Slick Rick was one of the earliest British rappers to find success in the American hip hop scene in the 1980s due to his unique British accent and storytelling lyrical style. While no other UK rappers have achieved the same level of renown as Slick Rick in the US, artists like Dizzy Rascal and the group SAS have attempted to break through with some moderate success, gaining new respect in the UK when they place songs in American airwaves. However, breaking through as a British rapper in the US scene remains challenging.

1. UK Rappers From Ricky D to Dizzy Rascal Bryon Summers

2. Slick Rick From almost the beginning of hip hop, there has been an involvement of the UK. South Wilmbledon born, Richard Walters, better known as Slick Rick, MC Ricky D, and Rick the Ruler, has been a hip hop icon from the early 80’s. Rick partnered up with the human beat box, Douglas E. Davis, better known as Doug E. Fresh along with others to make the Get Fresh Crew. Clearly, Rick stood out with his obvious British accent – not to mention his lyrical stories.

3. Slick Rick This method of rapping would lead Rick to release albums such as The Great Adventures of Slick Rick and The Art of Storytelling.

4. Other UK Rappers Since then, other UK rappers have attempted to invade the US music scene. None have rivaled Rick’s rein yet, but some attempts were quite valiant in effort. To name a few, Dizzy Rascal, born Dylan Kwabena Mills in Bow London, and Mayhem and Mega of SAS, formerly signed to American recording group Dipset.

5. Development Although their notoriety may not rival that of a US rapper or Slick Rick, these rappers take home a certain level of respect when they return to the UK with a song on the US airwaves.

6. The End Result I would compare it to a kid who wishes to play basketball and goes to a Michael Jordan camp for the summer. When they go back to play ball amongst their peers, they will have gained a new found respect. The only down side is, sometimes that kid might not do so well at camp.