Abra Cadabra

Belonging to North London’s OFB rap collective, Tottenham’s Abra Cadabra first rose to prominence through the high-energy drill track “Robbery Remix,” which featured Krept & Konan. His powerful delivery and distinctive rhythmic patterns quickly built a loyal audience. Returning with a steady stream of releases in 2020, the rapper established himself as one of U.K. drill’s leading figures, scoring successes with “On Deck” and “Cadabra Freestyle” before unveiling his first full-length project, Product of My Environment.

Raised on Tottenham’s Broadwater Farm Estate, Abra Cadabra began his recording career within the Ounto Nation circle. Alongside Legz and Kash, he issued early singles in the mid-2010s such as “Feel Like,” “Crisis,” and “Chat Too Much.” Although his commanding voice suited the aggressive tone of tracks like “Robbery,” he soon revealed a smoother, melodic approach on reflective cuts such as “The Roads.” After gaining attention through appearances on platforms including Bl@ckbox, Kenny Allstar, and Mad About Bars, the original “Robbery” drew interest from Krept & Konan, who joined for a widely circulated remix. That version quickly earned underground-classic status and a MOBO award, driven by its intense alternating verses, heavy beat, and memorable “man don’t talk, man rap” refrain.

Much of this early work was later gathered on the 2016 mixtape Ounto Nation, which combined previously released singles and freestyles with additional new recordings. Abra Cadabra maintained momentum throughout 2017 by exploring several sounds, including Afro-bashment on “Valentine,” drill on “Art of War,” trap on “Stay,” classic hip-hop on “My Hood,” and rock-rap fusion on “Story.” Following that run of releases, however, he stepped back considerably, issuing only three singles and one short EP across 2018 and 2019.

A striking Daily Duppy freestyle in late 2019 signaled his return, and 2020 became his busiest year yet. After the February arrival of the thematic LOL: Love or Lust? EP, he reentered the drill scene with “Let Man Know,” “Baby,” and “Cadabra Freestyle,” each showcasing his deep growl and rapid-fire delivery. The momentum carried into “On Deck,” a Rxckson- and Ra$h-produced track whose catchy rhythms and memorable lines secured his first U.K. Top 40 entry at number 32. An OFB remix featuring seven additional group members further expanded its reach.

Abra Cadabra sustained the pace with subsequent releases such as “Spin this Coupe” and “BLM,” both of which also charted. The year closed with his debut album, Product of My Environment, which arrived in December and presented a broad range of melodic trap and drill material. Guests on the project included Kush, D-Block Europe, Krept & Konan, and Dappy.