You read the title. Victory Lap conquered UK rap in 2023.
As the social embers of COVID-19 disintegrate like a bad fever dream, British society is slowly clawing its way back to normality. Running parallel to the qualms of social dismemberment—an underground musical force has arisen from the tectonic plates like a Kaiju monster: we call it Victory Lap Radio.
Victory Lap exemplifies the burgeoning UK rap underground scene that’s been thriving for the past half a decade or so. Categorised by its calm, tranquil demeanour, a vast smorgasbord of beats, and wordplay that rivals MC greats and witty comedy writing—Victory Lap has become the perfect launchpad for a new generation of rhymers.
Since the summer of 2020, Victory Lap has been airing monthly on the independent station Balamii. It’s not solely focused on rap, though. Singer-songwriter Natanya and producer Jakarri crafted a display that blurred the lines between R&B, soul and electronic music.
Still, at its core, Victory Lap has become infamous for its live freestyle and cypher sessions. Recorded on a fisheye camera in the studio’s corner, the outlet’s visual style is unmistakable.
Although the show’s primary audience consists of artists with limited industry support, it has gained attention from mainstream juggernauts like Drake, who shared Niko B’s infamous “Love Island” freestyle. Victory Lap was also the home for Dave and Central Cee on the eve of their Split Decision EP launch, where they christened the space with their very own cypher.
“A collective of musicians, producers and creatives putting on a monthly show with us – showcasing the best in the London hip-hop scene.” – Victory Lap’s mantra.
But what makes Victory Lap so unique? Its VHS-like camcorder visuals, cosy community feel, and unpolished setup make for the perfect foil to mainstream music’s overly glossy sheen. Focusing solely on the community and musical aspect of the art, Victory Lap harkens fans back to the early days of jungle, drum-n-bass and grime plundering the pirate radio airwaves.
In 2023, Victory Lap exploded in popularity—trickling its influence into other cultural outlets. In the aforementioned episode featuring Dave and Central Cee, Corteiz founder Clint419 made a guest cameo in the studio. Musti, the co-founder of the emerging UK fashion brand Peak Television, is frequently seen roaming the space, occasionally MCing, too—further morphing the worlds of music, fashion and culture.
Now, Victory Lap can boast a healthy list of GRM Daily-approved alum, including but not limited to Sainté, Niko B, BXKS, Len, Ashbeck, CMillano, El Londo, Rushy, Blaze YL, Sam Recks, kwes e, Kibo, and MaZz to name a few.
Earlier this year, GRM Daily was invited down to Victory Lap x Play Piem x BXKS’ GOT NO DATA collaboration event, which gave us a boots-on-the-ground look at the Victory Lap ethos. Housed in a converted garage in Peckham, this Victory Lap gig resembled the Batcave more than your traditional Victory Lap affair.
Throughout the venue, commemorative GOT NO DATA t-shirts, activities, and drink stands littered the venue. BXKS, Play Piem, Victory Lap and DJ Ngozi Diamond’s goals were simple: come through with bars and enjoy the show.
As perspiration filled the crowded lair, A&Rs, photographers and music heads were submerged under a blanket of raw, unkempt energy. Taking us back to Deja Vu FM in a significant way, notable spitters included ayrtn, namesbliss and Zino Vinci, who delivered a flurry of quotables.
The beat selection didn’t disappoint. When Chef Dee stepped up to the decks, he was sure to mix in a wide variety of backdrops, including, but not limited to, 2010s Chicago drill à la Chief Keef, UK Funky classics and Giggs’ “National Anthem” (you know which one), for good measure. Don’t get it twisted, though. The beats weren’t a free-for-all. For every musical wild card, audiences were sure to hear your classic 145 BPM scorcher.
Oh, and the room was packed. Dimly lit with piercing blue lights like 2 Fast 2 Furious, wheel-ups infected the DJ decks. Fans were in their element. People stood on equipment, chairs and any elevated platform to get a better view of the makeshift stage. Resembling a technological jungle of wires, enthralled faces and kinetic bars—the event was truly remarkable.
BXKS was the show’s standout performer, closing proceedings with a wavy verse as always. GOT NO DATA didn’t just raise the bar. They broke it.
Victory Lap is precisely what the UK rap scene needs right now. The DIY camera angles. The laughter. The noise. The sense of community: they’re all at the heart of what makes UK rap tick. As we venture into 2024, we can only hope Victory Lap continues its monumental run.
Check out photos from the GOT NO DATA event below, courtesy of Dennis Eluyefa.
