8PM with Nemzzz: Manchester’s Next Generation of UK Rap

Nemzzz (born Nemiah Emmanuel Simms on March 28, 2004) is one of the most promising new voices in UK rap. Hailing from Manchester’s Gorton district, his upbringing was immersed in music — his mother worked as a beat-maker across multiple genres, and his father was a reggae and bashment singer. This early exposure to rhythm and production shaped his approach to melody and tone, laying the groundwork for his later creative style.

He began rapping in 2018, cutting his teeth freestyling over YouTube instrumentals before crafting his own sound — a balance between unfiltered honesty and melodic flow. His breakout moment arrived in 2021 with the viral single “Elevate,” followed by “2MS” in early 2022. These songs established Nemzzz as a distinctive presence in the UK scene, known for his cool-headed lyricism, reflective storytelling, and refusal to mimic the darker conventions of drill.

In 2024, he dropped his debut mixtape Do Not Disturb, which signalled his rise beyond the regional circuit, drawing praise for its smooth production and emotional depth. The following year, Rent’s Due cemented his place in the new generation of UK rap, blending introspection with accessible hooks and collaborations that showcased his growth. Tracks like “PTSD” and “L’s” reveal a young artist unafraid to discuss personal battles and mental health while staying true to his Mancunian roots.

Nemzzz’s appeal lies in his ability to merge realism with melody — telling stories that reflect working-class British life while still feeling global and polished. At just 21, he’s building a sound that bridges generations of UK rap, carrying Manchester’s energy to new audiences and redefining what Northern authenticity sounds like in modern hip-hop.