The Rap Game UK finalists want to 'reset' the music industry

BBC All of them sat on a blue sofa on a TV set. Cbliminal is on the left wearing black jeans, white trainers and a cream hoodie - pointing at Haydog who's next up on the sofa. He's got curly hair - wearing a black zip up jacket and grey jeans. Next up is Layyah - wearing a black top, red blazer and red hat. Then Only Zizou is smiling with his hands clasped wearing a black hoodie and ripped jeans. — Cbliminal, Haydog, Layyah, Only Zizou (left to right) are the finalists of The Rap Game UK

It has been six weeks of intense challenges, clashes and even a live show on the BBC Introducing Stage at Leeds Festival.

As The Rap Game UK reaches its last stage, the four finalists say it is time for new talent like them to freshen up the industry.

Haydog, Layyah, Cbliminal and Only Zizou are battling it out to win the show and £20,000 cash prize, with the final airing tonight on BBC Three and iPlayer.

“It’s our time right now,” Haydog from Wirral, Merseyside, tells BBC Newsbeat.

“[The industry] needs a reset and that’s what we’re here to do.”

Layyah chimes in: “All of us. We’re the ones to do it.”

Haydog says the show has given him the confidence to bring his rap to the scene

Haydog sits in a white cushioned chair. He holds up a V sign with his right hand. He's wearing a zipped up black shell top and grey trousers. There's a plant and a big speaker in the background. — Haydog says the show has given him the confidence to bring his rap to the scene

DJ Target, Krept and Konan are the three judges guiding the aspiring rappers.

In September 2013, Krept and Konan had the highest charting UK album by an unsigned act – with Young Kingz getting to 19 in the top 40 Official Albums Chart.

They think the four finalists are going to add something new to a scene that is a “bit samey”.

“You kind of hear sounds and everyone starts doing the same thing. Every time we come across new artists that do some completely new sounds it’s exciting,” Krept says.

Haydog adds: “It’s probably the easiest time to cut through as an up and coming rapper. We have TikTok, people like DJ AG supporting us.”

DJ AG and Mak 10 have been out on the streets putting on open-mic sets for anyone to rock up and rap.

It’s led to lesser-known artists going viral alongside established ones like Skepta.

DJ AG (pictured with blue hat) has been credited alongside the DJ Mak 10 with bringing energy to the UK rap scene

DJ AG wearing a black jacket and a blue bobble hat behind decks and a big speaker looking into a camera as he streams to thousands of people. Someone's rapping next to him wearing all black with a green scarf. — DJ AG (pictured with blue hat) has been credited alongside the DJ Mak 10 with bringing energy to the UK rap scene

DJ Target has been presenting the show since 2019, and feels “it definitely represents a huge part of UK culture”.

“It speaks to an audience that often are left out of the conversations.”

It’s something Only Zizou can relate to.

“Six weeks of solely focus on music. Being able to spit our bars in front of these established artists is just crazy.”

But while they’re in it to develop as rappers and win the jackpot, many of them are there to inspire others to get involved at a time where social media can change everything for rappers trying to break through, especially outside London.

“I’m putting it on for my city Nottingham,” Cbliminal says.

“It’s nice to be able to have the youngsters within my city look up to it and watch the show and think: ‘Well if he’s doing it then there’s no reason why I can’t do it’.”

For Haydog, it’s a chance to represent his hometown.

“This is a massive opportunity. I do a bit of youth work, it’s good to be able to be the person that the youth are looking up to, especially in my area.

“Anybody that’s out there who’s got a dream. Don’t stop until you chase your dream. Never quit and stay focused.”