Aitch (rapper) explained

Aitch
Birth Date:9 December 1999
Birth Place:New Moston, Manchester, England[1]
Genre:British hip hop
Years Active:2015–present

Harrison James Armstrong (born 9 December 1999), known professionally as Aitch, is a British rapper from Manchester. He rose to fame in 2018 with the track "Straight Rhymez".[2] His debut studio album Close to Home (2022) reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.[3]

Aitch has released nine top 100 singles in the UK, including "Taste (Make It Shake)" and "Baby", which both peaked at number two on the UK Singles Chart.[4] [5] [6] The name "Aitch" derives from the pronunciation of the letter 'h', which is the first letter of his given name.

Early life

Harrison James Armstrong was born on 9 December 1999 in New Moston, Manchester.[7] He is a supporter of the football club Manchester United.[8] After leaving school, he went to college and played sports, but eventually dropped out and worked in construction with his grandfather.

Career

2015: Beginnings

Aitch first garnered attention in 2015 when a YouTube video of him rapping to friends gained local popularity. He originally did not want the video published, but changed his mind when it gained 10,000 views. A friend continued uploading Aitch's freestyles to see if it would gain more views.

2016–2018: Freestyles, On Your Marks and Breakthrough

Aitch made multiple appearances on the P110 YouTube channel, starting in September 2016 with a freestyle. In June 2017, he premiered his song "Back To Basics" on the channel. On 9 December 2017, he released his EP, On Your Marks.[9] In May 2018, he released his breakthrough track "Straight Rhymez", earning him national attention.

2019–present: AitcH2O, Polaris and Close to Home

In August 2019, he released his song "Taste (Make It Shake)" which became his biggest song at the time, peaking at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. He then released his second EP, AitcH2O, in September, which reached number three on the UK Albums Chart.[10] In March 2020, he collaborated with AJ Tracey and Tay Keith on the track "Rain" which peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart.. In May, his third EP, Polaris was released.[11] In June 2021, Aitch released the single "Learning Curve". He followed this up with "Party Round My Place" in September.

In 2021, Aitch appeared on Never Mind the Buzzcocks.

On 3 February 2022, Aitch was featured on ArrDee's single "War".[12] The single debuted at number 6 on the UK Official Singles Top 100 Chart[13] and debuted at number 21 on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100[14] on 11 February 2022. On 10 March 2022, Aitch released the single "Baby" featuring American singer Ashanti (who is credited as co-lead on the single) which heavily samples the latter's 2003 hit "Rock wit U (Awww Baby)".[15] Less than 24 hours later, the single debuted at number 65 on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100.[16] It debuted on the UK Official Singles Top 100 on 18 March 2022 at number 2.[13]

In August 2022, Aitch released "My G", featuring Ed Sheeran, which is about Aitch's sister Gracie who has Down syndrome.[17] His debut studio album, Close to Home was released on 19 August 2022, and reached number two on the UK Albums Chart.

On 9 September 2023, he performed during the half time of the Sidemen Charity Match at the London Stadium.

Discography

Studio albums

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
DetailsPeak chart positions
UK
AUS
[18]
BEL
(FL)

[19]
IRE
NLD
[20]
Close to Home 2 52 169 24 46

Extended plays

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
DetailsPeak chart positionsCertifications
UK
IRE
On Your Marks
  • Released: 9 December 2017[21]
  • Label: NQ Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
AitcH2O
  • Released: 6 September 2019[22]
  • Label: Since 93[23]
  • Format: CD, vinyl, digital download, streaming
3 18
Polaris
  • Released: 29 May 2020[25]
  • Label: Infinitum Records
  • Format: CD, digital download, streaming
7 50
Lost Files
  • Released: 17 November 2023[26]
  • Label: Infinitum Records, NQ Records
  • Format: Digital download, streaming, USB
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

As lead artist

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
[27]
AUS
[28]
IRE
[29]
LBN
[30]
SCO
[31]
"Blitzed"[32]
(featuring Kay Rico)
2018rowspan="8"
"Vibsing"[33]
"Daily Duppy"[34]
(featuring GRM Daily)
  • BPI: Silver
"Trust Me"[35]
"Straight Rhymez"[36]
  • BPI: Silver
"Miss Me with It"[37]
"Wait"[38] 2019
"On the Way Home"[39]
(with Jaykae featuring Bowser Boss)
73
  • BPI: Silver
"Taste (Make It Shake)"2 12 8
  • BPI: Platinum
AitcH2O
"Buss Down"[40]
8 55 74
  • BPI: Platinum
"Mice"[41] 202034 78
"Rain"
3 61 10 23 Polaris
"Raw"[43] 57
"Goyard Batman"[44]
"Safe to Say"[45] 56 85 Polaris
"Learning Curve"[46] 202127 74 rowspan="3"
"GSD"[47] 52
"Party Round My Place"[48]
56
"War"[49]
20226 28
  • BPI: Silver
Pier Pressure
"Baby"
2 5
  • BPI: Platinum
  • ARIA: Platinum[50]
Close to Home
"Just Coz"[51]
42
"1989"[52] 23 62 Close to Home
"In Disguise"[53]
"My G"
6 32
  • BPI: Gold
"Psycho"
5 8 19
  • BPI: Platinum
Unhealthy
"Round 2"[54] 2023rowspan="4"
"Hide N Seek"[55]
"Tip Toes"[56]
52
"Scary"
88
"Landslide"[57]
Lost Files
"Famous Girl"202478 rowspan="3"
"Baddies"
[58]
"Gold Mine"
71
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
AUT
[59]
GER
[60]
IRE
SCO
SWI
[61]
"Strike a Pose"[62]
20199 11 31
  • BPI: 2× Platinum
Plead the 5th
"Kilos"[63]
20 61
  • BPI: Silver
rowspan="3"
"French Kisses"[64]
35 76
  • BPI: Silver
"Kids to Adults"[65]
2020
"12:12 AM / Patients (F*****g Up a Friday)"[66]
Friday Forever
"UFO"[67]
11 52
  • BPI: Platinum
"House & Garage"[68]
202146 Guilty
"Bad"[69]
82
"Bamba"
20221 1 1 Majestic
"Let's Go"
30 84 rowspan="2"
"Grey (Remix)"
2024
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Promotional singles

Title! scope="col"
YearAlbumNotes
"AitcH2O Freestyle"[72] 2019
  • Freestyle released coinciding with the announcement of the AitcH2O EP release date and AitcH20 Tour.[73]
"101Barz Freestyle"[74] 2020
  • Recording of the freestyle performed for the 101Barz YouTube channel.[75]
"Murdaside (Remix)"
2024

Other charted and certified songs

Title! scope="col" rowspan="2"
YearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
UK
IRE
"Already"
201943 AitcH2O
"Pop Boy"
  • BPI: Silver
Heavy Is the Head
"Ei8ht Mile"
20209 34
  • BPI: Silver
Ei8ht Mile
"30"36 91Polaris
"Parlez-vous anglais"
24 47Edna
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other guest appearances

Title! scope="col"
YearOther artist(s)Album
"Know Better" (Remix)[76] 2019Kay Ricorowspan="1"
"Keisha & Becky" (Remix)[77] Russ Millions, Tion Wayne, Jay1, Sav'o and SwarmzT Wayne's World 3
"Take Me Back to London" (Sir Spyro Remix)Ed Sheeran, Stormzy, Jaykae
"Ei8ht Mile"[78] 2020DigDatEi8ht Mile
"Moving Naughty"[79] GRM Daily, B YoungGRM 10
"Parlez-Vous Anglais"Headie OneEdna
"Latest Trends" (Remix)[80] 2021A1 x J1
"Operation Fortress"[81] 2023D-Block EuropeDBE World

Awards and nominations

Award nominations for Aitch
Year OrganisationAwardWorkResult
2020NMEEssential New Artists for 2020[82]
Brit AwardsBest New Artist[83] Himself
2023Brit AwardsBritish Hip Hop/Grime/Rap ActHimself
Song of the Year"Baby"

Notes and References

  1. News: 'Ed Sheeran wanted a normal day out in Moston' – Manc rapper Aitch spills the beans on pop megastar's day in local greasy spoon . Sue . David . . 13 September 2019 . 20 July 2020 . 20 July 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200720133638/https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/aitch-ed-sheeran-new-moston-16903044.amp . live .
  2. News: Who is Aitch? Get to know the Manchester rapper taking over the charts. Ainsley. Helen. 14 August 2019. 21 August 2019. Official Charts. https://web.archive.org/web/20190814154947/https://www.officialcharts.com/chart-news/who-is-aitch-get-to-know-the-manchester-rapper-taking-over-the-charts__27066/. 14 August 2019. live.
  3. Web site: Aitch full Official Chart History Official Charts Company . 28 February 2023 . www.officialcharts.com.
  4. Web site: Zangba . Thomson . A1 x J1 and Aitch release a music video for their 'Latest Trends (Remix)' single. 13 August 2021. Bong Mines Entertainment. 11 March 2021 .
  5. News: The rap rundown: Aitch's real name and nickname explained!. Weston. Christopher. HITC. 21 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190821193338/https://www.hitc.com/en-gb/2019/08/05/aitch-real-name-rap-name-meaning-uk-rapper/page/1/. 21 August 2019. live.
  6. Web site: Official Singles Chart Top 100 Official Charts Company. 13 August 2021. Official Charts Company. en. 4 July 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200704182731/https://www.officialcharts.com/charts/singles-chart/. live.
  7. Web site: 10 facts you need to know about 'Rain' rapper Aitch. Capital Xtra. 2 March 2022.
  8. News: Revealed: Our new away kit for 2019/20 . Manchester United F.C. . 12 July 2019 . 31 January 2021 . 6 February 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210206143730/https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/new-adidas-manchester-united-away-kit-for-2019-20-revealed . live .
  9. Web site: On Your Marks by Aitch. 11 January 2022. Genius. en.
  10. Web site: AitcH2O by Aitch. 11 January 2022. Genius. en.
  11. Web site: 29 May 2020. Listen to Aitch's new EP 'Polaris'. 11 January 2022. NME. en-GB.
  12. Web site: ArrDee and Aitch link up on rip-roaring new track 'War'. NME. Lavin. Will. 4 February 2022. 11 February 2022.
  13. Web site: Official Singles Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company. Official Charts.
  14. Web site: Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 | Official Charts Company. Official Charts.
  15. Web site: Aitch shares summery video for new single 'Baby'. NME. 10 March 2022.
  16. Web site: Official Singles Sales Chart Top 100 – 11 March 2022 – 17 March 2022. Official Charts. 11 March 2022. 11 March 2022.
  17. Web site: Aitch Shares Heartwarming Video For Ed Sheeran Collab 'My G'. Daly. Rhian. Yahoo. 19 August 2022. 21 August 2022.
  18. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 29 August 2022. The ARIA Report. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1695. 6. 29 August 2022.
  19. Web site: Aitch – Close To Home. Ultratop. nl. 28 August 2022.
  20. Web site: Discographie Aitch. dutchcharts.nl. nl. 28 August 2022.
  21. Web site: On Your Marks by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 9 December 2017. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827082041/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/on-your-marks/1322020210. 27 August 2019. live.
  22. Web site: AitcH2O by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 27 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827094118/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/aitch2o/1475639903. 27 August 2019. live.
  23. Web site: Aitch releases his debut EP, 'AitcH2O' . Sony Music UK . 6 September 2019 . 23 July 2021 . 23 July 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20210723180656/https://www.sonymusic.co.uk/aitch-releases-his-debut-ep-aitch2o/ . live .
  24. United Kingdom. Aitch. 20 July 2024.
  25. Web site: My New EP Polaris Out At Midnight Milky WayDizzy symbol Big Up The Fans Who Keep Man Motivated & Big Up My Team Behind The Scenes – Str8 Rap, As Always. Nothing More Nothing Less #Polaris. Twitter. 28 May 2020. 28 May 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200528182756/https://twitter.com/OfficialAitch/status/1265963899167399937. live.
  26. Aitch says the 'Lost Files' EP is "just pure vibes" and "for my old-school fans". Williams. Kyan-Sian. Clash. 16 November 2023. 24 December 2023.
  27. Web site: AITCH – full Official Charts History. Official Charts Company. 27 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190821194630/https://www.officialcharts.com/artist/54685/aitch/. 21 August 2019. live.
  28. The ARIA Report: Week Commencing 22 June 2020. Australian Recording Industry Association. 1581. 22 June 2020.
  29. Web site: Discography Aitch. irishcharts.com. 3 October 2019.
  30. Web site: The Official Lebanese Top 20 - Anne Marie Chart History. The Official Lebanese Top 20. 10 January 2023.
  31. Peak positions on the Official Scottish Singles Sales Chart:
  32. Web site: Blitzed (feat. Kay Rico) – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 31 January 2018. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827082037/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/blitzed-feat-kay-rico-single/1342477663. 27 August 2019. live.
  33. Web site: Vibsing – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 4 April 2018. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190827095632/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/vibsing-single/1369503180. 27 August 2019. live.
  34. Web site: Daily Duppy (feat. GRM Daily) – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 12 November 2018. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080222/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/daily-duppy-feat-grm-daily-single/1441775254. 28 August 2019. live.
  35. Web site: Trust Me – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 23 November 2018. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080227/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/trust-me-single/1441685879. 28 August 2019. live.
  36. Web site: Straight Rhymez – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 8 December 2018. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080223/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/straight-rhymez-single/1445391466. 28 August 2019. live.
  37. Web site: Miss Me With It – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 25 December 2018. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080224/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/miss-me-with-it-single/1447380878. 28 August 2019. live.
  38. Web site: Wait – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 11 January 2019. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080221/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/wait-single/1447535972. 28 August 2019. live.
  39. Web site: On the Way Home (feat. Bowser Boss) – Single by JayKae & Aitch. iTunes Store. May 2019. 7 May 2019.
  40. Web site: Aitch unleashes new single "Buss Down" featuring ZieZie. GRM Daily. 2 September 2019. 4 September 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190904083040/http://grmdaily.com/aitch-buss-down-audio. 4 September 2019. live.
  41. Web site: MICE – Single by Aitch. Apple Music. 19 February 2020. 20 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200412160249/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/mice-single/1497945466. 12 April 2020. live.
  42. Australia. single. 2021. 7 July 2021.
  43. Web site: Raw – Single by Aitch. Apple Music. 21 May 2020. 26 May 2020. 1 August 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200801173754/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/raw-single/1513611722. live.
  44. Web site: Goyard Batman - Single by The Plug, Lil Pump, Aitch. Apple Music. 5 June 2023.
  45. Web site: Aitch releases new single 'Safe To Say'. totalntertainment.com. 26 August 2020. 20 August 2020. 18 September 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200918094758/https://www.totalntertainment.com/music/aitch-releases-new-single-safe-to-say/. live.
  46. Web site: Listen to Aitch's summer-ready new single 'Learning Curve'. NME. Richards. Will. 25 June 2021. 30 June 2021. 9 July 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210709181322/https://www.nme.com/en_au/news/music/listen-to-aitchs-summer-ready-new-single-learning-curve-2979057. live.
  47. Web site: GSD – Single by Aitch. Apple Music. 12 August 2021. 25 October 2021.
  48. Web site: Party Round My Place (feat. Avelino) – Single by Aitch. Apple Music. 23 September 2021. 25 October 2021.
  49. Web site: ArrDee and Aitch link up on rip-roaring new track 'War'. NME. Will. Lavin. 5 June 2023. 4 February 2022.
  50. Australia. 2023. 18 June 2024.
  51. Web site: Just Coz - Single by Aitch & Giggs. Apple Music. 5 June 2023.
  52. Web site: Aitch announces long-awaited debut album 'Close to Home'. GRM Daily. 18 May 2022. 19 May 2022.
  53. Web site: Aitch unites with Bakar on new single "In Disguise". Line of Best Fit. 20 June 2022. 5 June 2023. Cerys. Kenneally.
  54. Web site: Round 2 - Single by Aitch. Apple Music. 5 June 2023.
  55. Web site: Hide N Seek (feat. Taet) - Single by Toddla T & Aitch. Apple Music. 5 June 2023.
  56. Web site: Tip Toes - Single by Clavish & Aitch. Apple Music. 8 September 2023.
  57. Aitch shares swaggering new single 'Landslide' featuring Nafe Smallz. Aubrey. Elizabeth. Clash. 3 November 2023. 24 December 2023.
  58. Web site: Aitch & Luciano unite for "Baddies". GRM Daily. 7 June 2024. 20 June 2024. Naimah. Archibald-Powell.
  59. Web site: Discographie Aitch. 25 October 2022.
  60. Web site: Discographie Aitch. Media Control. 25 October 2022.
  61. Web site: Discographie Aitch. Hung Medien. 25 October 2022.
  62. Web site: Strike a Pose (feat. Aitch) – Single by Young T & Bugsey on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 8 June 2019. 27 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190729110524/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/strike-a-pose-feat-aitch-single/1466760962. 29 July 2019. live.
  63. Web site: Kilos (feat. Aitch) – Single by Bugzy Malone on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 21 June 2019. 27 August 2019.
  64. Web site: French Kisses (feat. Aitch) – Single by ZieZie on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 21 November 2019. 28 November 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20191128161412/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/french-kisses-feat-aitch-single/1488507439. 28 November 2019. live.
  65. Web site: Kids to Adults (feat. Aitch) – Single by Tasha. iTunes Store. 29 January 2020. 20 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200412160251/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/kids-to-adults-feat-aitch-single/1497412692. 12 April 2020. live.
  66. Web site: 12:12 AM / PATIENTS (F*****G UP a FRIDAY) [feat. Aitch & Infinite Coles] – Single by Everything Is Recorded]. iTunes Store. 6 February 2020. 20 February 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200412144533/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/12-12-am-patients-f-g-up-friday-feat-aitch-infinite/1496499225. 12 April 2020. live.
  67. Web site: D Block Europe announce debut album, share new single 'UFO' featuring Aitch. NME. 23 November 2020. 2 October 2020. Will. Lavin. 15 December 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20201215015209/https://www.nme.com/news/music/d-block-europe-announce-debut-album-share-new-single-ufo-featuring-aitch-2767893. live.
  68. Web site: House & Garage (feat. Aitch) – Single by Morrison. Apple Music. 29 May 2021. 25 October 2021.
  69. Web site: Bad (feat. Aitch) – Single by Pa Salieu. Apple Music. 14 October 2021. 25 October 2021.
  70. Web site: Gold-/Platin-Datenbank. Gold and platinum database. Bundesverband Musikindustrie. de. 3 September 2023.
  71. Web site: Gold & Platin. Gold and platinum. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. de. 3 September 2023.
  72. Web site: AitcH2O Freestyle – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 7 August 2019. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828080224/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/aitch2o-freestyle-single/1475630981. 28 August 2019. live.
  73. Web site: Aitch announces 'AitcH20' EP and tour with brand new freestyle. 8 August 2019. rwdmag.com. 4 September 2019. Grant. Brydon. https://web.archive.org/web/20190904122303/https://rwdmag.com/aitch-announces-aitch20-ep-with-brand-new-freestyle/. 4 September 2019. live.
  74. Web site: 101Barz Freestyle – Single by Aitch on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 10 April 2020. 28 May 2020.
  75. Web site: Aitch – Studiosessie 334 – 101Barz. YouTube. 10 April 2020. 28 May 2020. 25 April 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200425082737/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evB4PXIjO9w&gl=US&hl=en. live.
  76. Web site: Know Better (feat. Aitch) [Remix] – Single by Kay Rico on Apple Music]. iTunes Store. April 2019. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190828081602/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/know-better-feat-aitch-remix-single/1457838584. 28 August 2019. live.
  77. Web site: Keisha & Becky (Remix) – Single by Russ splash, Tion Wayne, Aitch, Swarmz, Savo & JAY1 on Apple Music. iTunes Store. 11 April 2019. 28 August 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190825182131/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/keisha-becky-remix-single/1458899022. 25 August 2019. live.
  78. Web site: Ei8ht Mile by DigDat. iTunes Store. 17 January 2020. 22 January 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200412160253/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/ei8ht-mile/1491944414. 12 April 2020. live.
  79. Web site: GRM 10 by GRM Daily. Apple Music. 19 June 2020. 22 June 2020. 27 June 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200627011329/https://music.apple.com/gb/album/grm-10/1517669836. live.
  80. Web site: Latest Trends (Remix) – Single by A1 x J1. Apple Music. 11 March 2021. 15 March 2021.
  81. Web site: Operation Fortress by D-Block Europe. Apple Music. 7 July 2023.
  82. Web site: The NME 100: Essential new artists for 2020. NME. 3 January 2020. 22 April 2020. Thomas. Smith. https://web.archive.org/web/20200401224612/https://www.nme.com/blogs/nme-radar/nme-100-essential-new-artists-for-2020-2592024. 1 April 2020. live.
  83. Web site: Best New Artist nominees announced!. 6 July 2020. BRIT Awards. en. 11 January 2020. https://web.archive.org/web/20200111184707/https://www.brits.co.uk/news/best-new-artist-nominees-announced. live.