Tempz72: The UK Drill Innovator

Tempz72 is a pioneering UK drill artist and producer from South London, recognized for shaping the genre's raw, atmospheric sound. His 2021 mixtape Cold Harbour debuted in the UK Albums Chart Top 20, cementing his status as a central figure in the British rap scene.

Early career

Emerging from the Brixton music scene, Tempz72 began crafting beats and writing lyrics in his late teens, initially releasing tracks anonymously on YouTube around 2017. His early, gritty productions caught the attention of local independent label 36 Chambers Records, which released his first official EP, Zone 2 Focus, in 2019.

Breakthrough

Tempz72's national breakthrough arrived in late 2020 with the viral single No Comment, a track that showcased his signature dark production and rapid-fire flow. The song's success led to a signing with the major indie imprint Locked In Records and propelled his subsequent mixtape to chart success, eventually earning a silver certification in the UK.

Key tracks

No Comment — This viral hit became his first Top 40 single and defined his minimalist, menacing production style.

Cold Harbour — The title track from his breakthrough mixtape features a standout guest verse from fellow London rapper SL and received heavy radio play on 1Xtra.

Back2Back — A relentless solo track celebrated for its complex wordplay and is often cited as a fan favorite in live performances.

Lightwork — This collaboration with producer M1OnTheBeat became a drill anthem and has amassed tens of millions of streams online.

Frostbite — A later single that demonstrated his artistic evolution, blending drill with subtle electronic influences.

Following his initial success, Tempz72 focused on production, crafting beats for prominent UK artists like Headie One and Unknown T. His sophomore project, 2023's Pressure, debuted at number 12 on the UK charts and featured a high-profile collaboration with Jamaican dancehall star Popcaan, showcasing his cross-genre appeal.

For fans of Tempz72's authentic South London drill sound, similar artists include Digga D, another rapper known for his direct lyricism and consistent chart presence. The production style of M1OnTheBeat shares the same cold, innovative approach to UK drill instrumentation. Listeners may also appreciate the work of Headie One, who similarly blends drill with mainstream UK rap trends. The gritty narrative style of Potter Payper also resonates with Tempz72's detailed street portraits.

Tempz72's music maintains a strong presence on radio, particularly on BBC Radio 1Xtra's drill and urban music programming, as well as on leading online UK rap stations and independent music radio stations focusing on the latest street sounds.

The music of Tempz72 is regularly featured across the network of radio stations available on onairium.com, where listeners can tune in to discover his key tracks and latest releases through dedicated UK drill and hip-hop streams.