Chipmunk

The oddly-named London-born rapper took on the stage name of Chipmunk after the friend who gave him the moniker was killed - he has since indicated that he may change his name to Mr Munk. Since an early age, Chipmunk had made a name for himself freestyling in youth clubs, writing his first song at a young age and putting together mixtapes to show off his prodigious talents. He was taken under the wing of grime master Wiley, who saw what the young rapper was doing, and helped him release his third mixtape League Of My Own in 2007. Not only did constant touring help build his own reputation in the UK, he also garnered attention in the US and a move towards mainstream hip hop coincided with Chipmunk signing to Sony Columbia. His debut album I Am Chipmunk finally hit the shelves in 2009, itself spawning singles Beast, Chip Diddy Chip, Diamond Rings and Oopsy Daisy. In 2009 he was recognised at the MOBO Awards, beating off international competition to win Best Hip Hop Act.