Che Lingo

Widely regarded as one of the most versatile rappers of his generation, Che Lingo’s star began to rise with the release of his Charisma EP in 2018. Equally at home on a sultry R&B jam as on a hard-hitting grime track, his track ‘Same Energy’ caused a buzz when it was selected for the soundtrack of the hit Netflix drama Top Boy. With lyrics exploring themes including depression, self-doubt and the difficult choices facing the youngsters living on London’s most deprived estates, Lingo came to the attention of world-famous actor Idris Elba and signed to the Luther star’s record label 7Wallace.

Lingo – who keeps his real name a secret – was raised by his grandmother in Wandsworth after his parents split up. Feeling like a misfit growing up, the rapper taught himself how to make music influenced by first-wave grime artists like Iceman, Chip and Ghetts. To help boost his confidence he began rapping in the playground and learnt the basics of recording at local youth clubs, and helped by youth club mentor Sugar Ray began to hone his skills.

The rapper dropped his first EP Trillingo, in 2012, showcasing his lyrical dexterity and easy-going flow on stand-out track ‘Level Up’. Over the following years he improved his flow and studied production skills further, and by 2016 he had signed a publishing deal and management contract with Concord (which also looks after MIA, Mark Ronson and Daft Punk). He also managed to build his own studio where he began to work on Charisma, his breakthrough EP. The more introspective Sensitive EP followed in 2018 along with sly track ‘Same Energy’.
Although Che has said his music isn’t deliberately political, the rapper continues to stand out with his breath-taking writing that always comes from a place of emotion