GQ HYPE Digital Cover: Central Cee

During a meet and greet event at his Chengdu concert last month, UK rapper Central Cee had a surprising encounter with a local fan. A little girl rapped lines from the rapper’s hit song Band4Band (ft. Lil Baby) back to him with swag akin to that of a seasoned professional and an endearing sense of enthusiasm. “She knew every lyric word for word, and was proper confident as well,” said the artist, who documented the moment via video on his YouTube vlog series. “Things like this mean alot, it’s a memory for both of us.”

From West London to Chengdu and far beyond, Central Cee’s global fandom has grown rapidly since he dropped his breakout singles Loading and Day in the Life in 2020. The West London rapper has gone on to become an unofficial ambassador for the UK rap scene, engaging diverse audiences through his blending rap with a narrative driven approach and smoothly delivered lyrics. 

The rapper has had an eventful start to 2026, kicking off the final and Asian leg of his Can’t Rush Greatness Tour, the same title of his 2025 debut studio album. The end of the tour coincides with the release of his latest EP All Roads Lead Home, which features tracks such as Iceman Freestyle, Slaughter House (ft. J. Hus) and the recently released Wagwan. On his last tour stop in Bangkok, Central Cee met GQ Hong Kong for an exclusive photoshoot and shared his insights on his tour and creative journey thus far.  

You’ve just finished the Can’t Rush Greatness Asia Tour. What have been some of the highlights?
It’s been good still. The love’s been mad. Just seeing that people know the bars so far from home, that’s probably the highlight for me. I’m proper grateful for everyone who supports me.

What’s been the response from Asian fans so far? Has it been what you were expecting?
You don’t really know until you come here—it’s special. But I know the energy’s been there, people know the songs, they’re tuned in.

Did you get to spend some time in Hong Kong? If so, what do you like about the city?
Yeah but only a little bit due to the schedule. It’s busy, fast-paced. I like that though. The food’s good, people are good people. I didn’t really get to see everything properly as being on tour means time is tight; but I’ll be back.

This is your second time performing in Hong Kong, since Clockenflap 2024, how did your experiences differ?
A festival is a different experience to your own tour. Clockenflap was good, a lot of people were there for me and the energy was proper but naturally, there are lots of people there for other acts too. The vibe is always twice as good when people are coming to your own shows and your own tour. It felt good to bring the CRG tour around the world.

If you could pick one song from your forthcoming EP, All Roads Lead Home, which one would you say best encapsulates your state of mind or how you’re feeling at this moment in your life? Why?
I never want to pick one tune because I change my mind a lot but maybe right now it would be Wagwan. That’s how I’m feeling right now and that’s why it’s the lead single. Get people ready for summer and good vibes.

Is there an overarching conceptual theme for All Roads Lead Home? How would you characterise the EP? What can fans expect from it?
It’s more about the journey. No matter what’s going on, everything kind of comes back to where I started. It’s still me but I’ve also experienced so many new things. We always come back home at the end of the day. 

For your single Iceman Freestyle, what inspired the concept for the music video? It’s known that you’re not a fan of wearing suits or tailored looks, but in this video you’re suited up. How did that come about?
It was more about us continuing from the livestream with Drake. The suit was a direct nod to that. I don’t really dress like that usually, only a couple times, but it worked for what we were trying to do and the video concept.

What do you think makes UK Rap stand out?
It’s probably different for everyone but to me, it’s real. People are talking about what they’ve actually lived, or seen. That’s why it connects, I think. There are so many names in UK Rap who’ve paved the way for newer generations—gotta pay homage to those always. It’s good to see how UK rap can evolve and change over time too, but the roots are undeniable.

How would you characterise your creative journey since your breakout moment in 2020 with the release of Loading and Day in the Life?
I’ve learned a lot. At the start you’re just trying to find the rhythm, now it’s more about staying there and building on it and enjoying it while we can. I’m trying to be in the moment more and take it all in. Staying grounded, keeping my people around me. Sharing the experience with as many people as I can.

How do you challenge yourself creatively now?
I think having time to be inspired and explore is key for me. Even on tour, I always want to experience the different places I’m blessed enough to visit. I’m very blessed to get to see so much of the world. I don’t take it for granted.

What advice do you have for aspiring rappers and musicians?
Just stay consistent and be patient. You can’t rush it. Keep good people around you and be yourself.

Photography: Ken Ngan
Editorial Director: Jumius Wong 
Styling: Jenine Oh
Creative Producer: Marina Fairfax
Producer: Naree Apichaimongkol
Co-producer: Amornrat Chanwimaluang 
Production Manager: Boonsita Limprasert
Barber: Leeo Critchlow
Make Up: Zazee Kanoksirisirachot
Fashion Assistant: Tung Kam
Tailor: Nanuttida Pattanaruengchai
Gaffer: Po Lun Ku
Photography Assistant: Chakkrit Thongsom 
Lighting Assistants: Gittiphong Wongpaen, Satorn Jaisri, Thanakorn Kantaponthanat 
Photo Retoucher: EMRE