Gen

Yanick Solarian Charlemagne, better known as Gen, is a Saint Lucia born, UK-raised artist whose sound fuses Caribbean roots with the raw energy of London's Grime. Influenced as a child by legends like Beres Hammond, Buju Banton, 50 Cent and Eminem, he discovered grime as a teenager after moving to East London and began shaping his own voice; blending sharp lyricism, storytelling, and the perspective of navigating mental illness. His breakthrough came after winning the Ghetts & GRM Daily #TheGhettsDown freestyle competition online, which led to collaborations with grime legends and producers including Rude Kid, Jammer, and The HeavyTrackerz—partnerships that continue today—alongside freestyle features on GRM Daily, Bl@ckbox, and Link Up TV. A viral Bl@ckbox Freestyle paved the way for his single Black Magic, which entered the UK Singles Top 5 Pre-order charts, followed by his debut EP Bipolar Opposite which explored themes of bipolar disorder, heartbreak and mental illness - capturing the highs and lows of mania and depression. Inspired by lyrical giants such as Ghetts, Wretch 32, and Kendrick Lamar, he is now preparing to release upcoming projects "GOD’S DARKEST ANGEL" and "Golden Child" while expanding his catalogue through R&B songwriting and ghostwriting for rappers. Refusing to be confined to one genre, Gen continues to push boundaries across grime, rap, garage, afro and drill, cementing his reputation as one of London’s most versatile and distinctive voices.