Giggs: UK Rap Titan - News, Music & Drake Collabs!

Dr. Darius Johnson PhD 21 May 2025

Is there a voice in UK rap that resonates with a blend of gritty realism, a unique flow, and a distinctively ominous baritone? The answer, unequivocally, is Giggs, a Peckham-born artist who has carved a formidable path through the UK music scene, earning respect, critical acclaim, and collaborations with some of the biggest names in music.

From the streets of South London to the global stage, Giggs, born Nathan Thompson, has built a career on authenticity and raw storytelling. He's become a pivotal figure in UK rap, moving beyond the confines of the grime scene and forging a sound thats undeniably his own. His journey, marked by mixtapes, albums, and a persistent drive for success, offers a compelling narrative of artistic evolution and unwavering resilience.

Category	Details
Full Name	Nathan Thompson
Stage Names	Giggs, Hollowman
Born	November 26, 1983, Peckham, London, England, UK
Genres	UK Rap, Road Rap
Record Label	SN1 Records (Owns)
Associated Acts	Drake, Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Donae'o, Youngs Teflon, Casisdead, Quavo, and many more
Notable Albums	Walk in da Park (2008), Let Em Ave It (2010), Landlord (2016), Zero Tolerance (Latest Release)
Known For	Distinctive UK rap style, collaborations with prominent artists, gritty realism in lyrics, owner of SN1 records, and leader of the SN1 (Spare No 1) rap collective.
Filmography	The Edge of Seventeen (2016), Sket (2011) and Skam (2015).
Link to Authentic Website	Genius.com: Giggs

Giggs's musical journey began long before the mainstream recognition. He was a local DJ, running his own radio station, "Spare No One FM," a testament to his early passion for music. This foundation provided him with the platform to hone his skills and develop the distinctive flow that would become his signature. The name "Hollowman" was a moniker that preceded his fame as Giggs, hinting at the depth and complexity he would bring to his artistry.

The release of his debut album, "Walk in da Park," in 2008, was a pivotal moment, marking his official entry into the music industry. The album established his unique style, characterized by a slow, deliberate delivery, and lyrics that offered a stark portrayal of life on the streets. His music quickly gained a dedicated following, and he became known for his ability to paint vivid pictures with his words. This album was followed by "Let Em Ave It" in 2010, which further solidified his position as a leading voice in UK rap.

Giggs's influence extends beyond his solo work. He is the leader of SN1 (Spare No 1), a rap collective based in Peckham, which includes artists like Kyze and Tiny Boost. SN1's collective identity and raw representation of reality contributed significantly to the rise of the "road rap" subgenre, a style known for its unflinching look at the realities of street life. Members of the collective are generally credited with popularising the British gangsta rap style known as road rap, a style of rap accused of inciting violence. He navigated years of police interference and media scrutiny, a testament to his resilience and commitment to his craft. His music, however, also attracted attention for its graphic descriptions and at times was accused of glorifying crime.

The year 2016 marked another significant milestone in Giggs's career with the release of "Landlord," his fourth studio album. Released independently through his own SN1 Records, the album showcased his growing influence and artistic control. "Landlord" featured collaborations with artists like Stormzy, Donae'o, Youngs Teflon, and Casisdead, underscoring his ability to attract collaborations and build a strong network within the UK music scene. The album further solidified his distinctive voice and the way it had permeated throughout the scene.

Giggs's music is more than just beats and rhymes; it's a reflection of his experiences and observations. His lyrics offer a raw and unfiltered look at the realities of life, often marked by hardship, resilience, and a unique sense of humor. He crafts memorable bars, turning his experiences into something both relatable and darkly funny. His approach to storytelling is distinct, often using his deep, rumbling baritone to create an atmosphere of intensity and authenticity. This unique delivery is immediately recognizable, a key element in his enduring appeal.

A defining moment for Giggs was his collaboration with Drake on the track "KMT" from the "More Life" playlist in 2017. This collaboration took his music to an international audience and solidified his status as a major player in the UK rap scene. The track, written by Drake, Giggs, and others, was produced by Ness and Chef Pasquale. The Drake cosign was a significant endorsement, and the track exposed Giggs's distinctive style to a much wider audience. He is the latest in a line of UK rappers, following Skepta and Dave, to receive this prestigious nod of approval.

The release of "Zero Tolerance," his latest album, further demonstrates Giggs's continued relevance and evolution as an artist. This album and his entire discography showcase a continuous evolution and his ability to remain current while staying true to his core style. His music continues to be explored, and his lyrical content is often praised for its brutal honesty and dark humor.

Giggss impact has also been recognized in other media. He has appeared on programs like "Top Boy," extending his influence beyond music and showcasing his artistic versatility. In 2008, he won the BET Award, a testament to his burgeoning success.

The UK rap scene, in general, is a dynamic and ever-evolving landscape. Giggs, with his unique style and unflinching approach to storytelling, continues to be a central figure in this scene. Giggs's path is one of resilience, a testament to an artist who transformed his experiences into a powerful voice. His story is a reminder of the power of authenticity and the enduring appeal of music that reflects the realities of life.

Giggs's story is a testament to an artist who transformed hardship into art, carving a unique path in a competitive industry. With his signature sound and consistent output, Giggs has undeniably earned his place as a cornerstone of UK rap.