Harrison James Armstrong, known professionally as Aitch, is a British rapper hailing from New Moston, Manchester. Born on December 9, 1999, Aitch’s early life was marked by a passion for music and sports. A devoted supporter of Manchester United, he initially pursued sports in college before dropping out to work in construction with his grandfather. His journey into music began in 2015 when a YouTube video of him rapping to friends gained unexpected local popularity. Initially hesitant about the video’s release, Aitch changed his mind when it quickly amassed 10,000 views, prompting his friend to continue uploading his freestyles.

Aitch’s career began to take shape between 2016 and 2018. He made several appearances on the P110 YouTube channel, starting with a freestyle in September 2016. His song “Back To Basics” premiered on the channel in June 2017, followed by the release of his EP On Your Marks in December 2017. His breakthrough came in May 2018 with the track “Straight Rhymez,” which garnered national attention and showcased his lyrical prowess and unique style.

The rapper’s rise to fame accelerated in 2019 with the release of his song “Taste (Make It Shake),” which peaked at number eight on the UK Singles Chart. This success was followed by his second EP, AitcH2O, in September 2019, which reached number three on the UK Albums Chart. In March 2020, Aitch collaborated with AJ Tracey and Tay Keith on the track “Rain,” which peaked at number three on the UK Singles Chart, further cementing his status in the British rap scene. His third EP, Polaris, was released in May 2020, showcasing his versatility and growth as an artist.

Aitch’s momentum continued in 2021 with the release of singles like “Learning Curve” and “Party Round My Place.” He also made a notable appearance on the television show Never Mind the Buzzcocks. In early 2022, Aitch featured on ArrDee’s single “War,” which debuted at number six on the UK Official Singles Top 100 Chart. March 2022 saw the release of “Baby,” a single featuring American singer Ashanti, which heavily sampled her 2003 hit “Rock wit U (Awww Baby).” The single debuted at number 65 on the UK Official Singles Sales Chart and later peaked at number two on the UK Official Singles Top 100.

In August 2022, Aitch released “My G,” featuring Ed Sheeran, a heartfelt track dedicated to his sister Gracie, who has Down syndrome. This single was part of his debut studio album, Close to Home, released on August 19, 2022. The album received critical acclaim and reached number two on the UK Albums Chart, highlighting Aitch’s ability to blend personal themes with commercial appeal.

Aitch continued to make headlines with his performance during the halftime of the Sidemen Charity Match at the London Stadium on September 9, 2023. His career, marked by rapid success and a series of hit singles, reflects his talent and determination to make a lasting impact on the music industry. With nine top 10 singles in the UK, including chart-toppers like “Taste (Make It Shake)” and “Baby,” Aitch has established himself as a prominent figure in British rap, known for his sharp lyrics, distinctive voice, and engaging performances.