As we approach the end of another amazing year of music, it’s only right that we give flowers to some of the incredible artists who’ve left a sizeable footprint on the scene. This time of year, the SAMA’s (Scottish Alternative Music Awards) unveil their nominees before it goes to a public vote between 18th-20th November. With such a short window to make your voice heard, it’s imperative you get to know who’s who in the ‘Best Hip Hop’ category.

Let’s shine a light on Vagrant Real Estate…

Vagrant Real Estate is a producer and DJ from Aberdeen, whose work spans a number of hip-hop subgenres from gritty boom bap through to alternative and jazz-influenced UK Drill. This year he released the project “Loose Canon” with Rabspitz, which featured an all-star lineup of features, including Leaf Dog, Respek BA, Gasp, CLBRKS and more. On top of that, he also released “SUMMER ENDS WHEN I SAY” with latest High Focus signee Renelle 893.

As the in-house producer and DJ for acclaimed UK collective It’s Leftfield (Namesbliss, DeeRiginal), he has made numerous appearances on Peckham’s Balamii Radio, as well as producing all the tracks for a cypher in partnership with Red Bull. Additional production credit this year include the opening track "Time & Space" from Namesbliss' debut album, Ledbyher's “BOURBON’ which was supported by BBC Radio 1 and Cheap Monday, and also international placements with All Hail YT and Nowaah The Flood.

Eyve

Eyve is a spirited artist known for her bold fusion of powerful vocals, rap, jazz, and 70s Afro influences. Her music blends genre’s pushing for innovative ways to express her strong social message, resonating deeply with a diverse and growing audience. Supported by platforms like 1Xtra, Pitch Scotland, The Skinny, Shado Mag, and BBC Introducing & Widedays - Eyve is quickly emerging as a ‘breath of fresh air’ within Scotlands music landscape.

Her latest EP, “Sista! Beyond the Sky Isn’t the Limit”, challenges societal norms and advocates for self-expression, particularly for Black queer women. The EP showcases her ability to blend genres while pushing boundaries, encouraging listeners to embrace their full selves. Eyve has spent much of the year touring Scotland, performing at iconic venues like Edinburgh’s Old Fruitmarket, Stereo, Oran Mor and Castle Douglas's Town Hall, SWG3 & Saint Lukes (to name a few), captivating audiences with her raw energy and emotional depth.

P Caso

Since his eruption onto the scene in early 2022, P Caso has emerged as a stand out artist amongst the underground as an enigmatic writer exploring his experiences of growing up in Glasgow. The South Side rapper has been a persistent expression of alternative Hip Hop in the city with critical acclaim from The Scotsman and support from BBC Introducing.

Recently this summer P Caso released back to back EPs with producer Kalum - ‘Home Is Where The Hurt Is’ and ‘Heart Beats’ which explored the complexities of relationships, family, nostalgia as well as the existential questions of identity and purpose. P Caso remains a presence that cannot be ignored, bringing us into his world which he himself is still grappling to understand.

Psweatpants

Psweatpants is a 25 year-old artist from London based in Scotland, presenting his hard vocal, Psweatpants ability to bring you into his song writing by his realistic metaphors and conceptualised delivery, drawing inspiration from life and artists herein the UK and Stateside such as Slowthai, Skepta, AJ-Tracey,Vince Staples, JPEGMAFIA and Paris,Texas.

In 2022, Psweatpants was nominated for Best Hip Hop at The SAMA’S and for the Sound of Young Scotland 2022 at the SAY awards. Last year he was picked to be part of the BBC Introducing X BBC 1XTRA ‘Rap Cypher’, as well as having track of the week on both. Psweatpants has also supported award-winning rapper Bemz at his sold-out event at the legendary King Tuts venue and a wide range of acts including, Pinty, The Mouse Outfit, Stanley Odd, Nova, The Snuts, Declan Welsh, Master Peace, Vlure and Hak Baker. Earlier this year he held his own headline show in the famous SWG3. Arguably the next rapper to break it through the Scottish scene, Psweatpants is someone to keep your eyes on and your ears open for.

So there we have it! Four incredible artists covering a diverse range of styles, each with their own unique and signature sound… but only one can win!

Public vote goes live between Monday 18th - Wednesday 20th via the SAMA website www.officialsama.com

GET INVOLVED!