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Key Information

Daniel Richie Lena (born 17 August 1999), known professionally as Unknown T, is a British-Ugandan rapper. His post release album Rise Above Hate (2020) was a major hit on the UK music scene, with the album reaching the top of the charts in its first couple of weeks.

Career

[edit]

His debut single, "Homerton B", peaked at number 48 on the UK Singles Chart in October 2018.[3] Though it was originally released without a label,[4] its chart performance led to him being signed by Island Records through Universal Music Group[5] and appeared at Wireless festival in 2019.[6] It was included in a number of publications "best of 2018" lists, including The Guardian,[7] Mixmag,[8] and Complex.[9] In March 2019, "Homerton B" became the first UK drill track to be certified Silver by the BPI.[10] Follow up tracks "Throwback", "Meat" and "Leave Dat Trap", the latter featuring AJ Tracey, have accumulated over 5 million views.[11]

Unknown T's first mixtape Rise Above Hate was released on 17 July 2020 and peaked at 14 on the UK Albums Chart.[12] On 7 January 2021, Unknown T released the single "WW2".[13] On 10 June, the second single "Wonderland" featuring M Huncho was released.[14] On 25 June, he released the third single "Goodums".[15][16] On 15 July, he released the fourth single "Driller sh!t".[17] On 30 July 2021, Unknown T released his second mixtape Adolescence, including guest appearances from Digga D, M1llionz, Potter Payper, and Nafe Smallz.[18]

He jointly holds the record for most top 75 hits in the UK without having a top 40 hit with fellow British rapper Loski. Unknown T also made a cameo appearance as himself in the BBC series Boarders.

Personal life

[edit]

Lena is of Ugandan and Congolese descent. Lena is a supporter of Liverpool F.C.[19]

[edit]

In 2017, aged 17, Lena was cleared of hiding a 4 mm revolver and ammunition under his bed after claiming the gun was foisted upon him by a stranger.[20] More recently Lena was cleared of murdering Steve Narvaez-Jara, 20, at a house party near Old Street, Islington, London in the early hours of 1 January 2018.[21] Speaking to the Guardian in 2018, Lena complained that the drill scene – long the subject of criticism in the media – was being unfairly attacked. "They don't understand the reality," he said. "It's not about the music, it's about what's behind the music. You can't blame the music, or say you're giving a helping hand with no aid. They're pointing the finger at us but forgetting there's three fingers pointing back."[22]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions
UK
[23] 		UK
R&B/HH
[24]
Blood Diamond
  • Released: 12 January 2024
  • Label: Stay Solid Music, Island
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 61 2

Mixtapes

[edit]
Title Details Peak chart positions Certifications
UK
[23] 		UK
R&B/HH
[24] 		IRE
[25]
Rise Above Hate
  • Released: 17 July 2020
  • Label: Stay Solid Music, Island
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 14 3 74
Adolescence
  • Released: 30 July 2021
  • Label: Stay Solid Music, Island
  • Format: Digital download, streaming
 8 3 88

Extended plays

[edit]
Title Details
Before the Smoke
  • Released: 18 August 2023
  • Label: Stay Solid Music, Island
  • Format: Digital download, streaming

Compilation albums

[edit]
Title Details
Class of 98s
(with 98s)
  • Released: 24 September 2020
  • Label: 98s
  • Format: Digital download

Singles

[edit]

As lead artist

[edit]
List of singles as a lead artist, showing year released, peak chart positions, certifications and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
UK
[27] 		UK
R&B/HH
[28]
"Homerton B"[29] 2018 48 27 Non-album singles
"Throwback"
(with Crazy Cousinz)[30] 		2019 63 38
"Meat"[31] — —
"Leave Dat Trap"
(featuring AJ Tracey)[32] 		53 32 Rise Above Hate
"Fresh Home"[33] 2020 55 36
"Squeeze & Buss"[34] — —
"Daily Duppy"
(featuring GRM Daily)[35] 		— — Non-album single
"Deh Deh"[36] 80 — Rise Above Hate
"Main Squeeze"
(featuring Young T & Bugsey)[37] 		99 —
"WW2" 2021 42 23 Adolescence
"Wonderland"
(featuring M Huncho) 		52 17
"Goodums" — —
"Driller sh!t" — —
"Double Tap"
(with Abra Cadabra) 		64 21 Non-album singles
"Often" 2022 — —
"Just Landed (Freestyle pt. I)" — — Who said drill’s dead?
"Batty & Bench (Freestyle pt. II)" — —
"Right Hand"
(with Knucks) 		2023 70 — Blood Diamond
"Free Slime / Sexy Girls"
(with Lancey Foux) 		— — Before the Smoke
"Adolescence"
(featuring Digga D) 		90 — Blood Diamond
"Hocus Pocus"
(Unknown T featuring Loyle Carner)[38] 		2024 — —
"–" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.
[edit]
List of singles as a featured artist, showing year released, and album name
Title Year Album
"9er Ting"
(Kay-O featuring Unknown T)[39] 		2018 This Sh#ts Ments
"Medusa"
(WSTRN featuring Unknown T)[40] 		2019 Non-album singles
"Dumpa"
(Ill Blu featuring M24, Unknown T)[41] 		2020
"Kate Winslet"
(NSG featuring Unknown T)
"Jagged Edge"
(TSB featuring M1llionz & Unknown T) 		2021
"Roberto C"
(Young T & Bugsey featuring Unknown T) 		Truth Be Told
"Packs and Potions (Remix)"
(Hazey featuring M1llionz, Digga D & Unknown T) 		2022 Non-album single
"PRAYERS"(OBLADAET featuring Unknown T)[42] 2023 Players Club 2
"UK Drill" (Booter Bee featuring Unknown T) 2025 True Stories 2

Guest appearances

[edit]
List of non-single guest appearances, showing year released, other artist(s), and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Turn"[43] 2019 RV, Headie One Drillers x Trappers II
"Raise Hell"[44] V9 Homerton Sensei
"Black & Proud" 2020 AJ Tracey Reprise: A Roc Nation Album
"Excuse Me" SL Different Dude
"Double Trouble"[45] GRM Daily, D Double E GRM 10
"Drip Drip" V9 Yūdokuna
"Under Surveillance" Frosty Under Surveillance
"Ughh!" 98s, Jimmy, Kay-O Class of 98s
"98 Degrees" 98s, Stally, DA, Hitman, V9, Mazza
"Medicine" 2021 Deno Boy Meets World
"Mon Cher" Gazo, Pa Salieu Drill FR
"Eastender" Potter Payper Thanks for Waiting
"Anger Problems" V9 Murk With A Mouth
"Tied Up" Kay-O Fine Line
"Went Jail" 2022 Groundworks, Digga D The G Tape: Volume 1
"Darjeeling" FKA twigs, Jorja Smith Caprisongs
"Giddy Up" wewantwraiths HeartBrokeChild

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Unknown T

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Daniel Lena (born 17 August 1999), known professionally as Unknown T, is a British rapper and songwriter of Ugandan descent from , Hackney, in . He rose to prominence in the UK genre with his 2018 breakout single "Homerton B", which exemplified the raw, street-oriented lyricism defining his early work and influenced subsequent developments in the subgenre. In 2019, Lena was charged with the murder of a university student at a New Year's Eve party, spending eight months on remand in prison before being acquitted by a jury at the . Following his release, he released his debut studio album, Rise Above Hate, in 2020, which addressed themes of adversity and resilience, peaking in the UK charts. His second album, , arrived in 2024, showcasing a more versatile sound incorporating elements beyond drill while maintaining his core influences.

Background

Early Life and Heritage

Daniel Richie Lena, known professionally as Unknown T, was born on August 17, 1999, in , a district in the London Borough of Hackney. Of Ugandan descent, his British-Ugandan heritage reflects the multicultural fabric of , where immigrant communities from have long contributed to the area's demographic diversity. Lena grew up in amid the socioeconomic difficulties prevalent in parts of Hackney, including elevated poverty rates and exposure to urban street dynamics that characterize many inner-city neighborhoods. These conditions, marked by limited opportunities and community tensions, shaped his formative years, fostering an early immersion in local cultural influences such as and rhythms. Details on his formal remain sparse in public records, underscoring a youth oriented more toward neighborhood experiences than institutional paths.

Entry into the Drill Scene

Unknown T entered the scene in early 2018, emerging from the area of Hackney in , where the genre's raw, confrontational style had taken root amid local gang dynamics and urban hardships. , a subgenre of hip-hop originating in around 2012 and spreading to areas like Hackney by the mid-2010s, features sparse trap-influenced beats paired with that often depict street rivalries, territorial disputes, and everyday survival in deprived neighborhoods, drawing from drill but adapted to British postcode conflicts. His initial foray involved freestyles, including a notable appearance on the "Mad About Bars" series, which showcased his distinctive finger-pointing delivery and unpolished bars over minimal production, marking an without formal training or industry backing. By summer 2018, Unknown T aligned with the 98s collective, a loose east London drill group from Homerton and nearby Holly Street, comprising MCs like KO and V9 who shared similar backgrounds in local rap circles and emphasized DIY releases via platforms such as YouTube. This association amplified his visibility within the scene's grassroots ecosystem, where freestyles and short tracks circulated organically among fans attuned to authentic street narratives. His breakout single "Homerton B," released on August 19, 2018, via GRM Daily—a key YouTube channel for UK urban music—gained rapid traction through its vivid portrayal of neighborhood tensions, amassing views without initial major label involvement and signaling a shift toward more melodic flows in drill. The track's independent upload exemplified drill's reliance on social media virality, bypassing traditional gatekeepers while reflecting the genre's emphasis on hyper-local storytelling.

Musical Career

Breakthrough and Initial Releases (2018–2019)

Unknown T's breakthrough came with the independent release of "Homerton B" on August 19, 2018, a track that captured the raw essence of drill through its depiction of street life in , Hackney. Uploaded via GRM Daily, the music video rapidly accumulated over 29 million views on , signaling strong grassroots support within the UK's underground rap community. This success distinguished Unknown T by blending melodic flows with drill's characteristic aggression, helping to evolve the genre's sound amid a saturated scene dominated by gang-affiliated artists. The track's viral momentum extended to mainstream visibility, with it blasting through Notting Hill Carnival just weeks after launch and drawing early media coverage that emphasized Unknown T's authentic voice for inner-city youth facing limited opportunities. Peaking in popularity by late , "Homerton B" became the first UK drill song to earn Silver certification from the for exceeding 200,000 equivalent units, underscoring its commercial viability despite the genre's controversial reputation tied to violence promotion. Live performances during this period, including freestyles and club sets, further solidified his presence, as he navigated the drill landscape's rivalries without overt gang endorsements, relying instead on lyrical prowess honed from earlier efforts like his 'Mad About Bars' appearance. By early 2019, the independent grind behind " B" led to a signing with , enabling broader distribution while Unknown T teased upcoming material to sustain hype. This period of rising profiles coincided with intensified scrutiny on , including platform restrictions on content, yet Unknown T's focus on personal narrative over explicit disses positioned him as a potentially enduring figure in a field prone to fleeting buzz. Additional freestyles and collaborations in 2019 built on this foundation, drawing crowds to shows and reinforcing his role as a commentator on disenfranchisement in London's deprived estates.

Incarceration Hiatus and Rise Above Hate (2019–2020)

Unknown T's burgeoning career in the UK drill scene came to an abrupt halt following his arrest on July 16, 2019, which resulted in extended custody and prevented scheduled performances and releases. This incarceration hiatus, lasting approximately seven months until his acquittal on February 18, 2020, disrupted the momentum gained from earlier singles like "Homerton B." Five months after his release, Unknown T independently dropped his debut mixtape Rise Above Hate on July 17, 2020, marking a deliberate comeback effort. The 16-track project debuted at number 14 on the and its commercial success prompted a subsequent signing with . Several tracks, including the opener "Steppy," were recorded prior to his or initiated during initial detention, blending pre-incarceration energy with reflections on confinement. Lyrically, Rise Above Hate shifted toward themes of resilience against adversity, street survival, and introspection on personal hardships, including prison experiences and upbringing, diverging somewhat from pure aggression to emphasize overcoming hate and trauma. Critics noted its raw narrative as a post-legal ordeal statement, with tracks like "Addicts" and "Tug Boy" highlighting endurance amid urban dangers and systemic pressures. Promotional efforts for the were constrained by heightened scrutiny on artists, including platform restrictions and public debates over genre-linked , limiting traditional tours and media appearances despite the project's independent rollout. Nonetheless, it garnered positive reception for its authenticity, with reviewers praising Unknown T's versatile flows and the tape's role in reasserting his presence in a competitive scene.

Post-Acquittal Developments and Recent Work (2021–2025)

Following his in February 2020, Unknown T resumed musical activities with the release of his second Adolescence on July 30, 2021, which he promoted through teasers and collaborations, marking a return to consistent output after incarceration. The project emphasized themes of maturation and street experiences, aligning with his efforts to rebuild momentum in the UK drill scene amid ongoing label support from . This period saw him engage fans via posts highlighting production processes and snippet previews, fostering direct interaction on platforms like for viral clips. By 2024–2025, Unknown T maintained steady releases, including the single "Time Flies" on March 20, 2025, which sampled and addressed themes of rapid life changes and cultural adaptation, promoted alongside visuals on and . He performed live at events such as Fest in on November 16, 2024, and a show on November 7, 2024, demonstrating persistence in touring despite limited 2025 dates announced by October. Social media engagement intensified, with and used for behind-the-scenes content and fan challenges tied to tracks, adapting to algorithmic shifts by clearing samples for previously delayed material to facilitate quicker drops. In a March 27, 2025, interview—his first on television—Unknown T discussed personal evolution post-prison, advocating a narrative shift in beyond glorification of street life toward broader and versatility. He emphasized reframing perceptions of the genre, stating intentions to convey deeper personal insights rather than solely gang-related content, while freestyling over the ITV theme to showcase adaptability. This appearance, tied to "Time Flies" promotion, highlighted his strategic pivot to for career sustainability.

2017 Firearms Charge

In 2017, Daniel Lena, professionally known as Unknown T and then aged 17, faced charges for unlawfully concealing a after police discovered a 4mm and hidden under his bed during a search of his residence in . The discovery stemmed from investigations into local criminal activity, reflecting Lena's early associations with street groups amid the city's rigorous enforcement of firearms prohibitions, which ban most civilian possession without special licensing. Lena maintained that the weapon had been placed there without his knowledge or consent by an associate, denying any intent to possess or control it. Prosecutors could not establish sufficient evidence linking him directly to knowing or willful possession, leading to his on the charges. The clearance enabled Lena to briefly refocus on his nascent involvement in the drill scene, though it highlighted the perils of peripheral gang ties under stringent laws carrying penalties up to for unlawful handling.

2018 Stabbing and 2019 Murder Charge

On 1 January 2018, in the early hours of , 20-year-old Steven Narvaez-Jara, an engineering student at the , was fatally stabbed in the heart with a during a party attended by around 100 people near in , . The incident stemmed from a confrontation reportedly involving one of the co-accused chatting with a guest's girlfriend, after which a video captioned "beef got crackin" depicted individuals wielding large wooden objects. Narvaez-Jara died in hospital shortly afterward. Daniel Lena, professionally known as Unknown T and aged 19 at the time, was arrested following a performance at the Wireless festival and charged on 16 July 2019 with murder, alongside Ramani Boreland and Mohammed Musse; a fourth suspect, Israel Ogunsola, had died prior to charges being filed. Lena, who was detained from the time of his arrest until trial, pleaded not guilty and maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The trial commenced in January 2020 at the in and lasted five weeks. Lena testified in his defense, denying any involvement in the violence and stating he was unaware of weapons at the party, describing himself as shocked and traumatised by the events. The prosecution alleged Lena's participation in the fatal attack, but the defense highlighted the lack of linking him to the stabbing itself. On 18 February 2020, after the jury deliberated for more than 18 hours, Lena was acquitted of both and the related charge of violent disorder. Co-defendant Boreland was convicted of by a 10-to-2 and of violent disorder, while Musse was found guilty of violent disorder; sentencing for Boreland and Musse followed the trial.

Discography

Studio Albums

Rise Above Hate, Unknown T's debut full-length release, came out on July 17, 2020, shortly after his on charges, with reflecting on the incarceration hiatus and themes of perseverance. The project peaked at number 14 on the and spent four weeks there. Adolescence, his second major release, arrived on July 30, 2021, shifting focus to personal maturation, street life reflections, and challenges in the rap industry post-legal troubles. It reached number 8 on the . Blood Diamond, designated as his debut studio album, was issued on January 12, 2024, via A Stay Solid Music and , incorporating broader production influences while maintaining roots and addressing career evolution up to recent years.) It debuted at number 61 on the with 2,212 units sold in its first week.

Mixtapes and Extended Plays

Unknown T's debut mixtape, Rise Above Hate, was released on July 17, 2020, and features 16 tracks spanning 44 minutes, incorporating UK drill production alongside trap, uptempo hip-hop, R&B, and Afrobeat influences, with guest appearances from various artists. This project marked his first full-length release following initial singles and freestyles, contributing to his growing underground following by showcasing versatile flows and introspective themes drawn from personal experiences. His second mixtape, , followed on July 30, 2021, comprising 15 tracks under the Stay Solid Music and imprints, including collaborations with and pre-released singles such as "WW2" and "Driller Sh!t." The mixtape emphasized drill-centric lyricism reflecting youth and street life, further establishing his command of rapid cadences and narrative depth within the genre. In 2022, Unknown T released the EP Who Said Drill's Dead?, a shorter project reinforcing his commitment to aesthetics amid evolving trends. The four-track EP Before the Smoke arrived on August 18, 2023, clocking in at 12 minutes and featuring and Scribz Riley, with production from LiTek, , and others; it served as a thematic prelude to his subsequent studio , highlighting melodic drill variations and international collaborations. These non- releases, distributed primarily via digital platforms, played a key role in sustaining momentum and fan engagement between major projects, distinct from his standalone singles and outputs.

Singles as Lead Artist

Unknown T's breakthrough single "Homerton B", released independently in August 2018, marked his entry into the scene and achieved a peak position of number 48 on the UK Singles Chart, spending 17 weeks in the top 100. The track's viral spread via platforms like and GRM Daily, driven by its raw depiction of street life and distinctive flows, amassed over 67 million streams by October 2025 and became the first UK drill song certified Silver by the BPI for 200,000 units. Following his 2019 incarceration, singles from the 2020 Rise Above Hate era, such as "Fresh Home" and "Deh Deh", reflected themes of resilience and release. "Fresh Home", released in late 2020, peaked at number 55 on the UK Singles Chart with 2 weeks charted, earning acclaim for its introspective post-prison narrative and winning Best Rap Track at the DJ Mag Best of British Awards. "Deh Deh", also from 2020, reached number 80 with a similar 2-week run, noted for its energetic delivery amid the mixtape's promotional push. Later lead singles included "WW2" in 2021, peaking at number 42 with 3 weeks on the chart, and "Right Hand" in at number 70 for 2 weeks, both showcasing evolved production while maintaining roots. In March 2025, "Time Flies" was released after prolonged delays due to sample clearance negotiations for Janet Jackson's "Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun)", interpolating the hook to underscore themes of rapid life changes; the track did not enter the Top 100 but gained traction in urban playlists. Unknown T has contributed guest verses to tracks by various , grime, and affiliated artists, often aligning with GRM Daily's network and extending his visibility through shared platforms like visualizers and cyphers. One notable early collaboration occurred on V9's "Drip Drip," where his feature complemented the track's raw street narrative, released amid his rising profile in 2018. Similarly, iLL BLU's "Dumpa" incorporated Unknown T alongside M24, emphasizing rapid flows typical of drill's competitive edge. In 2020, amid his legal challenges, Unknown T appeared on GRM Daily's "Double Trouble" with , a grime veteran whose involvement bridged and older sounds while addressing incarceration experiences, released on June 19 via visualizer. This feature leveraged GRM Daily's promotional reach, garnering over 345,000 views and reinforcing alliances in the scene without requiring lead billing. Post-2020 releases marked a resurgence, with Unknown T featuring on OBLADAET's "Prayers" from Players Club 2 in 2023, expanding to international drill influences. In 2022, he contributed to FKA twigs' "darjeeling" alongside on the album , diverging into territory and broadening exposure to non- audiences. Most recently, in 2025, Booter Bee's "" from True Stories 2 highlighted his enduring relevance, with the track's official video amassing nearly 1 million views and signaling continued ties to emerging talent. These appearances underscore strategic networking, providing cross-promotional boosts and stylistic versatility absent from his primary .

Reception and Impact

Critical and Commercial Reception

Unknown T's Rise Above Hate (2020) debuted at number 14 on the UK Albums Chart, maintaining a presence for four weeks. His follow-up mixtape Adolescence (2021) achieved a higher peak at number 8. The single "Homerton B" (2018) accumulated 29 million views on its GRM Daily YouTube upload, contributing to its BPI Silver certification as the first UK drill track to reach that threshold, equivalent to 200,000 units. As of 2025, Unknown T maintains around 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with his discography surpassing 457 million total streams across lead and featured tracks. Critics have commended Unknown T's authentic lyricism, often citing his deep, bassy vocals and precise flows as hallmarks of technical skill. awarded Rise Above Hate four stars, praising its "deadpan, matter-of-fact" delivery and "knockout talent" amid raw production. Reviews of Adolescence highlighted a shift toward reflective , with giving it 8/10 for "unbreakable rhyming schemes" and experimental elements that elevated personal narratives. Later works like (2024) drew acclaim for maturing into more complex, introspective territory, as Loud and Quiet described it as the "complex album that drill has been threatening to produce for years." Reception has been mixed regarding Unknown T's stylistic evolution from the aggressive, street-focused rawness of early singles to broader, melodic introspection in subsequent releases. While some outlets, such as Willer's World, lauded the consistent "elastic, relentless flow" bridging both phases, others noted the departure from pure drill's intensity risked diluting its visceral edge, though empirical metrics like sustained streaming growth indicate strong fan alignment with the progression. Aggregate critic scores, such as Album of the Year's 80/100 from six reviews, reflect broad professional approval tempered by debates on fidelity.

Influence on UK Drill

Unknown T's breakthrough single "Homerton B", released in 2018, marked a pivotal moment in the mainstreaming of drill by introducing a more melodic and commercially viable sound within the genre. The track, which amassed over 10 million views and became the first song to chart on the Official Singles , blended Chicago-inspired drill beats with catchy choruses and party-oriented lyrics, elevating street narratives to dancefloor accessibility amid heightened scrutiny of the genre. This evolution occurred against the backdrop of 2018 efforts by authorities and platforms like to restrict drill content linked to gang , including the removal of dozens of videos at the Metropolitan Police's request, yet "Homerton B" thrived through grassroots popularity at events like and in clubs. Its certification as the first silver UK drill single, with 384,997 units sold, underscored its role in breaking stigma and accelerating commercial acceptance, leading to Unknown T's signing with and appearances at festivals such as . The song's raw depiction of life—influenced by Unknown T's roots—inspired a wave of storytelling-focused tracks in , prioritizing personal and environmental authenticity over unrelenting aggression, as evidenced by its widespread emulation in party settings and media coverage positioning it as a genre-defining shift. Critics noted how its looser, sexier vibe reimagined drill's dark atmospherics for broader youth appeal, fostering a for artists to infuse regional identity with mainstream hooks. This influence extended to subsequent releases like "Fresh Home", which drew from real experiences to add emotional depth, encouraging peers to explore nuanced narratives beyond surface-level bravado. Following his 2020 mixtape Rise Above Hate, which peaked in the UK Top 20 with 6,177 first-week sales, Unknown T influenced a thematic pivot in toward resilience and introspection, moving from pure street aggression to motifs of overcoming adversity and . Tracks like "SS Interlude" highlighted emotional , aligning with the mixtape's of ignoring negativity, and positioned him as a pioneer urging newer artists to evolve beyond traditional confines for positive societal impact. Industry observers credit this as providing a model for genre maturation, with Unknown T's trajectory inspiring a new generation to address systemic challenges through rather than rote aggression.

Criticisms and Controversies

Critics of music, including works by Unknown T, have argued that the genre's explicit depictions of gang rivalries, stabbings, and shootings normalize knife crime and youth violence in deprived urban areas. Lyrics often reference specific postcodes and taunt real adversaries, potentially escalating real-world beefs into lethal confrontations, as seen in analyses of gang homicides where diss tracks preceded attacks. For instance, a 2021 report identified drill music's role in at least 14 of 41 gang-related killings in the capital in 2018, attributing this to how tracks fuel retaliatory cycles rather than mere artistic expression. Unknown T's own lyrics, such as those in tracks like " B," have faced particular scrutiny for blurring lines between and , especially following his 2017 firearms charge and 2019 —despite subsequent acquittals that cleared him of wrongdoing. Prosecutors in his trial introduced videos and bars as evidence of affiliation and motive, highlighting phrases interpreted as admissions or threats tied to the alleged offenses. Post-acquittal, media and commentators continued to question whether such content, even if not legally culpable, endorses a culture of casual violence among impressionable youth, with reports linking propagation on platforms like to spikes in postcode-based attacks. While some defenses invoke and argue lyrics merely chronicle existing street realities without causation, empirical reviews cast doubt on strong causal claims, finding no consistent data that drill listeners exhibit elevated rates beyond baseline urban demographics. Controversies persist over accountability, with critics rejecting narratives that frame drill artists as passive victims of or overzealous policing, instead urging recognition of how glamorizing predation perpetuates cycles of trauma in affected communities—evident in Unknown T's own admissions of early involvement in gang dynamics before pivoting to . This tension underscores broader debates on whether platforms and labels bear responsibility for amplifying content that, absent robust evidence of harm, still risks desensitizing youth to consequences of real interpersonal conflicts.

References

  1. https://genius.com/artists/Unknown-t
  2. https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/unknown-t.html
  3. https://www.vice.com/en/article/unknown-t-interview-rise-above-hate/
  4. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2020/feb/18/drill-rapper-unknown-t-cleared-of-student-murder
  5. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/artist/47981-unknown-t/
  6. https://www.allmusic.com/artist/unknown-t-mn0003785719
  7. https://www.thesun.co.uk/tvandshowbiz/21566006/unknown-t-real-name-who/
  8. https://musicbrainz.org/artist/a688dc7a-c743-4ec2-9355-c3dcdb30bf0e
  9. https://crackmagazine.net/article/profiles/unknown-t/
  10. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2018/dec/28/drill-artist-unknown-t-the-energy-is-crazy-mans-on-top-of-the-world
  11. https://music.apple.com/mz/artist/unknown-t/1375062866
  12. https://rapandhiphop.fandom.com/wiki/Unknown_T
  13. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQpbom1zi-2w7rV_6PWE9lA
  14. https://www.vice.com/en/article/uk-drill-crew-98s-class-of-98s-interview-2020/
  15. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UrnACpUhe98
  16. https://www.dazeddigital.com/music/article/41268/1/unknown-t-homerton-b-london-drill-tune-of-the-year
  17. https://www.complex.com/music/a/james-keith/unknown-t-before-the-smoke
  18. https://www.theaudiodb.com/artist/161455-Unknown-T
  19. https://www.musicweek.com/talent/read/unknown-t-on-how-his-music-can-inspire-and-enlighten-the-uk/080681
  20. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-49003957
  21. https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-51552241
  22. https://www.clashmusic.com/reviews/unknown-t-rise-above-hate/
  23. https://www.nme.com/reviews/album/unknown-t-rise-above-hate-mixtape-album-review-2710237
  24. https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/54130/unknown-t/
  25. https://www.last.fm/music/Unknown%2BT/Rise%2BAbove%2BHate
  26. https://genius.com/Unknown-t-steppy-lyrics
  27. https://music.apple.com/ca/album/rise-above-hate/1522440066
  28. https://dmy.co/features/unknown-t-rise-above-hate-2
  29. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/262236-unknown-t-rise-above-hate/user-reviews/
  30. https://music.apple.com/us/album/adolescence/1574153055
  31. https://www.instagram.com/unknwnt9/?hl=en
  32. https://music.apple.com/tr/album/time-flies-single/1800755266
  33. https://trenchtrenchtrench.com/news/unknown-t-time-flies
  34. https://www.setlist.fm/setlists/unknown-t-6bc856b6.html
  35. https://www.itv.com/watch/news/rapper-unknown-t-on-his-time-in-prison-and-reframing-the-narrative-around-drill-music/plnx63t
  36. https://www.itv.com/news/2025-03-28/changing-the-narrative-rapper-unknown-t-sits-down-with-itv-news-the-rundown
  37. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NxWZXlVHg0
  38. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2019/jul/16/drill-rapper-unknown-t-charged-with
  39. https://genius.com/albums/Unknown-t/Rise-above-hate
  40. https://open.spotify.com/artist/3iAhNz3e31lBuXYOsqGsf3
  41. https://twitter.com/OpinionatedYute/status/1748417090162246020
  42. https://www.discogs.com/release/15645330-Unknown-T-Rise-Above-Hate
  43. https://genius.com/albums/Unknown-t/Adolescence
  44. https://www.discogs.com/release/22596995-Unknown-T-Adolescence
  45. https://rateyourmusic.com/release/mixtape/unknown-t/adolescence/
  46. https://www.albumoftheyear.org/album/537472-unknown-t-who-said-drills-dead.php
  47. https://genius.com/albums/Unknown-t/Before-the-smoke
  48. https://music.apple.com/us/album/before-the-smoke-ep/1700522995
  49. https://grmdaily.com/unknown-t-before-the-smoke/
  50. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/unknown-t-homerton-b/
  51. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/3iAhNz3e31lBuXYOsqGsf3_songs.html
  52. https://songstats.com/artist/i75wxvcz/unknown-t
  53. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/unknown-t-fresh-home/
  54. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sGdtb0VaK98
  55. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/unknown-t-deh-deh/
  56. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/unknown-t-ww2/
  57. https://www.officialcharts.com/songs/unknown-t-right-hand/
  58. https://www.whosampled.com/sample/1273911/Unknown-T-Time-Flies-Janet-Jackson-Funny-How-Time-Flies-%28When-You%2527re-Having-Fun%29/
  59. https://patta.nl/blogs/news/unknown-t-time-flies
  60. https://x.com/MusicConnoisseu/status/1901609781124551017
  61. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i-0QJUPSJtE
  62. https://drillarchive.com/artist/unknown-t/
  63. https://open.spotify.com/track/44tJBAlfzA1tRdLoEQ4vxr
  64. https://music.apple.com/us/song/double-trouble-feat-unknown-t-d-double-e/1517669843
  65. https://www.last.fm/music/FKA%2Btwigs/_/darjeeling%2B%28feat.%2BJorja%2BSmith%2B&%2BUnknown%2BT%29
  66. https://open.spotify.com/track/0PHtBrtZ60uvgRXLNpTv4H
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGQ7XjgWJxM
  68. https://kworb.net/spotify/artist/3iAhNz3e31lBuXYOsqGsf3.html
  69. https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/unknown-t-adolescence-album-review
  70. https://www.loudandquiet.com/reviews/unknown-t-blood-diamond/
  71. https://willersworld.com/?p=81
  72. https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2018/may/29/youtube-deletes-30-music-videos-after-met-link-with-gang-violence
  73. https://www.thefader.com/2018/11/08/unknown-t-rules-east-london
  74. https://policyexchange.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Knife-Crime-in-the-Capital.pdf
  75. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/nov/22/mps-call-for-change-in-rap-lyrics-being-used-as-evidence-in-uk-trials-nadia-whittome-kim-johnson-shami-chakrabarti-annie-mac
  76. https://www.theguardian.com/music/2023/jun/21/behind-bars-how-rap-lyrics-are-being-used-to-convict-black-british-men
  77. https://www.crestadvisory.com/post/drill-down-drill-music-social-media-and-serious-youth-violence
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