Dizzee

Dizzee Rascal, born Dylan Kwabena Mills in London, England, is an English rapper and grime artist who rose to prominence in the early 2000s as part of the East London grime scene. Known for a rapid-fire flow and inventive wordplay, he released his debut album, Boy in da Corner, in 2003 on XL Recordings. The album received widespread critical acclaim for its raw production and vivid storytelling, and it helped define the grime sound for a broader audience.

Boy in da Corner won the Mercury Prize in 2003, making Mills one of the youngest winners in the prize’s history and marking a milestone in the genre’s recognition outside underground circles. He followed with Showtime (2004) and Maths + English (2007), albums that broadened his sonic palette and helped push grime toward mainstream chart success. Tongue 'n' Cheek (2009) continued this trend, blending electronic-influenced production with club-oriented rhythms and accessible hooks.

Throughout his career, Dizzee Rascal has been widely cited as a major influence on grime and UK rap, shaping flows, production approaches, and the global reception of the genre. He has collaborated with artists across genres and remained active in music through the 2010s and beyond, contributing to various projects and continuing to release new material.

Dizzee Rascal is recognized as a foundational figure in contemporary British hip hop, contributing to the visibility and evolution of grime on both national and international stages.