Who is Aitch? Get to know the Manchester rapper taking over the charts

Aitch is a name that’s been pretty difficult to miss recently – he’s everywhere. 

It’s been a massive 12 months already for the 20-year-old, who's racked up seven Top 40 singles, four of which have gone Top 10, since June 2019. Expect that figure to rise to five Top 10s this week following the release of his new AJ Tracey collaboration Rain.

His first chart appearance was as a guest feature on Young T & Busgey's Strike A Pose. 

Aitch's first headline hit arrived last August, when Taste (Make It Shake) debuted at Number 8 on the Official Singles Chart, its video racking up over 3 million views in just 11 days. The track went on to peak at Number 2.

He also appeared on a remix of Keisha & Becky by Russ & Tion Wayne which helped propel the song to the Top 10, alongside rappers Jay1, Sav’O, Swarmz and Vaults. View Aitch's Official UK Chart history so far.

Let’s get to know him a little better, shall we?

Real first name Harrison, Aitch was born and raised in New Moston, Manchester. His songs are seriously catchy, with his crafty lyrics delivered effortlessly and with a sense of humour.

After standing out for his natural talent at freestyle rapping, he signed with the Northern Quarterz entertainment company to release his first track Straight Rhymez; clocking up over 12 million views and bringing him to the attention of Stormzy.

Check out Aitch showcasing his flair for freestyle in 2018 on Kenny Allstar’s 1Xtra show:

Any famous endorsements?

Where do we start?! On top of piles of support from his peers, GRM Daily and a place on the BBC Radio 1Xtra Hot For 2019 list, Aitch opened for Wiley and the late Cadet on their respective tours. Ed Sheeran is also a big fan: last September he collaborated with Ed Sheeran on the Sir Spyro remix of Take Me Back To London, which propelled the song to Number 1 on the Official Singles Chart. As if that wasn't enough, lesser-known singer Robbie Williams shared a video of himself lip-syncing to Taste (Make It Shake).

Can I see him live any time soon or is everything already sold out?

Aitch is playing gigs in New Zealand and Australia in March, but has a series of UK festival dates already lined up:

Brighton - The Great Escape, May 16
Dublin - Longitude Festival, July 3
London - Wireless Festival, July 4 
Glasgow - TRNSMT, July 10 
Reading - Reading Festival, August 27-29

Any other interesting stuff I should know about?

Aitch has yet to release his debut album, though his EP AitcH20 reached Number 3 in the Official Albums Chart last September. No word yet on when his first 'proper' album will be released. 

He also helped unveil the latest Manchester United away kit last summer, and appeared as a guest on the super-popular YouTube interview series Chicken Shop Date.