Chipmunk

By the ripe age of 16, North London MC Chipmunk had already been championed as one of the most promising grime rappers on the scene. In 2007, Chipmunk released the mixtape League of My Own on Alwayz Recordings. In 2008 he reaped the rewards of constant touring and promotion, as he won the Best Newcomer Award at the Urban Music and MOBO award ceremonies. Just after Chipmunk's 18th birthday, he signed to Sony Columbia, and started moving away from grime into mainstream hip-hop. He teamed up with Ironik for a big-beated remake of Elton John's "Tiny Dancer," complete with backing vocals by Sir Elton himself. In July of 2009, he released his debut full-length, Diamond Rings.

• dance
• hip hop/rap