JUN TZU
Jun Tzu is one of the early pioneers of Belfast hip-hop, releasing music since 2006 and building a distinctly Northern Irish sound around identity, The Troubles, division and working-class life. His catalogue spans nearly two decades, while “The Solution” has passed 1.4M Spotify streams and “Born In Belfast” 1.2M. In 2025, the BBC featured him alongside Kneecap and Jordan Adetunji in Born in Belfast: A Hip-Hop Story, documenting his place in the foundations of the scene.
Why nominated: For helping lay the foundations of Belfast hip-hop and proving our stories belonged in rap long before the world started watching.
KNEECAP
Kneecap transformed Belfast hip-hop into an international cultural movement, taking Irish-language rap from West Belfast to stages around the world. Their music, sold-out shows and award-winning film have brought unprecedented global attention to the city's hip-hop culture. Their film earned six BAFTA nominations, winning Outstanding Debut, after previously winning the NEXT Audience Award at Sundance.
Why nominated: For breaking international barriers and taking Belfast identity, language and hip-hop culture to audiences around the world.
JORDAN ADETUNJI
Belfast-raised Jordan Adetunji achieved one of the biggest international breakthroughs ever by an artist to emerge from the city's hip-hop scene. “KEHLANI” became a global hit, generating hundreds of millions of streams and earning Jordan a GRAMMY nomination for Best Melodic Rap Performance, alongside a remix featuring Kehlani herself.
Why nominated: For showing that an artist coming through Belfast's scene can create a record that competes at the very highest level globally.
YOUNG SPENCER
Young Spencer has built a distinctive place in Belfast hip-hop by unapologetically representing his Shankill and working-class background. His music has generated millions of streams, with work involving BBC, RTÉ, Sky and TG4. In 2024 he performed alongside Kneecap at a sold-out SSE Arena Belfast in front of over 9,000 people, using the moment to promote unity across Belfast's community divide.
Why nominated: For building his own lane in NI hip-hop while using it to represent working-class voices and challenge division.