Nick Brewer

Drawing from the style of early-2000s U.K. grime pioneers Mike Skinner and Just Jack, Essex rapper Nick Brewer delivered rapid-fire verses and intricate, swirling delivery across fusion-jazz instrumentals. Although he earned a history degree from Essex University, he devoted himself entirely to hip-hop after first embracing the form at age nine upon hearing Puff Daddy’s “I’ll Be Missing You.” Within five years he issued a run of EPs that began with the 2010 debut Alone with My Thoughts, continued with its 2011 follow-up, and reached Flat 10 in 2013. His fourth project, 2014’s Four Miles Further, showcased jazzy soul productions from the Confect and guest appearances by George the Poet, Little Simz, JP Cooper, Naomi Scott, and Max Marshall. While preparing his first proper album, Recreation, Brewer released the 2015 EP Warning Light, which featured Stormzy, Ruby Maze, Barney Artist, Tink, and a return appearance from Naomi Scott. The single “Talk to Me,” boasting a contribution from Bibi Bourelly—who wrote Rihanna’s “Bitch Better Have My Money”—brought Brewer wider notice.