19 MCs who made a mark on 2015

We're going to keep the intro to this feature short and sweet.

That's because you know that the UK's hottest lyricists made headlines at the MOBOs, hit the charts and got the co-sign from Kanye at the Brits (not to mention Drake's BBK tattoo) over the last 12 months. We don't need to go into great detail about how grime and UK rap had a fruitful and prosperous year.

But we do need to shout out the MCs and rappers who made the hottest mark on 2015. So here are 19 crucial vocalists – don't sleep!

One of the best MCs to breakthrough in quite some time. 'Nalia', produced by Zeph Ellis (formerly known as Dot Rotten), forms part of impressive new EP 'Alex Moran', which showcases Tracey's knack for colloquial wordplay, as well as crystal clear, powerful delivery. The pitch to his voice, low and piercing, is also unique and something that sets him apart from those around him. His "Thought I missed the drop but I never!" bar has become a headline all of it's own in 2015. Expect next year to be his. TF

It's not often you meet an MC who reserves as much love and passion for grime, but Big Zuu is one of a kind. Bright and bubbly off the mic, on it he's transformed. His style, all reload-friendly grit and amped-up power, is matched by an abrasive, rasping vocal demeanour - a facet of his 2015 output that has given Zuu the platform to enjoy plenty of shine alongside AJ Tracey and Mic Ty. 'Shelling Dis Year' is our tip. TF

Shooting for the stars with his summer heater, 'We Run The Block', signed to Sony imprint Pitched Up, South Londoner Bonkaz appeared to come out of nowhere. Following up his surprise smash with the 'Forgive Me When I'm Famous' EP and 'You Don't Know', he's got something to prove. CF

Well-documented beef with Chip aside, Manchester's Bugzy Malone put his city firmly on the map in 2015. Quick-witted and unshakeably confident, his battle-hardened flow and steely lyricism is best showcased on 'Watch Your Mouth', although his 'Relegation Riddim' war dub runs it a close second. Backed up by viral reactions to his music online - his Fire In The Booth freestyle for BBC 1Xtra has racked up nearly four million views - it's no surprise his debut mixtape 'Walk With Me' peaked at #8 on the Official UK Album Charts, resulting in a well-deserved MOBO nomination for 'Best Newcomer'. TF

Capo Lee is another to have made the capital's airwaves his second home during the course of this year, with his music even finding favour with legendary tastemaker Mary Anne Hobbs. 'Liff', produced by Midlands kingpin Mystry, is his big single - think catchy, rave-slanted vocal hooks ("See a man get Liff!") meet scolding, trapped-out 808s - but he's also just unleashed the brilliantly-titled 'Welcome To Clartsville', a six-track joint EP with Spooky. Hard as nails.

A self-professed 'Demi-God' (check imreallydead.com), this masked MC (only a chosen few actually know what he looks like) is an exceptional wordsmith. Kinda like Mike Skinner, Giggs and Chuckie in one, the Londoner is quite possibly one of the best things to ever happen in British rap music, period. CF

Danny Seth made his mark via the underground in the USA before hitting the European fashion parties with his London homies, Last Night In Paris. He's coming differently; with a creative eye when it comes to his visuals, he's also featured on G Eazy's 'Lotta That' remix alongside A$AP Ferg. Check the debut album, 'Perception'.

Elf Kid's debut single 'Golden Boy' might have felt like a long time coming to some, but it marks a sparkling debut for one of grime's most excitable, happy-go-lucky newcomers. Still clearly in love with the scene he inhabits, his 2015 has been mostly defined by work with crew The Square, but Elf's guile and crackerjack flow always pointed towards solo exploits. While chirpsing girls and cruising the streets of Lewisham might dominate much of his lyricism for now, he could be on course for a very important couple of years.

Jammz's work ethic is often bandied about as being the driving force of his breakthrough success, but behind the countless radio sets and stage shows lies a vastly-talented lyricist. Working closely with Local Action on a number of projects - most notably his 'Final Warning' single - Jammz has also made waves with Plastician on the chirpy ode to city life, 'London Living', while his self-released 'Hit Then Run' EP also took no prisoners in the best way possible. TF

It was a hazy summer day when 19-year-young J Hus uploaded his semi-sung rap outing 'Dem Boy Paigon'. Landing over 3.5 million plays without radio or media support, the East Londoner's debut mixtape, 'The 15^th Day', solidified him among critics as one to watch in 2016. CF

It's been impossible to ignore Islington's finest Little Simz, especially since her debut album, 'A Curious Tale Of Bands + Persons', was released in 2015. A serious amount of globetrotting later and Jay-Z and Kendrick Lamar are said to be among fans. A lyricist's lyricist, her latest video 'Gratitude' looks at student protests in South Africa.

Nottingham's Mez enjoyed a sharp rise this year, breaking through at a rate of knots to take up a support position on Kano's UK tour and perform on-stage with Stormzy at his sold-out Koko gig in October. While his style may be admittedly a little rough around the edges, his infectious energy is backed-up by serious lyrical pedigree - as evidenced on the scorching 'Next In Grime'. TF

"First things first I'm Ty not Tyrone" barks 19-year-old Mic Ty on 'Knewham', the best of a slew of tracks he's recorded over the past 12 months. Closely linked to Big Zuu in particular, his music can tackle some outlandish subject matter and although aggressive and volatile on mic, he appears to have a better grasp of the scene he operates in better than most his age. Regular radio appearances punctuated a year that also saw him release debut project 'Av Dis', but the real story is what's to come. Big talent. TF

East Londoner Potter wracks up the views online – go and watch his Fire In The Booth with Charlie Sloth for the levels. He might look like your local Irish paperboy but this guy talks some seriously greasy shit and his album '24' is one of the best UK releases of 2015. CF

One of the few on this list to have made his way through working with independent, dance-centric labels - his debut EP 'Legion' for Black Acre is a stunner - Rocks is more than meets the eye. An accomplished beatmaker as well as an MC, his work across 'Legion' smacks of an artist with more than just fire in the belly. While 'Hold That (L)' lands like a missile in the dance, (it's a certified reload favourite on the radio too), his outside-the-box thinking and conceptual output - matched by an ability to switch up his flow at ease - point toward a prolonged career. TF

Winners of this year's MOBO Award for Best Newcomer, South London crew Section Boyz released their mixtape 'Don't Panic' in September and soon found themselves at number 36 in the UK album chart. Check 'Lock Arf' and 'Trapping Ain't Dead' for ice-cold sonic evidence. CF

His debut album, 'The End Of The Beginning', dropped in November, with features from Giggs ('Round Here') and Wretch 32 ('Everywhere') demonstrating his pulling power. His laidback style - like he's chatting casually over a skeleton of a beat - are what's winning the roads over. CF

YGG may be a collective, but between them Saint, PK and Lyrical Strally have come of age alongside regular sparring partners AJ Tracey et al this year. They've still got a way to go, but appearances at Boiler Room and Eskimo Dance suggest big things are coming, while PK's rip-roaring live performances have become a phenomenon of their own. Their debut single 'Okay' serves as further confirmation of just how good they are - and could yet become. TF

The Brixton-based rapper made his debut on SB.TV back in January 2015, much to the delight of generation z. With a steady flow of videos dropping this year – 'Woah', 'Man Don't Care Remix', 'Behind Barz', '#GRAP Freestyle' and more – he just needs that crossover moment now. CF

Chantelle Fiddy is Mixmag's Urban Editor, follow her on Twitter

Tomas Fraser is Mixmag's Dubstep & Grime Editor, follow him on Twitter

Patch Keyes is a freelance illustrator based in Bristol, follow him on Twitter