Culturally diverse, progressive, and buzzing with local pride, MCR is a natural breeding ground for UK rap to develop into exhilarating new forms—and today’s rising wave of MCs and producers is impacting well beyond the city limits. As comfortable spitting street-corner freestyles as he is featuring on an Ed Sheeran chart-topper, Aitch has quickly muscled into British hip-hop’s elite. On his shoulder, IAMDDB’s fearless invention bagged her a support slot with Lauryn Hill, Just Banco is rewiring trap and Afro-swing with 0161 swagger, and Black Josh’s maverick spirit comes Skepta-approved. Our editors regularly update this playlist—if you hear something you like, add it to your library.