The UK underground scene has been thriving in 2025, with a constant wave of exciting new talent. One standout is EsDeeKid, a Liverpool-based artist who’s quickly rising to the forefront. Though he only released his first song in May of last year, he’s already bypassed the typical grind and gained serious momentum with his unique voice and style.

His breakout came with February’s “LV Sandals,” a collaboration with Fakemink and Rico Ace that racked up nearly 10 million Spotify streams and became a defining track of the scene. The song elevated all three artists, but especially EsDeeKid, who stood out for his sharp delivery and undeniable presence.

On June 20th, EsDeeKid dropped his debut album Rebel, an 11-track project that confirms he’s more than just a viral moment. With six features and two pre-released singles, Rebel is diverse yet cohesive. Collaborators like Fimiguerrero and Rico Ace return, but EsDeeKid maintains a strong identity throughout, especially on tracks like “Cali Man” and “Tartan.”

The album’s production, handled entirely by Wraith9, sets a dark, almost medieval tone that allows EsDeeKid to carve out a unique sonic space with his charmingly crass vocal tone and lyrics. Songs like “4 Raws,” “Panic,” and “Rottweiler” blend raw energy with fantasy-core inspired aesthetics, creating something fresh and distinctive.

What truly sets EsDeeKid apart is how complete he already feels as an artist. Rebel doesn’t sound like a debut, it sounds like a statement. If you’re paying attention to UK underground rap, this is an album you need to hear.

Rating: 8/10