Loyle Carner

Loyle Carner

Loyle Carner is Benjamin Gerard Coyle-Larner, a rapper from South London, born in 1994. He works in hip hop and jazz rap, and his music often uses jazz-inflected production alongside a style that is reflective, confessional and lyrical. His work also draws on UK grime and American hip hop influences.

Music and themes

Carner’s lyrics frequently focus on personal identity, family, grief, politics, race, and his experiences with ADHD and dyslexia. His songs also draw on his mixed-race upbringing and the death of his stepfather, who is sampled on his debut album. His writing is known for matching closely with the mood of the music, with a deliberate, measured delivery.

Albums and collaborations

His debut album, Yesterday's Gone (2017), receives critical attention for its treatment of grief and coming of age, and it brings him a Mercury Prize nomination. His second album, Not Waving, but Drowning (2019), includes collaborations with Jorja Smith and Sampha. hugo (2022) explores Black identity, anger, and his relationship with his biological father, and it also receives a Mercury Prize nomination. hopefully! (2025) continues his catalogue with songs about fatherhood and childhood and has a lighter, more positive tone.

Advocacy and recognition

Carner founds Chilli Con Carner, a series of cookery workshops for children with ADHD, and supports mental health charities including CALM and Black Minds Matter. He also receives three Brit Award nominations, NME Award nominations, and an honorary doctorate from UAL. He collaborates with artists including Tom Misch, Kae Tempest and Madlib.