Aitch: The Manchester Rap Phenom
Harrison Armstrong, known professionally as Aitch, is a rapper from Manchester, England who has become a defining voice in the UK's vibrant rap scene. His breakthrough single "Taste (Make It Shake)" in 2019 propelled him to mainstream fame, leading to a string of chart hits and a platinum-certified debut album.
Early career
Born in 1999, Aitch grew up in the New Moston area of Manchester and began rapping as a teenager. His early freestyle videos, uploaded to social media platforms, quickly garnered local attention for his distinctive flow and Mancunian accent. This online buzz led to his first official single, "Straight Rhymez," in 2018, catching the ear of major labels.
Breakthrough
Aitch's career exploded in 2019 with the release of "Taste (Make It Shake)." The track became a viral sensation, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and earning a platinum certification. This success solidified his signing with Capitol UK and positioned him as one of British rap's most promising new talents.
Key tracks
Taste (Make It Shake) — This 2019 viral hit was Aitch's commercial breakthrough, reaching number two on the UK chart and going platinum.
Rain — Featuring AJ Tracey and Tay Keith, this 2020 single showcased Aitch's international ambitions and secured another UK top ten placement.
Baby — A collaboration with Ashanti that sampled her 2002 classic "Foolish," this 2022 track highlighted his ability to blend UK rap with R&B nostalgia and reached number five.
1989 — The lead single from his debut album, this personal track referencing his birth year demonstrated a more reflective side to his songwriting.
My G — A heartfelt tribute to his sister, this hit from his debut album "Close to Home" earned a gold certification and showed his versatility.
In 2022, Aitch released his debut studio album, Close to Home, which debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart. The album, certified platinum, featured collaborations with Ed Sheeran and Stormzy, underscoring his position within the UK music mainstream. Earlier major collaborations include his feature on the 2020 single "Party Round My Place" with the grime collective Bad Boy Chiller Crew.
His consistent chart presence is notable, with multiple top ten singles including "Loyal" with KSI and "1989." Aitch has also been nominated for several awards, including the BRIT Award for Best New Artist in 2020. He continues to evolve his sound, maintaining a high profile through features and live performances.
Fans of Aitch's energetic, melody-driven take on UK rap should also explore AJ Tracey for a similar blend of grime and rap versatility. The chart-topping flow of Dave offers another perspective on insightful British lyricism. For Manchester-centric rap with a gritty edge, check out Bugzy Malone, a key forerunner in the scene. The melodic style of Central Cee also shares a comparable crossover appeal with Aitch's music.
Aitch's music is a staple on contemporary hit radio stations and modern UK rap shows featured across our network. His high-energy singles and album cuts receive regular rotation on stations dedicated to the latest in urban and pop music, ensuring his sound reaches a broad audience of listeners.
You can hear the music of Aitch, the Manchester rap star, on various radio stations available through onairium.com. Tune in to discover his key tracks and latest features as part of our curated selection of essential UK hip hop and pop music.
