The Rap Game UK has just returned to our screens in search for the next big British MC. The last three series have received acclaim from national and specialist press outlets. This is the fourth series of the acclaimed and BAFTA-nominated show – and this time around, it’s bigger than ever. The show is a BBC remake of the American reality TV series, co-produced by Jermaine Dupri and Queen Latifah. The UK show is run by rap duo Krept and Konan and 1Xtra’s DJ Target, who are on the hunt to find the UK’s best unsigned rapper from a group of six talented artists who are competing for the prize of a lifetime. This year they have revealed a twist that not every contestant will make it to the final.
The show has been produced by Fremantle label, Naked and distributed by A+E networks. Speaking on the release of the new series, BBC Commissioning Editor Patrick McMahon says: “I’m thrilled to welcome Krept, Konan and DJ Target back for a new series of the Rap Game UK. With epic new challenges, gripping new format twists, and some of the most talented artists we’ve ever had competing for that crown, this year’s contest looks set to be the biggest, best and toughest yet.” Naked Creative Director Tom O’Brien added, “It’s great to be bringing The Rap Game back again. With new showrunners (Trent Williams Jones and Steve Earley), a new cast and new even higher stakes, Naked can’t wait to see who will be the new winner.”
In 2021, The Rap Game UK was most nominated for two Broadcast Digital Awards, being the Best Entertainment Programme and Best Popular Factual Programme. That year it was also nominated in the Formatted Popular Factual category in the 2021 RTS Programme Awards. The show was also nominated for a BAFTA Award back in 2020.
This years up and comings MCs taking part include, T Big Jest and JClarke, P3Lz, Mayo, Mwangi and Zoellz. The six contestants have travelled to Manchester to compete in a series of challenges aimed at showcasing their individual musical, lyrical and performance abilities. The six MCs will undertake challenges across the series whilst being guest mentored by some of the biggest names in the UK scene – and this year this includes Unknown T, Shaybo, BackRoad Gee, Leomie Anderson, D-Block Europe, Lethal Bizzle, Jaykae, and more. The winner will gain a £20,000 cash prize, as well as a mentorship scheme to help them create and launch their own music after the contest ends.
A teaser for the opening episode of the new series that came out last Thursday shares, “DJ Target and Krept & Konan return to Manchester to search for the next big rap star. Six aspiring rappers discover that winning this series will be tougher than ever, with a twist revealed that none of them expect. Their opening challenge sees some artists make a bigger impression than others.”
You can watch the show live on BBC Three at 9pm every Thursday. You can also watch the new series online via BBC iPlayer, where the past three series are also available to stream.
