The Rap Game UK returns to BBC iPlayer at 7pm on Thursday 22 October, hosted by UK rap legends DJ Target, Krept and Konan.

Six unsigned UK MCs travel to Birmingham to get a masterclass in rap, living together in a luxury penthouse and competing to win a record deal with Krept and Konan’s label.

Each week the artists are set two challenges in which they will be asked to step up and show that they have got the hardest bars, the song writing props, and the stage presence to cut it in the music industry.

Meet their mentors Krept, Konan and Target and hear what they have to say about this year’s competition.

The Rap Game UK is a 6x60' series made by Naked Television for BBC Three. It is commissioned by Fiona Campbell, Controller BBC Three and Ricky Cooper is the Commissioning Editor. Tom O’Brien and Cam de la Huerta are Executive Producers, Cicelia Deane is the Series Producer.

DJ Target

What’s the reaction been like since the first series?

We had no idea what we were creating at the time. We just wanted to make a show that was authentic and credible, bringing an insight into the rap game on TV. We didn’t feel it had been done before. The reaction was so much bigger and wider reaching than we’d ever expected or dreamed of. It’s been amazing. We knew we were onto something after the first couple of episodes - the amount of people who were talking about it on social media and contacting us about the show. We thought ok we’ve got it - this is going to get a stamp of approval from the culture and is doing what we set out to do. From there it took off and had a life of it’s own. I had people stopping me in the supermarket of all different ages and types - not just your typical rap fan. It’s transcended further than we could have expected. And we were nominated for awards! We’ve won a couple of presenter awards, been nominated for a Bafta…

Was there any single point during filming last year when you knew it was going to be a success?

I think it was at the midway point. We were having so much fun. The first few eps were so fun to get into - and then when we got into the flow of it… Me and Krept and Konan had so much fun. By ep three and four we were thinking this feels like it is going to be good. We hadn’t seen any eps at that point, we were just judging it from how it felt filming it. The challenges were getting more and more exciting. The journeys of the individuals as well was really amazing to watch. When we started we knew we were trying to find a rapper that Krept and Konan’s record company could take on board - but when we were filming the journeys of the individuals really became apparent. That’s what connected the show to a lot of people. People were interested in the individual personal journeys of each of the artists from the show. Everyone had their own challenges and were from different backgrounds - their development was amazing. It’s like they were put through a masterclass on how to be a rapper over the course of six episodes.

How does it compare to this year? What can fans expect from series 2?

It feels like it’s grown. This year the contestants coming in knew what they were coming in to - they’d seen season one and we’d seen season one. It’s just bigger and better. We got nominated for a Bafta for the first one! We’ve got to try and top it somehow. The competition is really close too. We’ve not finished filming yet but I cannot call it. All of the guys have had some really incredible moments.

What are the artists like this year?

They are all very talented individuals. They are all very different as well. Everybody brings something different to the table. They are from different backgrounds and different parts of the country again. There are some cities and towns that didn’t get represented last year. Everybody has turned up and tried to bring their a-game. It’s exciting to see it unfold. It’s neck and neck for top spot. This season has been so hard doing the rankings every week. We’ve been tearing our hair out. Last year, a lot of the challenges, you could tell who could be number one and two. But this year, it’s been so close. We’ve struggled to agree on the top six. But that’s a good thing - it shows how excellent the talent is.

Filming had to pause when coronavirus hit in March. How has that affected the contestants?

I was concerned when we had to pause. You don’t know what the contestants are doing and if they are able to maintain their focus. When you start the show, it takes a while for some of them to warm up and get through the nerves. By the second and third challenges it was so tight and everybody was bringing it every time - but then we had a five month gap. I was hoping they’d come back to continue where we left off - not going back to where we were in episode one. But everybody came back strong. It was almost like they’d been away, working on their brand, working on themselves as rappers and individuals - it was amazing to see how quickly they got back into the swing of things and got straight back at it. I don’t think it’s affected the show - they came back on point. There’s a few new looks too - some lock down glow ups. It was nice. It didn’t faze anyone.

Looking back, which moments on set really stand out from this year?

There’s a challenge involving an orchestra - that was special. We didn’t do that last year. I know from being in the game and seeing orchestra shows, it brings such a different dynamic. I know how special it feels to the rappers to be working with an orchestra. For these guys it’s incredible to have that experience so early in their careers. They were all buzzing. They were so chuffed. Even the ones that messed up on the day - they were so appreciative that they had a chance to work with the orchestra. And for viewers it shows how dynamic the genre can be. It’s not always about a rapper and a DJ every time - sometimes you can add a whole new dynamic to it. That was one of the best days. The clash day is always fun too. We had D Double E come in for one of the challenges and the artists had sixty minutes to write a verse. They nailed it. That was a strong day. I’ve been enjoying it all.

Krept

What’s the line up like this year?

It’s definitely the strongest year of the two. It’s been a difficult year - but everyone’s been up to scratch and up to par. There were a few kinks that needed ironing out at the start but the guys really picked up the pace and became really strong ever since. We’ve been having debates every day. We genuinely don’t know who will win. It’s really gonna take a lot of time and consideration. It’s gonna take a lot to actually choose someone this year. It’s a good sign. It’s a good problem to have. I’m really excited for people to see the contestants this year. They are so strong.

What are you looking for in the winner?

We’re looking for someone likeable. That’s key - it’ll take you a lot further. We’re looking for someone that can listen, take criticism and learn from it. And obviously we want someone talented - someone who can MC, someone who can make good songs. It’s not just about MC’ing - it’s about song making. That’s what’s gonna take you to the top. Those are the main things we look out for. Star quality.

What can viewers expect from this year?

Viewers can expect a lot of ups and downs. An emotional rollercoaster. The show has grown. The challenges are a lot more epic this year. We’re using an amazing venues. We’ve used an orchestra. A lot more has gone into the show. And the talent is really good. Everyone is performing. This time it’s really intense. The competition is higher. It gets really crazy man.

What’s been your favourite challenge this year?

The clash is my favourite. Definitely. The clash is the craziest challenge. The clash was ten times crazier than last season. We can’t wait for the people to see it. There’s so much this year. There are theatrics. It was crazy. People got absolutely annihilated. It’s gonna be interesting to watch. We had Yungun, who has been involved in clashing, as a mentor for that challenge. That was definitely my favourite. It’s always my favourite. It was my favourite last time as well. It’s intense. It gets awkward. There are a lot of moments. The public is really gonna enjoy that one.

Konan

What’s the reaction been like since last series? You’ve been nominated for a lot of awards…

The Rap Game getting nominated for awards has been sick, man. The reaction has been very good. I feel like it’s brought in a different fanbase. When I’m out people are asking me for pictures. Grown adults as well! That was the most shocking for me. They’re never mentioning songs… they’re mentioning the Rap Game. “When’s the new season?!” They tell me about the artists that they liked in the series. It’s brought a new audience and I think it’s reached people that I don’t think our music might have normally reached.

You had to take a pause from filming - how did this affect the show?

I feel like the pause might have affected some of the artists. Their energy was a bit different - it could have knocked them off. But we built it back. They noticed it themselves though - they knew they had to get back on the horse, get their head right and back into the game. They did get back into the routine of things though.

What are your favourite moments in the show?

It’s always the clashes for me. The artists never seem to disappoint when it comes to clashing. They always pull something out of the bag to shock me. They have me laughing. You can tell by my facial expression when you watch it - how much it shocked me. They are the stand out moments.