Likkle Lijj: Leicester’s Rising Rap Voice Who Means Business

At just 16 years old, Likkle Lijj is already thinking big. Hailing from Leicester, this young rapper has spent two years writing, recording and pushing himself, and now he’s launching his debut EP — a project that features a major collaboration with K Koke as the lead track. With his main genre focus on rap, real rap, and drill, Lijj is building a blueprint for a music career that doesn’t just hustle — it has intention.

From Leicester to the Mic

Leicester might not yet be the first city people think of when it comes to UK rap and drill, but it’s a place with a rich and evolving musical history. Urban music in Leicester — from hip-hop and grime to DJ culture and underground rap — has always thrived quietly in the background, producing raw, hungry talent that’s now beginning to shine through.

Artists like Sainté have already brought national attention to the city with their laid-back style and lyrical finesse, while respected producer and songwriter Nat Powers has worked globally with artists across hip-hop, grime, and reggae. Leicester’s scene has always been about authenticity and grind — and Likkle Lijj is the next to carry that torch.

That gives Lijj context: he isn’t coming from nothing. He’s part of a city that’s finding its rhythm in UK urban music, and he’s ready to push it even further.

The EP, the Feature & the Ambition

With only two years in the rap game, Likkle Lijj is putting everything into his debut EP — and he’s doing so with serious ambition. The lead track features K Koke, a name that carries weight in UK urban music and represents the “real rap” legacy that inspires Lijj. It’s a major step for a young artist proving that drive and networking can create real opportunities.

He’s also got his eyes on future collaborations with artists such as Juuggyy and Mazza L20 — a signal that his focus is on authenticity and energy rather than hype. When asked about his influences, Lijj points to K Koke, Central Cee, and Skrapz — three names that reflect grit, street wisdom, and polished artistry. For Lijj, they show what’s possible, and he’s ready to bring Leicester into that same conversation.

UK Rap & Drill — The Landscape He’s Entering

To understand Lijj’s journey, it helps to look at the wider picture. UK rap has grown from its underground beginnings in the late 1990s and early 2000s — shaped by grime, garage, and American hip-hop — into one of the most diverse and dominant sounds in the world today. Artists from London, Birmingham, Manchester and beyond have proven that British rap can stand on its own, with its own accent, slang, and soul.

Then came drill, the subgenre born from Chicago’s dark 808s and reinvented in London. UK drill took the aggression and realism of its American cousin but gave it new rhythm — faster flows, deeper basslines, and vivid storytelling from the streets. It’s now one of the most streamed and discussed genres globally, giving young artists like Lijj both a platform and a pressure: to stand out in a crowded, competitive space.

The rise of social media has fuelled this growth, helping young rappers go viral from their bedrooms and build fanbases before they’ve even performed live. Lijj understands that power — he’s working with influencers, brands and other artists to get his music heard across platforms, not just released into the void.

Why Likkle Lijj Matters

• Youthful hunger: At 16, he’s learning, evolving, and fearless. Two years of consistent dedication already puts him ahead of the curve.

• Strategic mindset: Securing a K Koke feature and building relationships with influencers shows he’s planning long-term.

• Genre awareness: By blending real rap and drill, he’s mastering both storytelling and street energy.

• Leicester pride: He’s representing a city that’s on the come-up and giving it a fresh, young voice.

What’s Next

As the EP rollout begins, Likkle Lijj will keep building his fanbase and connections — creating a network of collaborators, producers and supporters around his sound. The potential collaborations with Juuggyy and Mazza L20 will only help push his name further into the UK scene, while his authenticity and drive will keep fans locked in.

For listeners who love the honesty of real rap and the intensity of UK drill, Likkle Lijj represents a new wave — one that’s young, raw and motivated.

Because when you’re 16, focused, and chasing greatness with real intent — you’re not just following the scene.You’re becoming part of its future.