Carner’s music explores themes of personal identity, politics, family and tragedy, while his languid style forms a contemporary genre of UK rap inspired by American hip-hop and UK grime. Through his gifted lyricism, his work is elevated into new realms of art.
Two of his albums – including his debut Yesterday’s Gone (2017) and hugo (2020), garnered him nominations for the Mercury Prize, and he has also been nominated for three Brit Awards. In addition to his impressive repertoire, Carner’s early diagnosis of ADHD and dyslexia has inspired him to support young people struggling with the same.
Carner’s joins eleven other creatives to receive honorary degrees from University of the Arts London this year, including ‘Chicken Shop Date’ creator Amelia Dimoldenberg and musician Kojey Radical earlier this week.