LEEDS RAPPER and former professional football player Graft has been crowned winner of The Rap Game UK and secured a single deal at Krept & Konan’s Play Dirty Records.

Hosts and UK rap duo Krept and Konan, and DJ Target have seen each artist grow throughout the series, finally naming Graft as the winner.

Months of hard work, epic challenges and industry mentoring culminated in all six artists performing their final bars on Kenny Allstar’s legendary 1Xtra Friday night show.   

Krept, Konan and Target met all six MCs on a rooftop in London last weekend to reveal the final results, naming Graft, Lesia and Zones as their final three before naming Graft as the winner.

Krept said: “The impact Graft has been making online – it’s undeniable. He’s won them over, he’s won us over. It’s inspiring to see the journey. I could put him up against the best of the rest and feel that he’s gonna deliver and be level with the mandem. I can’t wait to see what he does with the platform. Welcome to the team. Welcome to the family.”

Graft said: “I’m feeling emotional. It means the world to me. From young, I’ve always had dreams to change my life and change my family’s life. That’s why I work so hard. I’m so happy I’ve won and had the opportunity to come on here and showcase myself and represent for my city. I feel so blessed. I’m so happy.”

Across the series, Krept, Konan and DJ Target were joined by some of the biggest names in the business, with guest mentors including Wretch 32, JME, Aitch, Ms Banks, Yungen, Deno, D Double E and Young T & Bugsey.

All episodes of BBC Three’s The Rap Game UK are available to stream on BBC iPlayer now.