First ever Welsh Rapper at Number 1

A bit of a landmark moment this week as we get the first Welsh rapper to hit number one in the album charts. Many others have come close, MC Eric got to Number 2 with Technotronic back in 1989 and Goldie Lookin’ Chain got to Number 5 with their Greatest Hits album in 2004. Earlier this year Skindred got to Number 2, and it could be argued that front man Benji Webbe’s dancehall style is a form of rap, but now Ren who is originally from Anglesey just hit the top spot with his new album ‘Sick Boi’ and it couldn’t be more deserved.

I first came across Ren 4 years ago when he dropped the video to Jenny’s Tale, an acoustic hip hop track that felt like a fusion of early Jamie T, Plan B and King Blues, but better than them all and way more Boomtown friendly. I immediately ear marked him for the festival but then of course we had the covid years and it never happened. I know they tried again this year, along with half the alternative festival programmers in the country once his video for ‘Hi Ren’ went viral, but Ren who now lives in Brighton, has been in Calgary for months having help with health issues and hasn't been taking any shows.

Now he’s one of the hottest acts in the country, and this number one album just goes to prove it. I still need time to digest the album, but Ren has been a champion for people with mental health issues especially, is a master story teller and makes genuinely original music and videos, delivered with style and intense passion. He’s also independent and hit the top spot with no backing from labels, just relying on the support of his listeners and a creative marketing campaign that I will hopefully talk about on the blog another time.

Of course, you can support him by buying the album, if you’re quick it’s still just £4.99.