The English rapper Slowthai grew up listening to American musicians. “Rappers coming from Memphis, SpaceGhost-Purrp, Raider Klan, even Elliott Smith,” says the 26-year-old, born Tyron Frampton, ticking off his major influences on both hands. He notes that many of his British contemporaries were also raised on the music, movies, and pop culture that came from the other side of the Atlantic, because “Americans just generally have a cheat code, where they sound good,” he says, his cheeky grin widening. “They could say anything on a song, and it sits well.”
Today, the current of influence is flowing in the other direction. Rap artists from the U.K.—including Headie One, Digga D, Ivorian Doll, and Central Cee, along with producers like AXL Beats, M1 on the Beat, and MK the Plug—have carved…
