ArrDee: Everything to know about the Brighton rapper taking the UK by storm

Get to know the 'War' rapper

Author: Asher BrandonPublished 9th Sep 2024

For such a young rapper, Brighton's very own ArrDee has really been making waves for a while. With collabs with Aitch and Digga D, and an ever-growing body of his own work to back up the hype, ArrDee is really going places in the UK rap scene.

But seeing as is he is such a new artist, we can understand how he might have slipped under your radar a little. If this is the case, you're in the right place - here is everything you need to know about ArrDee, the Brighton rapper taking the UK by storm...

Who is ArrDee?

ArrDee is a rapper from Brighton. He first started making waves in 2021 when he released his iconic 'Cheeky Bars' freestyle, followed swiftly by the release of his song '6AM in Brighton'.

He then burst into the mainstream when he appeared on a remix of Russ Millions and Tion Wayne's song 'Body' alongside Bugzy Malone, Fivio Foreign and many others. Not only did ArrDee manage to stand toe to toe with some of the biggest names in UK rap, he aptly bodied his verse, delivering some of the most iconic bars of 2021.

He has since gone on to release a slew of successful singles such as 'Oliver Twist' which reached Number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, and 'War' with Aitch.

ArrDee talked to The Face about coming from Brighton. He said: 'Brighton’s a lovely town and there’s no judgement, you can be who you want to be. That’s why I’m comfy in my skin, because I come from a town where you could be who you want to be, and no one ain’t really going to give a sh--.'

How old is ArrDee?

He is 22-years-old (at the time of writing). He was born on 17th September 2002.

What is ArrDee's real name?

ArrDee's stage name comes from the initials of his full name: Riley Davies. He was given his stage name by his those close to him.

How tall is ArrDee?

The rapper is 5 foot 4.

Does ArrDee have a girlfriend?

It seems ArrDee is off the market. In October 2021 he confirmed that he is in a relationship with influencer Angelysiaa. He posted a picture of the two on Instagram in front of the Pier in Brighton (very on brand) with the caption '🌹❤️' (awww).

Is ArrDee friends with Aitch?

ArrDee and Aitch seem to get along like a house on fire. In January of 2022 they collaborated on the song 'War', a big hit for both artists. They had great chemistry on the track and we hope this means there will be more collabs between the pair in the future.

Where did ArrDee work before his career took off?

ArrDee worked in an Amazon warehouse packing boxes. Although it's a far cry from being a chart-topping rapper, he was able to write the lyrics to one of his breakthrough tracks, 'Cheeky Bars', whilst working there. We wonder if Jeff Bezos should get a writing credit? 🤔

Did ArrDee appear on Chicken Shop Date?

The rapper appeared on an episode of Amelia Dimoldenberg's YouTube series Chicken Shop Date back in May of 2021. In the episode, Amelia left the usual setting of a London chicken shop and made the journey to Brighton - ArrDee's term - where the pair fittingly ate fish and chips. The episode, of course, made for some enjoyably awkward viewing. Check it out below.

A breakdown of ArrDee's career:

January - March 2021: Career beginnings

2021 really was ArrDee's year. He came onto the scene strong in January with his 'Cheeky Bars' freestyle for Mixtape Madness -and what an introduction! The flows just don't stop. The video for the freestyle was filmed on a bandstand in Brighton, establishing from the get go the importance of where ArrDee is from in his development as an artist.

In March he dropped the song '6AM in Brighton', to further success.

April 2021: ArrDee is featured on the remix of Tion Wayne and Russ Millions' 'Body'

Whilst he had seen some success earlier in the year, ArrDee's real big break came in April when he was featured in the remix of Tion Wayne and Russ Millions' 'Body'. He was featured alongside rappers 3x3E1 & ZT, Bugzy Malone, Fivio Foreign, Darkoo and Buni (we know, talk about a lineup).
What was most impressive was the fact that he not only stood toe to toe with some of the most legendary UK rappers, he delivered one of the most iconic verses of the year. His bars went viral - especially all over TikTok. With the release of this remix ArrDee was flung into the mainstream.

June 2021: ArrDee releases 'Oliver Twist'

In June of 2021 ArrDee followed up the success of his appearance on the remix of 'Body' with the release of 'Oliver Twist'. The song peaked at Number 6 on the UK Singles Chart, and proved further his talent as a rapper.

November 2021: ArrDee releases 'Flowers (Say My Name)'

In November 2021, ArrDee released 'Flowers (Say My Name)' - his most successful single to date. The song peaked at Number 5 on the UK's Official Singles Chart Top 100, spending 12 weeks in the Top 40, with seven of those weeks being in the chart's Top 10. This was a huge success for the rapper, further proving his ability to make hits.

January 2022: ArrDee releases 'War' with Aitch

ArrDee started 2022 off strong with 'War', a hard hitting banger of a track. The song features Manchester rapper Aitch, and the chemistry these two have on the track is just incredible.
The track was a big success for both rappers, debuting at Number 6 on the UK Official Singles Top 100 Chart.

March 2022: ArrDee releases his debut mixtape, 'Pier Pressure'

ArrDee released his debut mixtape, 'Pier Pressure', on 18th March 2022. Speaking to The Face about the mixtape, he described it as "a mad versatile project showing all sides of artistry. We've got melodies on there. We've got slow jams for the girls, we've got drill. We've got bouncy West Coast vibes".

March 2023: ArrDee releases 'Home For My Heart'

In March 2023, ArrDee teamed up with Cat Burns on the single 'Home For My Heart.' The track was accompanied with a moving music video which sees the pair perform in a number of London neighbourhoods.