Giggs (rapper)’s biography, net worth, fact, career, awards and life story

Nathaniel Thomson (born 11 May 1983), better known by his stage name Giggs, is an English rapper from London. Giggs was signed to XL Recordings in 2009. He is known for his creative wordplay and catchphrases. In 2008 he released his debut studio album Walk in da Park and released a follow-up album, Let Em Ave It the following year peaking at number 35 on the UK Albums Chart. The singles “Don’t Go There” featuring B.o.B and “Look What the Cat Dragged In” both charted in the top 60 of the UK Singles Chart. Giggs released his third studio album When Will It Stop, in October 2013.
In 2016, Giggs released his fourth album Landlord, which entered and peaked at number 2 on the UK Albums Chart – becoming Giggs’ highest-charting album of his career. It is also his most critically acclaimed album.
He is the leader of SN1 (Spare No 1), alongside his brothers Gunna Dee, Joe Grind, Spender and Young Giggs (YG), Kyze and Tiny Boost. The group’s main producers are Boom Productions (a.k.a. BoomBlast), Universe, Pablo Productions, Paws Productions, Bayoz Musik and upcoming music producer Mitz Productions.

Early life

Nathaniel Thompson was raised by his Jamaican single mother in Peckham. He dropped out of school at the age of 16. Originally, he was nicknamed ‘Giggler’ because of his tendency to laugh at inappropriate times; later, this was shortened to ‘Giggs’. He and his SN1 crew were part of the Peckham Boys gang, and in 2003 he was sentenced to two years in prison for carrying a firearm.

Music career

2005–08: Career beginnings and Walk in da Park

After deciding to pursue a music career, he released numerous mixtapes including Hollowman Meets Blade which featured Blade Brown, Welcome to Boomzville, Best of Giggs 1 and 2 and 3 and Ard Bodied, which featured Dubz. His mixtapes have supposedly sold more than 10,000 units. This success helped his popularity expand outside London.

In 2007, Giggs released the track “Talkin’ da Hardest”, which featured Giggs rapping over the instrumental of Stat Quo’s song “Here We Go” originally produced by Dr. Dre. In 2008 he released his debut album Walk in da Park independently. This album helped Giggs’ popularity expand outside London and in 2008 he was nominated for the BET Awards in the US for Best Hip-Hop Act: UK. Giggs won the award beating out more established acts at the time.

2009–12: Let Em Ave It

In August 2009 Giggs signed a record deal with XL Recordings.

Giggs released Let Em Ave It in 2009 and singles released from that album include “Slow Songs” featuring Mike Skinner, “Look What The Cat Dragged In” and “Don’t Go There” featuring American rapper B.o.B. At the Reading Festival in 2010, Giggs appeared on BBC Three, which was his first television appearance, performing his single “Look What The Cat Dragged In”. That year he also appeared on Tinchy Stryder’s single “Game Over” Alongside Chipmunk, Devlin, Example, Tinie Tempah and Professor Green. The single charted at No. 21 in the Official UK Singles Chart. This year he was nominated at the MOBO awards in the Best UK Hip Hop/Grime category. He was then nominated again for the same award in 2011.

In 2012 Giggs was arrested again for firearms along with three other people. All four were charged with possession with intent to endanger life. Giggs was held in Brixton Prison for nearly four months after the arrest. The rapper was later acquitted of all charges.

2013–14: When Will It Stop

In 2013, Giggs released the album When Will It Stop. The album featured artists such as Ed Sheeran and Styles P. It debuted at number21 on the UK Albums Chart, becoming his highest-charting album at the time.

2015–present: Landlord

On 5 August 2016, Giggs released his fourth studio album Landlord independently on SN1 Records. The album features guest appearances from Stormzy, Rico Love, Donae’o and more. It was received well and garnered very positive reviews. Landlord became Giggs’ highest entry on the UK Album Chart, debuting at number 2. The album was preceded by the lead single “Whippin Excursion” and followed up with the club-themed “Lock Doh”.

Also in 2016, Giggs was nominated for several awards at the KA & GRM Daily awards. On the night he walked away with the Artist of the Year Award.

Discography

Studio albums

Mixtapes

• Bloody Raw (2005)
• SN1 – The Beginning (with Gunna Dee & Joe Grind) (2006)
• Best of Giggs (The Real Meaning) (2006)
• Hollow Grind (with Joe Grind) (2006)
• Hollowman Meets Blade (with Blade Brown) (2007)
• Ard Bodied (with Dubz) (2007)
• Best of Giggs 2 (2008)
• Who Said That? (2009)
• Best of Giggs 3 (2010)
• Another Quick One (2010)
• Take Your Hats Off (hosted by DJ Whoo Kid) (2011)
• Every Angle Friday (2011)
• The Final Straw (2011)
• Best of Giggs 4 (2013)
• STR8 Murkin (2014)
• The SN1 Folder (2015)

Singles

Other charted songs

Guest appearances

Music videos

Awards and nominations