matechcorp.com – Giggs, born Nathaniel Thompson on May 11, 1983, in London, is one of the most influential and respected figures in the UK rap and grime scenes. Known for his deep voice, raw lyricism, and consistent output of high-quality music, Giggs has carved out a legacy as a pioneer of UK rap, helping to shape the genre into what it is today. With a career spanning over a decade, Giggs’s music continues to resonate with fans, and his unique style has earned him recognition both in the UK and internationally.
Early Life and Introduction to Music
Giggs was born and raised in the Peckham area of South London, a part of the city known for its gritty urban environment. Growing up in this environment, Giggs was exposed to the challenges and realities of life in London, which would later serve as the foundation for much of his music. His early experiences with street life, crime, and struggle became themes that would run throughout his music, giving it an authentic and raw edge.
Giggs first developed an interest in music as a teenager and began writing rhymes in his early years. However, his breakthrough into the music scene didn’t happen overnight. In the early 2000s, he began recording and releasing mixtapes and freestyles, gradually gaining a reputation in the underground rap scene. His deep voice and distinct flow set him apart from other artists in the genre, allowing him to quickly make a name for himself.
His early mixtapes, such as “Bringing It Back” (2007), helped build a solid foundation for his career, and his track “Talking the Hardest” gained significant attention. The song became an anthem for the streets and solidified Giggs’s reputation as one of the leading voices in UK rap.
Breakthrough with Let Em Ave It (2008)
Giggs’s first studio album, Let Em Ave It, released in 2008, marked a pivotal moment in his career. The album featured several key tracks that would become signature songs in his discography, such as “Play It Loud” and “Slow Songs.” Let Em Ave It was met with critical acclaim, with its hard-hitting beats, raw lyricism, and storytelling capturing the essence of urban life in London.
What made Let Em Ave It stand out was its authenticity. Giggs was able to portray the struggles of growing up in Peckham with a sense of realism and honesty that resonated deeply with fans. His depiction of life in the streets was raw and unfiltered, earning him respect not just in the UK rap scene but from fans and artists worldwide. The success of Let Em Ave It established Giggs as a force to be reckoned with in the UK music scene and gave him the platform to reach a wider audience.
Evolution and Landlord (2016)
While Giggs’s earlier work focused heavily on grime and street rap, his 2016 album Landlord marked a shift in his sound and approach. The album demonstrated Giggs’s ability to evolve as an artist while maintaining the core elements that made him successful—his deep, commanding voice, unapologetic lyricism, and hard-hitting beats.
Landlord was widely praised for its dark, atmospheric production and the way it blended elements of grime, trap, and UK rap. The album included standout tracks such as “Whippin Excursion” and “KMT” featuring Drake. The collaboration with Drake, in particular, brought Giggs even further into the international spotlight, earning him global recognition and showing that his influence reached far beyond the UK.
The success of Landlord solidified Giggs’s place in the mainstream and established him as one of the pioneers of UK rap. The album demonstrated his versatility as an artist, moving beyond his early grime sound while staying true to his roots. Giggs was able to blend different musical influences and styles to create a unique and fresh sound that resonated with a broader audience.
Collaborations and Global Recognition
Giggs’s career has been marked by several high-profile collaborations, both in the UK and internationally. His partnership with American rapper French Montana on the track “Can’t Blame Me” helped expand his reach in the United States. However, it was his collaboration with Canadian rapper Drake on “KMT” from Landlord that truly pushed Giggs into the global spotlight.
Drake’s cosign of Giggs was a game-changer for the rapper, elevating him to an international stage and making him a household name. Drake has long been a supporter of UK rap and grime, and his collaboration with Giggs showed the growing influence of the UK rap scene in global music culture. Giggs’s gritty, unfiltered style and deep voice stood in stark contrast to the slicker, commercial sound of mainstream American rap, making their collaboration a unique and powerful fusion of two different worlds.
In addition to his work with Drake, Giggs has collaborated with a variety of artists, including Skepta, Stormzy, JME, and A$AP Rocky. His ability to work with artists from different backgrounds and genres speaks to his versatility and influence as an artist. Giggs has become a bridge between the UK and international rap scenes, bringing a distinctly British perspective to global rap music.
Legacy as a Pioneer of UK Rap
Giggs’s impact on the UK rap and grime scenes is undeniable. He is widely regarded as one of the key figures who helped shape the sound of modern UK rap and bring it to the forefront of global music. His early work in grime laid the foundation for the genre’s success, and his ability to adapt and evolve with the changing landscape of music has kept him relevant for over a decade.
Giggs’s music has always been rooted in the realities of street life, but it also touches on broader themes such as loyalty, ambition, and resilience. His ability to weave together raw lyricism with atmospheric beats has made his music resonate with listeners across different backgrounds. His longevity in the music industry speaks to his talent and his ability to remain true to his vision while adapting to new trends and sounds.
Giggs’s Future in Music
As of now, Giggs shows no signs of slowing down. His unique blend of UK rap, grime, and trap continues to set him apart from other artists, and his impact on the UK music scene remains significant. While much of the rap scene has evolved, Giggs’s ability to remain true to his roots and continue producing music that resonates with fans has ensured his place as a key figure in the industry.
Looking forward, Giggs’s influence will undoubtedly continue to shape the future of UK rap and grime. His ability to collaborate with global artists, innovate within the genre, and remain relevant in an ever-changing music landscape makes him one of the most important and influential voices in contemporary rap. With his rich discography, raw talent, and authenticity, Giggs’s legacy as a pioneer of UK rap is secure, and his future in music remains bright.
