Early Life and Family Background
Ché Wolton Grant, professionally known as AJ Tracey, was born on March 4, 1994, in Brixton, South London, England. Although born in Brixton, he was raised in the vibrant multicultural district of Ladbroke Grove, West London—a neighborhood that profoundly influenced his identity and artistry.
AJ Tracey’s heritage is deeply rooted in musical tradition. His father is of Trinidadian origin and was a rapper, while his Welsh mother was a former jungle DJ. Music, therefore, was a natural part of his upbringing. Named after the revolutionary Che Guevara, Tracey was raised in an intellectually and politically conscious household. His parents’ separation during his early years meant that much of his life was shaped by his mother’s single-handed efforts, who not only instilled discipline but also supported his creative pursuits.
Education and Early Influences
AJ Tracey attended Middle Row Primary School, followed by Holland Park School, both in West London. He later enrolled at London Metropolitan University, where he studied criminology. However, he left university to focus on music full-time—a decision that would prove to be the cornerstone of his success.
Growing up in the heart of West London during the height of UK garage, grime, and pirate radio culture, Tracey was drawn early to the UK’s underground music scene. Influences ranged from Wiley, Skepta, and Dizzee Rascal to American acts like Kanye West and Outkast. The fusion of Caribbean roots, British grime, and transatlantic rap ultimately gave shape to his genre-blending style.
Career Trajectory and Musical Breakthrough
Underground Beginnings (2011–2015)
AJ Tracey began his musical career as part of the pirate radio circuit, appearing on grime sets under the name “Looney.” Between 2011 and 2014, he released a series of freestyles and independent tracks, slowly gaining attention. His breakthrough came in 2015 with the release of the Alex Moran EP and the popular freestyle “Packages,” which showcased his lyrical agility and confident flow.
Rise to Prominence (2016–2018)
In 2016, AJ Tracey dropped his widely celebrated EP Lil Tracey, featuring the track “Buster Cannon”, which became an underground hit. That same year, he was featured on the BBC Sound of 2017 longlist and named one of the artists to watch by MTV and The Guardian.
During this period, Tracey distanced himself from the traditional grime blueprint and incorporated elements of trap, dancehall, and UK garage, laying the foundation for his genre-fluid style.
Mainstream Success and Discography
Debut Album – AJ Tracey (2019)
AJ Tracey’s self-titled debut album, AJ Tracey, released on February 8, 2019, was a commercial and critical success. It debuted at No. 3 on the UK Albums Chart, eventually going Platinum. The standout single “Ladbroke Grove”, a UK garage anthem produced by Conducta, became one of the biggest hits of 2019, peaking at No. 3 on the UK Singles Chart and earning over 200 million streams.
Other notable tracks from the album included:
- “Butterflies” ft. Not3s
- “Psych Out!”
- “Wifey Riddim 3”
The album marked a milestone in UK music—demonstrating how independent artistry could rival label-backed releases both in quality and chart performance.
Second Album – Flu Game (2021)
In April 2021, AJ Tracey released his sophomore album, Flu Game, inspired by Michael Jordan’s famous 1997 NBA Finals performance. Thematically, the album dealt with personal pressure, mental health, and Tracey’s career highs and lows. It debuted at No. 2 on the UK Albums Chart, with key singles:
- “Dinner Guest” ft. MoStack (Top 5)
- “West Ten” with Mabel
- “Anxious”
This album solidified Tracey as more than just a grime artist—he was now a versatile figure in modern UK rap, capable of tackling pop, R&B, and drill.
Third Album – Don’t Die Before You’re Dead (2025)
After a brief hiatus, Tracey announced his much-anticipated third album, Don’t Die Before You’re Dead, due for release in June 2025. Preceding the album was the single “Crush” with Jorja Smith, a melodic throwback track that samples Brandy’s “Love Wouldn’t Count Me Out.” This marks a continued shift towards more introspective and soulful music.
Awards and Recognitions
- Brits Billion Award (2023): Recognized by the BPI for surpassing 1 billion career streams in the UK.
- MOBO Awards: Multiple nominations and wins across categories, including Best Grime Act and Best Male.
- Ivor Novello Nominee: For songwriting excellence.
- BBC Sound of 2017: Finalist.
Major Performances and Tours
AJ Tracey has performed at major festivals including:
- Glastonbury
- Wireless Festival
- Reading & Leeds
- Coachella (2022)
His sold-out 2021 UK arena tour following the Flu Game was praised for its high-energy production and raw delivery. He is known for blending charisma with lyrical dexterity in live settings, seamlessly moving between crowd-pleasers and deep cuts.
Collaborations
Tracey’s collaborative projects reveal his wide musical range. Key collaborations include:
- Dave – “Thiago Silva” (2016)
- Headie One & Stormzy – “Ain’t It Different” (2020)
- Mabel – “West Ten” (2020)
- Jorja Smith – “Flowers” (2019), “Crush” (2025)
- Skepta, Not3s, MoStack, Kehlani, and D-Block Europe
His ability to fluidly collaborate across genres and with both UK and international artists has been pivotal to his enduring relevance.
Artistic Evolution and Sound
AJ Tracey’s artistry is defined by fluidity. While rooted in grime, his sound has evolved to encompass:
- UK Garage (“Ladbroke Grove”)
- Trap and Drill (Flu Game era)
- Dancehall/Afro-fusion
- Soul and R&B influences in his more recent work
He has cited Kanye West, Skepta, JAY-Z, and Lauryn Hill as key influences, particularly admiring their storytelling and ability to push genre boundaries.
Philanthropy and Social Advocacy
Tracey is deeply connected to his community. In 2022, he launched the AJ Tracey Fund with St. Peter’s College, Oxford, to support Black students from underrepresented backgrounds in higher education. He has also spoken publicly about mental health, accessibility in education, and the struggles of growing up in single-parent households.
Controversies and Challenges
While AJ Tracey has generally avoided major controversy, he has occasionally clashed with media outlets and industry expectations regarding genre classification and the UK’s tendency to pigeonhole Black British artists. He’s been an outspoken advocate for creative independence and against the gentrification of Black music in Britain.
Personal Life
AJ Tracey keeps most of his private life out of the spotlight. Known for his humility and wit, he is a lifelong Tottenham Hotspur fan and often references football in his lyrics. He has also shown interest in fashion, collaborating with brands like Nike and Palace, while maintaining an accessible and streetwise image.
Cultural Impact
AJ Tracey is widely regarded as a trailblazer in UK rap. He was one of the first grime-influenced artists to achieve mainstream success without compromising artistic integrity or signing to a major label. His work helped redefine what it means to be a British rapper on a global stage, making space for experimentation, multiculturalism, and authenticity.
Conclusion
AJ Tracey’s rise from pirate radio MC to one of the UK’s most respected and versatile artists is a story of talent, grit, and vision. With a rich discography, boundary-pushing collaborations, and a steadfast commitment to social progress, Tracey continues to shape the cultural and sonic landscape of UK music. His work stands as both a testament to the grime scene’s legacy and a blueprint for its future evolution.
