Discover 20 essential J Hus songs that map his journey from a rising UK rap star to a genre-blending icon.
J Hus is one of the most dynamic voices to emerge from the UK rap scene in the past decade. Born Momodou Lamin Jallow in Stratford, East London, and of Gambian descent, he has redefined what it means to be an African-British artist. While grime and UK rap have long been shaped by pioneers like Skepta, Kano, and Giggs, J Hus carved his own lane with a genre-blending sound that fuses afrobeats, dancehall, and road rap with razor-sharp lyricism and an effortless swagger.
From the moment he burst onto the scene in 2015 with tracks like Lean & Bop, it was clear that Hus was bringing something fresh to the table. Whether introspective or flirtatious, reflective or boastful, his music carries a rare authenticity that resonates across cultures. Over the years, he has delivered anthem after anthem, evolving from a promising newcomer to a chart-topping star.
To truly appreciate the scope of his artistry, here are 21 essential J Hus songs that chart his journey—from raw early mixtape joints to polished hits that dominate the airwaves.
1. I’m Coming
J Hus burst onto the scene in July 2015 with his debut mixtape The 15th Day, and its opening track, I’m Coming, immediately set him apart. His unique cadence and effortless fusion of Afropop with hard-hitting rhyme schemes showcased his versatility and made it clear that he was no ordinary rapper. The tape laid the foundation for what would become an illustrious career, marking the start of a journey that would redefine UK rap.
2. Lean & Bop
Also in 2015, J Hus leaned into his pop sensibilities with Lean & Bop, a track that further demonstrated his knack for creating infectious anthems. Premiered on SBTV, the song was ahead of its time, incorporating a dance element that would likely have gone viral on TikTok had it been released today. The track proved that Hus wasn’t just about bars—he could make a song that resonated with a wider audience while maintaining his street credibility.
3. Dem Boy Paigon
Released in 2015 when Hus was still grinding on the mixtape circuit, “Dem Boy Paigon” quickly became a street anthem. The track, which takes aim at fake friends and traitors, amassed millions of streams in just weeks, solidifying Hus’ reputation as a rising star. In one leap, he had gone from a promising underground act to a household name in UK rap.
4. Free Up
By 2016, J Hus was refining his sound, and Free Up from the Playing Sports EP showcased his ability to blend dancehall with his signature Afro-influenced rap style. Produced by JAE5, the track was tailor-made for the dancefloor, featuring a narrative about a captivating “hood princess” who lingered in Hus’ mind. The song perfectly captured the lighthearted yet infectious energy that made him stand out.
5. Friendly
Another 2016 banger, Friendly cemented Hus’ ability to mix humor with streetwise bravado. Originally uploaded to SoundCloud, the track quickly gained traction before being officially released by Black Butter Records. With witty lines about seasoning girls like chicken and making “sexy money,” Hus kept things playful yet undeniably catchy.
6. Samantha (with Dave)
As 2017 rolled in, J Hus collaborated with South London’s golden boy Dave for Samantha. Produced by JAE5, the track blended smooth instrumentals with introspective lyricism. Hus and Dave effortlessly intertwined their styles. The song marked a coming-of-age moment for both artists, showing they were more than just up-and-comers—they were stars in the making.
7. Common Sense
The title track from his debut album, Common Sense (2017), saw Hus and JAE5 experimenting with funk and old-school hip-hop elements. The song stood apart from his usual Afro-infused bangers, featuring a lush instrumental arrangement with organs, pianos, and slap bass guitar. Lyrically, Hus reflected on his newfound success, flaunting his lavish lifestyle while maintaining his connection to the streets.
8. Spirit
Also from Common Sense, Spirit is one of J Hus’ most personal tracks to date. In this 2017 release, he reflected on his journey, tracing his roots back to West Africa. The track’s uplifting message—”never had a penny, but we always had spirit”—resonated deeply, and the visuals, shot in Jamestown, Accra, captured the hardworking spirit of the Ghanaian people. The blend of introspection and celebration made it a standout moment on the album.
9. Bouff Daddy
Later in 2017, Bouff Daddy became an instant hit, solidifying J Hus as the flyest hustler in the game. With a bouncy beat and infectious hook, the track detailed his newfound wealth and status. The term “bouff”—slang for money in his native Stratford, East London—became a staple in UK rap vocabulary. The single’s success further proved Hus’ ability to seamlessly blend street narratives with mainstream appeal.
10. Did You See
Perhaps the most iconic track from Common Sense, Did You See dropped in early 2017 and took J Hus to new heights. The Afrobeat-infused anthem, produced by JAE5, had an irresistible bounce, making it one of the most streamed songs from the album. Hus’ effortless storytelling and quotable bars made it a defining track of the UK rap explosion.
11. No Denying
Following a brief hiatus, J Hus returned in 2020 with Big Conspiracy, and No Denying was a strong declaration that he was back. Over TSB’s drill-infused production, Hus addressed his time away and reaffirmed his dominance in UK rap. His opening lines in Wolof paid homage to his Gambian roots, adding another layer of depth to his already complex artistry.
12. Play Play (ft. Burna Boy)
Play Play from Big Conspiracy saw J Hus and Burna Boy reunite for another standout collaboration. Over skippy snares and vibrant instrumentals, the duo blended smooth melodies, storytelling, braggadocious bars, and sexual innuendo, reinforcing their chemistry.
13. Deeper Than Rap
Closing Big Conspiracy, Deeper Than Rap was Hus at his introspective best. Addressing themes of race, culture, and personal growth, he tackled complex issues with striking honesty. Lines like “God made you sexy, so why are you bleaching?” showcased his ability to weave social commentary into his music without losing his signature style.
14. Helicopter (ft. iceè tgm)
One of the standout tracks from Big Conspiracy, Helicopter featured a guest appearance from Hus’ sister, iceè tgm. With its infectious energy and meme-worthy reception, the song became a fan favorite. TSB’s production provided the perfect backdrop for Hus’ effortless flow and iceè’s dynamic contribution.
15. Must Be
Must Be was another testament to the unbeatable duo of J Hus and JAE5. The lead single from Big Conspiracy defied industry norms—no music videos, minimal promotion, and an album leak couldn’t stop it from reaching No. 1. Hus’ effortless delivery over JAE5’s production made it one of the most compelling tracks of the year.
16. Cloak & Dagger (with Burna Boy)
In 2022, Burna Boy returned the favor by featuring J Hus on Cloak & Dagger from Love, Damini. The track saw Hus deliver effortlessly cool bars over Burna’s infectious rhythm, proving once again that their partnership was a match made in musical heaven.
17. It’s Crazy
After a three-year hiatus, Hus made his long-awaited return in 2023 with It’s Crazy. A darker, more intense track, it set the stage for his third studio album. The accompanying visuals reinforced the track’s ominous energy and set the ball in motion for the release of his third studio album Beautiful and Brutal Yard.
18. Militerian (ft. Naira Marley)
On Militerian, Hus linked up with Naira Marley to blend their respective fan bases—Hus’ “Militerians” and Naira’s “Marlians.” The track, a celebration of their African roots, was a highlight from Beautiful and Brutal Yard.
19. Masculine (ft. Burna Boy)
Reuniting with Burna Boy once again, Masculine was a standout from Beautiful and Brutal Yard. Their first official music video together added to the song’s impact, further cementing their cross-continental bond.
20. Who Told You (ft. Drake)
Featuring Drake, Who Told You became one of J Hus’ biggest global hits. The track’s crossover appeal and long-anticipated collaboration with the Canadian superstar marked another major milestone in Hus’ career.
