV show Top Boy.

But while his career develops and changes, one thing that stays the same is his hair. From Lord of the Mics to Hoodies All Summer, Kano has stuck to a one-level shaved style and a short stubble beard throughout it all. If it ain’t broke why fix it? Credit: @therealkano

Editor’s tip: Keep short hairs moisturised while softening the skin underneath with the TONI&GUY Softening Premium Stubble Oil. Work 2-3 droplets of oil to soften stubble and apply to wet skin before shaving for a more comfortable shave.

Mist

Birmingham rapper Mist is the Mobo Award-winning artist whose debut EP Diamond in the Dirt established him as one of the hottest talents in recent years.

Despite his flamboyant sense of style, Mist keeps his hair relatively minimal with a classic taper fade and sponge twist top and a chin strap beard and short goatee. Credit: @mist_rs

Fredo

Fredo is known for setting the bar high when it comes to style. You can expect to see the West London rapper walking around designer stores or posting pictures from all over the world – it’s fair to say Fredo likes the high life.

But when it comes to his hair, a simple and clean skin fade cut with a sharp line up is his go-to while his short goatee and thin moustache are his trademark when it comes to facial hair. Credit: @fredo

Dave

Known for songs like Streatham, Black and Thiago Silva, 21-year old South London rapper Dave already has a string of successful hits. He’s also the newest addition to Top Boy starring alongside Kano, Ashley Walters and Bashy.

From red carpets to festivals, Dave looks just as comfortable in a tailored Ozwald Boateng suit as he does a football shirt and shorts. Adding to his overall style is his skin fade haircut and groomed tapered beard which he keeps low. Credit: @santandave

Krept

One half of rap duo Krept & Konan is 29-year-old Krept. The South London star is known for chart-topping songs like Freak of the Week and I Spy. Krept’s distinctive style and signature loose braids make him a favourite of ours. Credit: @kreptplaydirty

Wretch 32

Tottenham rapper Wretch 32 is one of the UK’s most celebrated artists and is famous for his conscious lyrics. Since starting out in 2006, Wretch 32’s style has evolved from designer-clad outfits to a more mature wardrobe and this couldn’t be more obvious when we take a look at his hair journey.

Over his 13 year career, Wretch 32’s hair has gone from a low shaved taper cut to long dreadlocks which he pairs perfectly with a shaggy long beard. Credit: @officialwretch32

Editpr’s tip: For an extra dose of moisture warm a small amount of TONI&GUY Frizz Taming Beard Balm between your palms before applying to your beard.

Ghetts

Ghetts is the fast-delivering lyricist who came up with fellow London MCs Kano and Wretch 32. The East London star has released more mixtapes than most and has even had a stint at acting.

When it comes to fashion, Ghetts isn’t afraid to try a new style, but with his hair, he has only had a few tweaks here and there over the years – trading in his short fade for a longer style and growing his beard to an enviable length. Credit: @therealghetts

Akala

From music and author to political activist and journalist, Akala is a household name for more than his music. Hailing from North London, Akala is the brother of famous female MC Ms. Dynamite. The 35-year-old can regularly be spotted on-screen with his signature shoulder-length dreadlocks and chin strap facial hair. Credit: @akalamusic 

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