In the ever-evolving landscape of UK Black music, there are those who chase the temporary high of a viral TikTok clip, and then there are those who build for the long haul. Hailing from the streets of Hounslow, West London, Ibbz Awan is firmly in the latter camp. Having first cut his teeth rapping over grime instrumentals as a teenager, Awan has spent years perfecting a flow that balances the raw energy of the roads with a growing sense of cinematic melody.
The Sonic Evolution
We’ve seen the growth. From early heavy-hitters like “Don’t You Know” to the more recent “Rain Freestyle,” Awan is moving away from the need to prove he can simply “spit.” He’s now letting the music breathe. Heading through 2026, the new Ibbz Awan sound is intentional, rooted in London grit but layered with a deep, global introspection.
“Heading through 2026, the new Ibbz Awan sound is more cinematic, more honest, and more timeless,” Awan notes. “It’s less noise, more meaning.”
This shift isn’t just about music; it’s about life. Awan recently opened up about a nine-month stint in prison following serious charges for which he was eventually found not guilty. That period of forced reflection has clearly bled into his art, turning his upcoming work into something more akin to a “chapter” than just a collection of singles.
Breaking Borders
What sets Awan apart from many of his peers is a refusal to be boxed into a purely “local” box. His track “London to Beirut” was a masterstroke, bridging the gap between UK rap and the Lebanese scene, eventually trending at number four in Lebanon. By collaborating with artists like Roy Chalach and Dubai’s EZOW, Awan is demonstrating that the West London experience can resonate globally if the storytelling is authentic.
His presence on platforms like the BBC Asian Network, specifically his “Hype On The Mic” appearance, has solidified his status as a bridge-builder between cultures. He isn’t just representing a neighborhood; he’s representing a diaspora that is finally seeing its stories told with the high-end visual polish they deserve.
The Roadmap Ahead
So, what’s next for the Hounslow native? While his “vault” of unreleased records is reportedly deep, Awan is moving with patience. The goal for 2026 involves:
- Visual Worlds: Moving beyond standard music videos into short films and conceptual storytelling.
- Live Ownership: Targeting iconic London venues for performances that feel intimate and powerful.
- The 5-Year Vision: Transitioning into industry ownership, with plans for his own label and mentorship programs for the next generation of talent.
In an industry that often feels like it’s moving at a million miles an hour, Ibbz Awan is taking a beat. He’s maturing, and the music is following suit. Expect “vulnerability without weakness” in the coming months, a rare commodity in today’s rap game.
Follow Ibbz Awan on Tikok
https://www.tiktok.com/@ibbz_awan
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