Bossman Birdie

Originating in Birmingham, England, Bossman Birdie works as a U.K. grime MC whose lyrics stand out for their bold, declamatory force and whose career has featured repeated partnerships with leading figures across the British urban circuit. His family relocated to London when he was four, and by fifteen the budding artist had formed an attachment to music, forging early ties with peers who would later emerge as talents such as JME and Skepta. Drawing from the foundational approaches of 2Pac, Snoop Dogg, and N.W.A., he devoted increasing hours to studio work throughout his teenage years. A decisive moment arrived with his featured appearance on Mike Skinner’s “Prangin’ Out,” which also included Skepta, Tinchy Stryder, and Wretch 32. After he began composing his own material and delivering well-received live sets, 2014 brought a tour alongside grime artist Meridian Dan, plus performances at multiple U.K. festivals and several venues in Ibiza. The two artists joined forces for Birdie’s debut official release, the charged and catchy “Wristbands,” which further featured Skepta; the track accumulated more than half a million YouTube views and drew favorable notice from Kiss FM and Radio 1Xtra. In 2016 the MC extended his momentum with “My Yard,” issued on Island and EGA Records and featuring JME.