If The UK Rap Game Was Football

As Euro 2020 has come to an end, it was only right to see what it would be like if UK rappers took over the roles of footballers that are like them. There has been an array of rappers coming out with new styles, each carrying different reputations. The rap game is more competitive than an elite Champions League final with two minutes to play and it still being 1-1, everyone wants to be the star. Nowadays, we see footballers and rappers spending time together, with many rappers wanting to be a footballer and vice versa. More times than none, when they meet, the feeling of “I’m trying to be like you bro” is evident for all to see.

With the two occupations, there are many similarities that you can find, a key one being effort. You need to make sure that you put in effort when working on a new free-kick technique or executing a verse with 100% clarity and impact – effort and training is fundamental. So, without further ado, let us get into it

(In no particular order)

Disclaimer: This is not about ability, it is more so about the impact they have made, and how people may describe them.

10: BackRoadGee x Bukayo Saka

It is safe to say that this one is self-explanatory. BackRoad and Saka are filled with never-ending energy, being able to go from 60mph to 100mph in 0.05 seconds. The reputation that they’ve both made for themselves in such a short amount of time is something to behold, with a mixture of work rate and dedication, they continue to rapidly bolster up their fanbase and increase their value.

9: J Hus x Neymar

One word. Longevity. Both have been in their respective fields for a while now, being deemed as one of the best at their craft – rightfully so. There is a debate that they are both yet to reach the expectations that were originally set for; however, the things that the two have managed to do so far has been exceptional. The ability that they possess can leave you drooling in astonishment, like the old cliché, form is temporary, but class is permanent.

8: Kano x Ian Wright

Kano and Ian Wright are legends in the game, their careers are glittered with accolades that anyone would be proud of. 9 times out of 10 the man of the match award will be on the passenger side of their car, elite players in their fields. Despite the fact that Ian has retired and Kano is still active in the game, it doesn’t take away from the legacy that Kano will leave behind.

7: Dave x Jadon Sancho

When thinking about who is putting South London on the map, this pair should automatically come to mind. The duo of Dave (Streatham) and Sancho (Kennington) are blessed with phenomenal talent. At a young age, their reputation and stature continues to sky-rocket, collecting praise along the way from the peers in their industry.

6: Keeya Keys x Jack Grealish

Future stars in the making. These two are on everyone’s radar and for good reason too, the talent they have is clearly undeniable. They are both homegrown talents and are both doing well to put their names in most conversation regarding deserved recognition. The skill set they acquire will no doubt see them go far in the careers – gaining awards along the way.

5: Aitch x Phil Foden

Did someone say Manny on the map? Because that is exactly what Foden, and Aitch are doing right now. The Mancunians have taken their professions by storm, from winning awards to gaining respect from most of their peers. They have similar attributes, as they both seem to be composed when they perform, with an added bit of swagger towards it.

4: Headie One x Mohamed Salah

Excellent finish…Mo Salah, it was only right to have these two side by side. That infamous line from “Know Better” is perfect, as it came out in 2018, the same year Mo Salah was awarded with the premier league golden boot. Clinical. Their careers in the last 2/3 have been nothing short of excellent, having garnered multiple honours and the capability of hitting the target when expected to. Slowing down does not seem like an option for both, so you can expect their game to increase immensely.

3: Stormzy x Paul Pogba

Likeable, successful, and popular, three of many things that best describe these two superstars. Throughout the years, they must have developed sore backs from carrying all the critiques that constantly get thrown their way. Nevertheless, they seem to prove everyone wrong and produce some of their best work when being under-pressure. They have a fan-base that reaches multiple parts of the world, which comes with the pressure of being role-models for many.

2: Slowthai x Erlin Haaland

Well...what can you not say about them? The two have come out the gate with ferocious speed and haven’t slowed down since. Their personalities are quite unique, to say the least, but that hasn’t hindered them from becoming big huge characters in their field. You can expect them to be big stars in the future.

1: Pa Salieu x Mbappe

Natural Born talent. Both relatively new kids on the block; however, they are being tipped to be one of the very best at their craft. Every year, they continue to make waves, collecting high praise and accolades along the way. The two seem to be hungry for success and the work rate they have will stand them in good stead to surpass all the expectations people have of them.

To conclude, the UK rap game is very strong and there are many talented artists within the game, the respect that the footballers and rappers have for each other will never diminish, it will only rise. Let us know the rappers and footballers that you’ll put together.