Loyle Carner

Loyle Carner, born Benjamin Coyle-Larner, is a rapper and actor from South London whose warm, conversational flow and jazz-inflected production set him apart from much of contemporary UK hip-hop. His stage name grew out of childhood spelling mistakes caused by dyslexia — writing his name backwards as Loyle Carner rather than Coyle-Larner. Diagnosed with ADHD and dyslexia as a child, he has been open about how these experiences shaped both his songwriting and his work outside music, including cooking workshops he runs for young people with similar conditions.

Carner's music is defined by its intimacy: introspective lyrics about family, grief, love and mental health delivered over soulful, often live-instrumented beats rooted in jazz and soul rather than trap or grime. Critics have described his style as confessional hip-hop, and songs such as «Ottolenghi», «Florence» and «Loose Ends» showcase his gentle, thoughtful delivery.

He built his reputation through relentless touring, opening for artists like MF DOOM, Joey Bada$$ and Kate Tempest, and performing at major UK festivals including Glastonbury. Carner has released acclaimed studio albums that explore his relationship with his mother, stepfather and his own experience of fatherhood, cementing his reputation as one of the most distinctive and personal voices in British rap.