‘We have our own fair playing field’: 1Xtra launches first ever UK rap chart

BBC Radio 1Xtra is launching the Official UK Rap Chart, a weekly countdown based on UK listening figures. Its presenter, DJ Kenny Allstar, says a dedicated chart will give British rap artists a fairer space to be recognised, since they currently compete with pop acts for places in the main singles chart.

Compiled by the Official Charts Company, the chart will rank 20 singles by streams and sales, with the first show airing on Friday. Allstar expects three or four new artists to appear most weeks, creating more exposure for emerging talent. The programme will run from 22:00 to 23:00 on 1Xtra and will be available afterwards on BBC Sounds.