Giggs, born Nathaniel Thompson on May 11, 1983, in London, UK, is one of the most influential and respected figures in the UK rap scene. Known for his deep voice, gritty lyricism, and pioneering role in the UK drill and grime scenes, Giggs has made a lasting impact on British hip hop. His music is often noted for its dark, atmospheric beats and its raw, unflinching depiction of street life, combining introspective reflections with stories of ambition and hardship.
Over the years, Giggs has built a loyal fanbase and earned critical acclaim, becoming a respected figure not just in the UK, but internationally. His authenticity and ability to seamlessly blend UK street rap with elements of trap and grime have made him one of the most influential rappers of his generation. With his innovative approach and unique sound, Giggs has earned recognition as a leader of the UK rap movement.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Giggs grew up in the tough neighborhoods of Peckham, South London, where he was exposed to the harsh realities of street life from an early age. Despite these challenges, Giggs was drawn to music, and his early influences included American rap legends such as Tupac Shakur and Nas. It was in these formative years that Giggs developed his distinctive sound—gritty, raw, and unapologetically honest.
Initially, Giggs began recording and releasing music independently, building a local following through his mixtapes and street-level performances. His early tracks, including those on his 2007 mixtape Walk in da Park, gained him attention for their hard-hitting lyricism and atmospheric beats. Giggs’s ability to capture the realities of life in London’s rougher areas while maintaining a unique lyrical style helped him gain recognition in the underground rap scene.
Breakthrough and Career Rise
Giggs’s breakthrough came with the release of his debut studio album, Let Em Ave It, in 2008. The album was a critical and commercial success, earning Giggs widespread recognition. Tracks like “Talkin’ da Hardest” and “Ain’t A Thing” became anthems within the UK rap community and helped solidify Giggs’s reputation as one of the top artists in the UK’s grime and rap scenes. His deep voice and delivery set him apart from his contemporaries, and his raw, unfiltered storytelling resonated with listeners who were looking for authenticity in an era of manufactured pop music.
Giggs’s next project, There Will Be A Day, was released in 2010 and continued to showcase his ability to blend street stories with more reflective, introspective themes. However, it was his 2016 collaboration with Drake, titled More Life, that introduced Giggs to an international audience. The track “KMT” was a standout from Drake’s mixtape, and it marked a turning point in Giggs’s career, as he gained a larger following outside the UK.
Continued Success and Recognition
In 2017, Giggs released his highly anticipated album, Big Bad… Vol. 1, which featured collaborations with major artists like Wretch 32, Dave, and Young Thug. The album showcased Giggs’s growth as an artist and received critical acclaim for its seamless mix of grime, rap, and drill. The album’s success further solidified his status as one of the pioneers of UK rap and grime.
Giggs continued to expand his reach with subsequent releases, including Big Bad… Vol. 2 and his 2020 album, Now or Never. Each project further demonstrated his versatility as an artist, with a mix of hard-hitting tracks and more melodic, introspective pieces. Giggs’s ability to adapt to changing musical trends while staying true to his roots has made him a revered figure in the UK rap scene.
Net Worth and Influence
As of 2024, Giggs’s estimated net worth is around $5 million. His wealth comes from a combination of music sales, streaming revenue, live performances, and his work as an influential figure in the UK rap and grime scenes. Giggs’s influence on the genre is immeasurable, as he has helped shape the sound of UK drill and grime, inspiring countless young artists who follow in his footsteps.
Giggs is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of UK drill and has played a major role in bringing UK rap to the international stage. His work has opened doors for other UK rappers, and his impact on the music industry has been profound. His ability to stay relevant and continue to evolve as an artist has ensured his place as one of the most important figures in the world of rap music.
| Full Name | Nathaniel Thompson |
|---|---|
| Stage Name | Giggs |
| Date of Birth | May 11, 1983 |
| Genres | Grime, Drill, Rap |
| Notable Albums | Let Em Ave It, Big Bad… Vol. 1, Now or Never |
| Net Worth | $5 million |