Early Life and Family Background
Oakley Neil Caesar-Su, known professionally as Central Cee, was born on June 4, 1998, in Ladbroke Grove, West London. Raised in the culturally rich neighborhood of Shepherd’s Bush, he was exposed to a blend of musical influences from an early age. His mother, Rachel Caesar, is of English descent, while his father has Guyanese and Chinese heritage. Central Cee’s parents separated when he was seven, leading him to live with his mother and two younger brothers. One of his brothers, Juke Caesar, featured on his 2022 mixtape 23 under the name “Lil Bro”.
Education and Early Interests
Central Cee attended the same school as fellow rapper Digga D, though he was two years his senior.
He was known for keeping to himself during his school years, occasionally misbehaving and losing his temper. At the age of 14, a friend introduced him to a music studio near Wandsworth Bridge, sparking his interest in pursuing music professionally. Before this, he briefly worked at a shoe store but quit after discovering the low wages. Subsequently, he turned to selling drugs to earn money, a decision he later reflected on as a common path for many in his community.
Musical Career and Breakthrough
Early Career (2014–2020)
Central Cee began his music career in 2014, initially gaining attention with his drill singles “Day in the Life” and “Loading” in 2020. These tracks showcased his distinctive style and lyrical prowess, marking the beginning of his rise in the UK rap scene.
Mixtapes and Mainstream Success
In 2021, Central Cee released his debut mixtape, Wild West, which debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart. The following year, he released 23, which topped the chart, further solidifying his position in the industry.
Singles and Collaborations
Central Cee’s 2022 single “Doja” peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart and became the most-streamed UK rap song on Spotify at the time. In 2023, he collaborated with rapper Dave on the single “Sprinter,” which debuted at number one in the UK and became the longest-running number-one rap song in the UK, holding the position for 10 weeks.
Recent Achievements
Album Release: Can’t Rush Greatness (2025)
In 2025, Central Cee released his debut studio album, Can’t Rush Greatness, through Columbia Records. The album debuted at number one on the UK Albums Chart and number nine on the Billboard 200, marking the first top-ten UK rap album in America.
Collaborations with International Artists
Central Cee has expanded his musical reach through collaborations with international artists. In 2024, he featured on Nigerian artist Asake‘s single “Wave,” blending UK drill with Afrobeat influences. Additionally, he joined forces with The Kid LAROI and Jung Kook of BTS on the track “Too Much,” which debuted at number 10 on the Billboard Global Excl. US chart.
Awards and Recognition
Central Cee has received numerous accolades throughout his career. At the 2025 MOBO Awards, he won the Best Male Act award for the second consecutive year, tying with Stormzy as the most-awarded rapper in the MOBO Awards’ history .
Personal Life
Central Cee maintains a relatively private personal life. He has expressed a desire to avoid being confined to a single genre, stating, “I don’t want to be boxed in as a drill rapper.” His music often reflects his experiences and observations, resonating with a wide audience.
Conclusion
Central Cee’s journey from the streets of West London to international stardom is a testament to his talent, resilience, and versatility. With his unique blend of UK drill, rap, and global influences, he continues to shape the future of British music, earning recognition both at home and abroad.
