KiLLOWEN has found the sweet spot between UKG and UK rap

KiLLOWEN spits with the charming insouciance of contemporary Britain’s nouveau bloke. Raised between West London and the suburbs of Buckinghamshire, the MC presents a little bit geeze, a little bit Lord of the Mics, and a little bit champagne and two-step. This fusion is apparent in his first EP, 2023’ Pub Therapy. The name alone is genius: a site of revelry and groggy heads put on a pedestal with the shrink’s armchair. Such dissonance continues today as a fil rouge in his 2025 outing, six missed calls. Blending skippy pop-garage with thoughtful reflections on manhood, pride and romance, he speaks a parlance native to a softer breed of Gen‑Z lads.

His journey as a rapper and producer goes way back, ramping up when – as a youngster – he discovered FL Studio (formerly Fruity Loops) through his brother, then a drum ​‘n’ bass DJ. The story, recounted in full to END. as part of a new Oakley FGL drop, is one punctuated by naive dubstep experiments on Native Instruments (YouTube tutorials were helpful), a stint playing guitar and an immersion into rap instrumentals.

These experiences developed a postmodern, highly sampled palette – the kind boundless access to the web allows. ​“Everything I listened to growing up amalgamated into one. I grew up on Skepta, Boy Better Know, US hip-hop, Kendrick [Lamar], Jay‑Z, Tyler, The Creator and everyone who didn’t allow their music to be put into a box,” he explained in his interview with END.

This affinity for mavericks finds its foil in a more homegrown appreciation for 140 classics, together forming his own, down-to-earth sound. Take his 2023 bop, One Thing, which flips Amerie’s 2005 diva anthem, 1 Thing, and infuses it with syncopated hi-hats, chopped vocals and a rambunctious bassline. The strong UKG influence pairs neatly with introspective lyrics, reminiscent of a young Mike Skinner.

As well as being audibly gifted, he is also, clearly, a kind soul. KiLLOWEN has been exposed to a range of cultures, perspectives and influences, equipping him with an understanding of how to relate with people. ​“I can see that everyone has their own story, and they deserve to be listened to,” he shared. Indeed, KiLLOWEN is a man of multitudes, big on footy and philosophy, too. Beyond these arenas, he’s also built a name for himself as a snappy dresser decked out in vintage designer and streetwear. Jackets tend to be the pièce de résistance.

Looks? Sound? Relatability? Check, check, check. He’s in good stead. Looking to the future, KiLLOWEN has his sights set on expansion in all domains. ​“Releasing more music, a lot more shows next year and keeping my foot on the gas,” he said. ​“More fun things, more accolades, milestones and output. The only plans are to keep going, stay at it and progress.”