Bugzy Malone, born Aaron Daniel Davies on December 20, 1990, is a renowned British rapper and actor hailing from England. He is a pivotal figure in the “Grime Revival,” reshaping the UK Urban music landscape away from commercial-oriented sounds. Notably, he stands as the first artist to achieve commercial success in the grime genre. His album “King of the North,” released on July 14, 2017, reached an impressive No. 4 on the UK album chart.
Bugzy Malone Early Life and Challenges
Bugzy Malone, originally Aaron Davies, was born at Withington Community Hospital and raised in Crumpsall, Manchester. He grew up in a family shadowed by criminal activities, which greatly impacted his upbringing. Struggling with poverty, domestic violence, and gang involvement, he faced numerous challenges. His biological father was absent from his childhood, and he considered his stepfather a role model until his parents’ divorce due to domestic abuse.
His youth was marred by a cycle of criminality, leading to his involvement in criminal activities from the tender age of eleven. These actions eventually resulted in his expulsion from secondary school at fourteen. His journey took a darker turn at sixteen when he was arrested and sent to HMP Stoke Heath, causing him to miss completing his GCSE exams. However, determined to escape this cycle, he turned to boxing as a way to steer clear of crime after leaving prison at seventeen.
Turning to Music and Rapping
Moving closer to his biological father in Marple, Greater Manchester, Bugzy Malone’s path shifted when he discovered the influential “Risky Roadz” DVD series, which had also inspired the likes of Wiley, Dizzee Rascal, and Skepta. Around the age of twenty, he was encouraged to explore rapping after watching these DVDs. Initially treating music as a side hobby to his boxing career, he began rapping with friends.
His nickname “Bugz,” acquired at thirteen due to his gang affiliation, stuck with him. During his time in prison, he was given the moniker “Bugzy Malone.” He released his first mixtape “SwaggaMan” in 2010 and gained attention by freestyling for various YouTube channels focused on grime and urban music.
Career Breakthrough and Notable Achievements
Bugzy Malone’s second mixtape “Why So Serious” in 2011, inspired by Batman: The Dark Knight Rises, garnered significant attention. The music video for “Hip Hop Heavy Metal” from this mixtape reached 1.3 million views on YouTube. His third mixtape, “Lost In Meanwhile City,” followed in 2012, further establishing his presence.
His fourth mixtape, “Journal of an Evil Genius,” announced in 2014, propelled him into greater recognition. A milestone came when his “Spitfire” video, released on September 7, 2014, gained over a million views, boosting his popularity in Manchester. This culminated in a performance on “Fire in the Booth” with Charlie Sloth on BBC Radio 1Xtra.
Bugzy Malone’s journey continued with numerous mixtapes and collaborations, ultimately leading to his status as a successful rapper. His notable singles include “Zombie Riddim,” “Clash of the Titans,” “Cause a Commotion,” and “Welcome to the Hood.”
Bugzy Malone Personal Life and Net Worth
In his personal life, Bugzy Malone is in a relationship with his girlfriend, affectionately known as “Boo-Boo.” Their bond has been a driving force behind his success. He proposed to her during a trip to Paris in December 2010. His estimated net worth is around $2 million, a testament to his hard work and accomplishments in the music industry.
Conclusion
Bugzy Malone’s journey from a challenging upbringing to becoming a prominent figure in the grime scene showcases his determination and resilience. Overcoming adversities and carving a path in the music world, he stands as an inspiration to many. With a remarkable discography and an unyielding spirit, Bugzy Malone’s impact on British music and culture continues to shine brightly.
