Big Shaq

English actor Michael Dapaah invented the brash grime MC known as Big Shaq, also called Roadman Shaq, for his web-based mockumentary series Somewhere in London. Drawing from the capital’s grime community, the character first surfaced in assorted online freestyle clips, among them an appearance on Charlie Sloth’s Fire in the Booth, before British Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn name-checked him during a political address. Big Shaq’s first release, the platinum-certified single “Man’s Not Hot,” arrived in September 2017. This wry portrait of grime excess climbed to the Top Three on the U.K. singles chart shortly after launch and subsequently registered on Australian and European listings. The track’s accompanying video enlisted U.S. rappers Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Yachty, and DJ Khaled, helping spread its online popularity into America. Big Shaq issued a follow-up statement, “Man Don’t Dance,” the next year.