We take a look at the long running debate between US and the UK to decipher who is ahead of the game in RnB, Hip Hop and Indie.

The US has a history of being the biggest and best in music, but is this still case? They’ve been deemed the smoothest in Rnb, the baddest in Hip Hop and home to hot acoustic artists like Jack Johnson, too.

However, the UK has seen a huge growth in Indie bands, budding UK Rnb artists and a realm of new UK genres challenging the stature of US Hip Hop.

RnB

Back in the 90’s the US was most definitely smashing the Rn’b charts, with artists like TLC, The Fugees, Destiny's Child and Nas, a constant feature in the top ten. During the 90’s it would have been hard to picture more than one UK artist in the top 10 of the charts.

However artists like Nathan, Darrn B, Lemar, Craig David and Corrine Bailey Rae are representing for the UK.

The latest MTV base chart, specialists in Rnb and Hip Hop, included a whooping 5 out of 10 UK artists in their top 10 count, with Craig David, Kano, T2, Bashy and Anusha flying the flag for Britain.

Craig David made it to the number one spot with his new single 'Hot Stuff (Lets Dance)'. Since his debut album 'Born To Do It’ Craig has earned three Ivor Novello Awards (including Songwriter of the Year and Best Contemporary Song), four MOBOs (one of which was for Best UK Act) and two MTV Europe Awards. He has also worked with huge artists including Sting, Artful Dodger and Kano.

A balance between the US and the UK appears to have occurred then, however, indie newcomers The Young Knives, think differently.

“I think the UK’s obviously winning in the indie scene, because we’ve got bands like Arctic Monkeys and they’re huge. RnB is always going to be American, they have so many greats,” says Oliver, drummer from the band.

Indie

Not familiar with the immense indie scene, American newcomer singer/songwriter Colbie Calliat is convinced the US still wears the crown.

“I think so because I know a lot of artist from where I come from play in that genre, but maybe I haven’t heard of the artists out here because their unsigned.”

A warning to America is not to underestimate the power of the UK unsigned artist.

When speaking to one of the latest bands who have broken through the iron gates of the music industry, Scouting for Girls (SFG) have done pretty well despite being unsigned for many years.

In an exclusive interview with Greg from the SFG, he told us inspiring bands should keep hope “and use Myspace”.

“It’s a great way to contact your fans, people can listen to your tunes; it’s just an amazing tool. I think we owe quite a lot to Myspace,” continues Greg. Read more: Scouting For Girls

In the indie world, it’s hard to see how any other nation can now compare to the UK’s hundreds of first class indie bands. These bands have reaped the benefits of free exposure, through the internet and are being booked straight into the biggest gigs.

Bands such as Artic Monkeys have become a huge success and have rocked concerts from V to Glastonbury. In 2006, the year of their debut album, "Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not" became the fastest-selling debut album in British chart history.

East London indie rockers, Lahayna are also making waves in the music industry with the debut single ‘In The City’. The single has independently sold over a massive 4500 units, securing them a place in the history of UK Chart Breakers. Read more: Lahayna: Unsigned Act Make Chart History.

Other bands that have made a huge impact on indie music across the globe include Kaiser Cheifs, Bloc Party and Hard Fi.

Hip Hop

The face of hip hop in the UK has changed dramatically with UK artists developing their own style and technique to rapping. Grime is an example of the way in which the UK has abandoned the technique of US artists, creating beats and lyrics representing British life and UK raving.

Additionally UK RnB and rap have merged more than ever before with artists like Kano, Sway and Estelle making a huge impact at home and in the US.

Even the likes of Lady Sovereign have caught the eye of Missy Elliot and Gwen Stefani. The young MC has also been signed to Def Jam records, owned by US mogul and rapper Jay Z.

Conclusion

UK music has undergone significant changes over the last few years. The use of myspace has transformed how artists break into the industry and get their voices heard.

Indie seems to have reaped the benefits of such tools and has helped the UK to complete domination of the genre.

Rnb and hip hop have also profited from new web music tools but their development is still faced with strong challenges from big US artists.

However, the gap between the US and the UK is closing fast and we predict an exciting future for young UK artists in Rnb and Hip Hop.

Check out some other hotly tipped UK artists

Jack Cheshire

Pauline Taylor

Sunset Cinema Club

Athlete