Chiedu Oraka releases new EP ‘Undeniable’

“… rap’s next ‘king of the north’ – [expanding] perceptions of Black British identity” – The Guardian
“A project steeped in the traditions of hip-hop, from an unlikely place and a crucial figure” – DJ Mag
“An unfiltered and provocative reflection of the Black, working class, Northern experience” – NME
“A formidable force in the North’s rap scene” – The Line of Best Fit 
“Razor sharp flows and intelligent lyricism” – Wonderland

Today, Chiedu Oraka releases his incendiary new EP, Undeniable and its focus single, ‘Story of A Pauper’. Accompanied with a video filmed on the North Hull Estate where Chiedu grew up, it’s only right that the EP release is celebrated with his community and the young people his music inspires.

Undeniable is a mantra which now reflects the truth of the Hull hip-hop titan’s journey, charting underground notoriety to mainstream recognition. With grit, wit and heart, Chiedu Oraka is one of our finest national storytellers. His verses are unflinching social poetry which portray the Black, working-class experience from the council estates of the north. With beats conjured by acclaimed producers, Dot Inc (Giggs, Knucks, Ghetts), award-winning producer Shadow On The Beat (Central Cee, Mist, Tunde) and his long-time collaborator Deezkid, “The Black Yorkshireman” is a representative of a new epoch for UK rap music.

Undeniable is another elevation for Chiedu Oraka’s meteoric rise over the past year: being hand-picked by Coldplay to support their two shows at Hull’s Craven Park (“We Pray, sung with Yorkshire hip-hop star Chiedu Oraka, was re-started when Martin was so dazzled by Oraka’s quick-fire raps he wanted to hear them twice”); being extensively profiled in The Guardian; winning the coveted ‘Best Newcomer’ category at the Northern Music Awards 2025; supporting Skepta; headlining The Line of Best Fit’s showcase at SXSW in Texas; and opening for CASISDEAD and performing for the packed-out BBC Music Introducing Stage at Glastonbury last summer. His UK headline tour earlier this year saw him conquer two sell-out dates in his hometown, along with the major strongholds of Newcastle, Leeds and finally London.

Speaking on his vision for the EP, Chiedu states: “It’s a shame I have to be the disruptor – but that’s the role I’ve taken on. One day I don’t want to feel like I’ve got something to prove, but right now that fire is what pushes me to go harder and make the best music I can. You can’t sleep on me anymore. Every year I’ve leveled up, and I’ve done it without cutting corners. That’s why you’ve got no choice but to respect me.”

Lead single ‘Kid On The Estate’ proves Chiedu Oraka knows how to fill the floor: a garage-fuelled, experimental party starter with unmistakable production from Deezkid, precision-engineered to make you move. Speaking on the new track which marks a new era, he shares: “I’m just a kid off a northern council estate, whose aim is to instill confidence in people who grew up in these often difficult surroundings. I just want to make the type of music that lifts the mood and makes you forget about your bad day. ‘Kid On The Estate’ is one of those tunes. Turn it up a load and grab yourself a cold one.”

Overcoming the expectations laid out by his origins, ‘Last Laugh’ is a statement of defiance against the people who had no faith in his future. Transformed by the path he forged for himself, the school that expelled him is now inviting him to speak to their children; the parents who would forbid him from playing with his friends in childhood are now the first to congratulate him. ‘Story of A Pauper’ is a Dickensian tale filtered through a contemporary social and political lens, telling of his remarkable journey in overcoming the odds that have been stacked against him.

Undeniable is also an amplification for the community of Black creatives in Yorkshire who Chiedu has bonded with through his art. ‘Acra Freestyle’ is named after the fashion house which collaborated with the rapper to create The Black Yorkshireman Collectionwhich was documented in Vogue and GQ; it’s a shared victory which celebrates the council estate confidence that has taken him to the top of his local scene to national and global acclaim.

Last year, Chiedu Oraka released his 12-track mixtape Misfit (released via Launchpad+ and EMI North in April 2024) delved deep into themes of Black identity, masculinity, mental health, and the struggles of living on society’s margins. The project earned widespread critical acclaim, with praise from CRACK, NME, Clash, DJ Mag, The Telegraph, andWonderland, features from mental health platform, CALM and strong support across BBC Radio 1, 6Music and 1Xtra. “Helly Hansen 6” landed on BBC 6Music’s C List for four weeks consecutively, and Oraka made history as BBC Radio 1’s first Future Flex freestyle performer for Sian Eleri.

Stay tuned for more to come from The Black Yorkshireman.