Plan B: The UK's Prolific Rap and Soul Storyteller

Plan B is the stage name of English rapper, singer, songwriter, and filmmaker Ben Drew. Hailing from London, he achieved major commercial success with his second studio album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks, a soul-infused concept record that topped the UK Albums Chart.

Early career

Ben Drew adopted the Plan B moniker in his late teens, emerging from the UK's underground hip-hop scene in the early 2000s. His 2006 debut album, Who Needs Actions When You Got Words, introduced his raw, narrative-driven style, blending aggressive rap with acoustic guitar in a genre he dubbed "chav-folk". This critically acclaimed but darkly themed release established him as a formidable lyrical talent.

Breakthrough

Plan B's career transformed dramatically in 2010 with his sophomore album, The Defamation of Strickland Banks. A sharp departure from his debut, it was a soul and R&B concept album telling the story of a fictional soul singer jailed for a crime he didn't commit. Released on Atlantic Records, the album was a sleeper hit, eventually reaching number one on the UK chart and being certified six-times platinum.

Key tracks

Stay Too Long - The high-energy lead single that first signaled his shift to a soulful sound, blending rock and Motown influences.

She Said - The chart-topping UK single that propelled the Strickland Banks narrative, showcasing his smooth singing voice over a classic soul production.

Prayin' - A dramatic, string-laden ballad from the concept album that highlighted his storytelling prowess and vocal range.

ill Manors - The incendiary title track for his directorial film debut, a rap protest song that addressed the 2011 London riots and returned him to his gritty roots.

Lost My Way - A key track from his later work, demonstrating a more mature, atmospheric blend of hip-hop and orchestral elements.

Following the massive success of The Defamation of Strickland BanksIll Manors, with its accompanying rap-heavy soundtrack album reaching number one in the UK. His third studio album, 2018's Heaven Before All Hell Breaks Loose, explored more eclectic sounds, from funk to gospel. Beyond his own music, he has written and produced for other artists, including Chase & Status on their hit End Credits.

Fans of Plan B's narrative depth and genre-blending approach may also appreciate the work of The Streets, who pioneered a uniquely British form of storytelling rap. Ed Sheeran shares his early acoustic hip-hop fusion on tracks like You Need Me, I Don't Need You. The soulful vocals and modern production of Rag'n'Bone Man also resonate with Plan B's later work. For the cinematic scope of his concepts, explore Arctic Monkeys, particularly their album Tranquility Base Hotel & Casino.