8PM

We say

Today's Ones To Watch 2026 is 21-year-old Manchester rapper Nemzzz, who is in the midst of a defining year both musically and culturally. Raised in Gorton by a reggae/bashment vocalist father and producer mother, he grew up immersed in sound, drawing early inspiration from Vybz Kartel, Bob Marley, Lauryn Hill and SWV, whose influences still colour his unhurried flow and melodic ease. From uploading tracks to SoundCloud at just 13, Nemzzz has risen to become one of the UK’s most-streamed rappers, currently sitting just behind Central Cee and Dave. Breakout singles 'Elevate', '2MS' and 'PTSD' have each surpassed 100m streams, while his 'Rent’s Due' mixtape debuted at No.6 on the Official UK Albums Chart, confirming his status as one of the scene’s most authentic and fast-ascending voices. This year alone, he’s surpassed 2bn global streams, hit nearly 4m followers across socials, landed collaborations with Latto, Central Cee, D-Block Europe and Kyle Richh, and fronted major campaigns for Beats, Coca-Cola, JD Sports and Manchester United. Tastemaker attention continues to grow too, with support from Radio 1, 1Xtra and Capital to Skepta’s public co-sign and being longlisted as a GQ Man of the Year 2025 honouree. His latest single '8PM' showcases the understated delivery and sharp storytelling that have defined his rise, and is a standout entry point into 'From Me 2 U', his new six-track EP created as a thank-you to the fans who’ve fuelled his ascent. With a full mixtape slated for spring 2026, Nemzzz’s blend of quick-fire freestyle energy, lyrical honesty and understated delivery firmly positions him as one of the UK’s most influential new voices.

Contact

Label: self release
Press: Josh Meek, Wired PR
Live: Austin Tobias & Craig D’Souza, WME 
Agent: Gus Jones- Donelly, WME
Management: Alex Omisesan
Photo Credit: 20k Visuals