Kano

British rapper Kano is a grime pioneer who played a key role in popularizing the genre outside the UK. • Growing up in East London, Kano was a skilled footballer who played youth ball for Chelsea, Norwich, and West Ham. He eventually lost interest in the sport. • He attended Greenwich University to study graphics before dropping out to pursue music. • As a teenager, Kano joined the grime collective N.A.S.T.Y Crew, which hosted a popular radio show on the pirate station Deja Vu. • Kano left N.A.S.T.Y. Crew after signing with 679 and released his debut album, Home Sweet Home, in 2005. • From 2011 to 2019, Kano played Sully on the British crime drama series Top Boy. • The rapper’s fifth album, 2016 Made in the Manor, reached No. 8 in the UK and was shortlisted for the Mercury Prize.