T Roadz: A Beginner’s Guide To Birmingham’s Rap Scene

Birmingham’s own T Roadz is one of grime’s most exciting young voices, cutting through the noise with raw energy and sharp lyricism. Bursting onto the scene in his early teens, he made a name for himself with a standout appearance in the iconic Risky Roadz Secret Cypher – an early sign of the serious talent brewing in the Midlands. By 15, he was already headlining events like the Big Music Project at Ministry of Sound and racking up high-profile collaborations, including a standout link-up with Levi’s and Mist that landed him on stage at a sold-out O2 Academy show.

Blending the gritty pulse of grime with a modern, introspective edge, T Roadz became a standout voice in a new generation of UK rap. A winner of Youth Music’s Outstanding Act Award in 2019, his rise has been defined by authenticity, ambition, and a deep connection to his Birmingham roots.

This Saturday 12th April, T Roadz joins a lineup of all-star rap and grime acts coming together for a groundbreaking show entitled ‘LEGACY’. This landmark event will celebrate Birmingham’s rich musical heritage by featuring 15 of the city’s most influential artists, performing alongside one of the UK’s leading symphony orchestras, before bringing the show to The Southbank Centre in London on Monday 28th April.

Speaking with T Roadz ahead of this weekend’s show, we asked him to select a few of his favourite, most influential tracks to come out of the City for ‘A Beginner’s Guide To Birimingham’s Rap Scene’.

Trilla – 0121

“This was one of my favourite tracks growing up, I was probably about 6 when this came out. I remember my dad playing this full blast every morning on the school run, one of the many reasons I love grime.”

Troadz – Anthem

“This was the first track that I ever released professionally and shot my first ever music video too. I was 13 years old when I made this and it means a lot to me because the beat was made by my Dad, this track represents what man comes from.“

Troadz – Faded

“Of course I had to slap myself in there again with my newest track ‘Faded’. For me this track represents where I am at right now in life and provides a newer sounding grime essence which I feel is needed.”

SafOne, Pressure, Trilla, Bomma B – She Wants A Man From Brum

“This was a major tune for Birmingham in general– RIP Bomma B. This one’s pretty self explanatory: you can’t be from Birmingham and not know this song. Definitely a big part of the history. It helped me get a few out of town gyal” [laughs]

Tempa, Dapz on The Map – Mortal Kombat

“This is one of my favourite grime tracks in GENERAL. I just love the energy and authenticity of Dapz and Tempa flowing back to back over this legendary Swifta riddim. When this tune comes on in the gym I be feeling like I can lift anything” [laughs]

Jaykae – Toothache

“Another huge tune for Birmingham. I think this is a very powerful song and one of Jaykae’s best. This was a very inspirational moment for me seeing this track feature on 50 cents show power knowing that Jay is from where man’s from. Truly inspiring.”

Mist – P110 #1TAKE

“This was one of the first tracks I heard from mist and this one got a lot of airtime from me in secondary school. It’s refreshing growing up listening to guys who are from where you’re from.”

Devilman – Drum And Bass Father

“When it comes to Birmingham music that was rinsed on the school playground this one is defo up there. I feel like this is another tune that you are obligated to know if you’re from brum. BANGER”

Lady Leshurr – Queen Speech 1

“Lady Leshurr is one of my all time favourite MCs and I don’t think she gets the recognition she deserves. This Queen’s Speech is one of the coldest. In my words nuern but BIG BOY BARS.”

Risky – CRB Check

“When it comes to real rap this tune here is mwadddd. Risky is definitely an underrated artist that needs a lot more recognition than he already has and if you haven’t heard dis one remember TROADZ put you on.”

The ‘LEGACY’ shows in both Birmingham (12th April) and London (28th April) are on sale now.

The lineup includes LADY LESHURR, NODB, JAYKAE, BIG DOG YOGO, BRIXX, C4, CREEZON, DAPZ ON THE MAP, PRESSURE0121, ROXXXAN, SAF ONE, SOX, T ROADZ, TRAPPY, and TRILLA, all of whom have played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s contemporary music scene. Under the baton of award-winning conductor Phil Meadows, audiences can expect to hear orchestral reimaginings of genre-defining anthems, including “Queen’s Speech,” “Toothache,” and “She Wants A Man From Brum.”

Tickets available NOW via Dice, B:Music, and Southbank Centre.