While hip-hop may not be the music genre of choice for every fan, it has a huge, almost cult-like following. In the UK, this fanbase has grown rapidly in recent years.
In 2020, rap and hip-hop titles accounted for around 22 per cent of all singles consumed in the UK. That’s an all-time high for the genre.
As we move into the digital landscape, the numbers are just as impressive. Hip-hop grabbed around 12.2 percent of the streaming market share that same year.
Today, the demand for hip-hop is more than six times higher than at the beginning of the millennium. Given these numbers, it’s no wonder the number of radio stations playing hip-hop artists has also increased.
So where do you find the latest hits and tracks on UK radio? Today we’re taking a look at some of the top UK radio stations known for their hip hop music.
The UK’s 9 Best Hip Hop Radio Stations
As always, opinions on which channels should be ranked as the best hip hop radio stations in the UK will likely vary from one audience segment to another.
It is worth noting that most stations that are best known for playing hip hop music are not tied to this specific genre.
As you can see from the top rated options below, most radio stations produce programs with a wide range of content defined by the urban genre.
As such, your hip-hop tracks are regularly interspersed with R&B, rap, and underground music.
However, if you’re looking for great options to get you going, this list of exceptional radio stations will surely get you on the right track.
1. BBC Radio 1Xtra
BBC Radio 1Xtra is one of the most popular online radio stations that caters explicitly to the urban genre. It is a unique channel owned and operated by the BBC.
The station focuses primarily on urban music tracks by hip-hop and R&B artists.
Launched in 2002, the online broadcaster is among the most diverse on this list. Although most of the songs come from British, Caribbean, North American and African artists, they can be divided into different groups.
In addition to hip-hop, BBC 1Xtra also plays reggae, gospel music, soul, drum and bass, dubstep and UK garage.
Unlike most online-only channels, 1Xtra has a fantastic range of presenters who regularly host shows between playlists.
Well-known broadcasters include Trevor Nelson, Kenny Allstar, Nick Bright and Tiffany Calver.
Frequency: Online only
Website: BBC Radio 1Xtra
2. Rinse FM
Based in London, Rinse FM is an iconic community radio station. He is known across the UK as one of the most influential pirate radio stations of all time.
Rinse FM was London’s biggest pirate radio station for over ten years before being officially licensed in 2010.
The channel has provided fantastic exposure opportunities for well-known grime artists such as Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, as well as a variety of dubstep DJs.
The channel’s playlists cover various genres, from R&B to hip-hop and rap to electronic music. There are even programs showcasing emerging Latin American artists.
Rinse has also been instrumental in the careers of some of the most prominent radio presenters in UK history.
Some of the channel’s most notable DJs include the likes of Artwork, Benga, Caspa and Dizzee Rascal himself.
Frequency: FM: 106.8MHz
Site: Rinse. FM
3. Representative
Another popular youth-run radio station, Reprezent is a local network based in Brixton, south London.
After receiving its community license in 2010, the station began airing many fantastic playlists focusing on alternative music, hip-hop, dance and grime over the next year.
More than just a platform to find great music, Reprezent has made a name for itself as an advocate for younger people.
It allows students and other artists from all walks of life to showcase their talents and share their themes live on air.
The channel has more than 140 presenters and broadcasts 110 radio shows. It is also dedicated to producing original and unique content every day from 8am to 3am.
Because each playlist is curated by their moderators, Reprezent always has something new and exciting to share.
Frequency: FM: 107.3MHz
Website: representative
4. Capital XTRA
Another leading sister radio station of a well-known network, Capital
The station began as Choice 96.9 in Brixton, London, Britain’s first 24-hour black music station.
In 2013, Choice became Capital
On average, the station reaches around 1.4 million listeners a week, making it one of the most popular radio shows in the UK.
Capital XTRA broadcasts a variety of black music genres including hip-hop, R&B, afrobeats and grime.
The channel’s programming also includes a range of specialty shows and playlist sessions hosted by well-known DJs and music experts, from Toni Phillips to DJ Semtex.
Frequency: FM: 96.9MHz and 107.1MHz.
Website: Capital XTRA
5.Kiss FM
Kiss FM is another exceptional radio station for anyone interested in hip hop.
Owned by Bauer as part of the Kiss network, this versatile station caused quite a stir when it first launched in 1985.
Like many popular radio stations, Kiss started out as a pirate station before becoming the UK’s first legal specialty black and dance music station in 1990.
Today, Kiss reaches a weekly audience of around 2.5 million listeners and relies on the rhythmic CHR format. This means that shows generally feature a variety of song styles, including R&B, hip-hop, rap, and dance.
Kiss has also been home to well known presenters including Bam Bam, John Digweed, Andy C, DJ Hatcha and many others.
If you’re looking for more Kiss hip-hop music, you can also check out the online channel Kiss Fresh.
Frequency: FM: 97.2MHz, 100.0MHz, 101.0MHz, 105.6MHz, 105.6MHz, 106.1MHz, 106.4MHz and 107.7MHz.
Website: kiss
6. FlexFM
Flex FM is a community based radio station based in London. It’s a little less well known than some of the other major hip hop radio stations on this list.
It started out as a pirate radio station before finally getting its community license in 2017.
Flex broadcasts an eclectic selection of house, drum, bass, hip-hop, dubstep and UK garage playlists.
Some programs include reggae, soul, and old-school hardcore. MCs and artists who performed on the station included DJ Cross, Andy Mills, Outlaw and DJ Twiz.
Flex FM is a popular station for Londoners, ideal for those looking for new and upcoming artists.
It also offers popular shows such as The breakfast club with Sebadee and the Driving time with Charlie Brown Program.
Frequency: FM: 101.4MHz
Website: Flex FM
7. Mi soul
Mi-Soul is an all-digital urban radio station playing a collection of soul hits, R&B, house, hip-hop, reggae and drum and bass.
The station was originally founded by Gordon Mac, known for his presence on Kiss FM and Colorful Radio.
After leaving Colorful in 2011, Mac shortly thereafter launched Mi-Soul as an internet station before beginning airing on the Switch London 2 digital network in 2015. The station’s presenters include some legendary names from the British landscape.
Notable presenters include Greg Edwards, Jazzie B, Lindsay Wesker and Natty B.
The group bases its playlists on several regularly occurring shows, such as wed-morning And The Soul Kitchen programs on Sunday.
Frequency: Online and DAB 12A
Website: Mi Soul
8. LDC radio
Based in Leeds, LDC Radio is a community radio station with a dance and urban music format.
The name is an acronym for Leeds Dance Community Radio. This relatively new channel officially opened in 2020 in partnership with Leeds Beckett University.
LDC Radio’s programming consists primarily of urban and dance music, offering a mix of genres in various daytime programs and weekend and evening special programs.
The channel also airs a variety of well-known shows by major DJs overnight.
As well as a great selection of music, LDC has some fantastic shows where presenters discuss local issues affecting young people. The station’s well-known presenters include Amber D, Carl Kingston, and YouTube personality Danny Malin.
Frequency: FM: 97.8MHz
Website: LDC Radio
9. Kane FM
Another hip hop radio station in the UK that started out as a pirate station is Kane FM. Based in Surrey, this local community channel broadcasts online and on FM radio waves.
The channel began broadcasting programs in 1990 and was granted a limited license for a short time in 2004.
Since then, the station has grown into a dedicated community station dedicated to helping young people in the UK.
The channel’s profits support the social good of young people, and Kane even accepts donations on its website.
Kane FM’s playlists feature a combination of electronic dance music, trance, house, hip-hop, drum and bass, dubstep, and various other genres.
The station promotes local charity events, fundraisers, and recorded public announcements between shows.
Frequency: FM: 103.7MHz
Website: Kane FM
The best hip hop radio stations in the UK
Hopefully this guide to the best hip hop channels across the UK has inspired you to start your next session by browsing the airwaves.
Although hip hop may not be as popular as other music genres in the UK market, interest in the scene is growing.
The rapidly increasing listenerships of some of the fantastic stations mentioned above show how excited British listeners are about the resurgence of the hip-hop era.
Don’t forget that you can also find a variety of unique hip hop stations online that you can stream straight to your phone or laptop.
