Central Cee is the stage name of Oakley Neil Caesar-Su born on June 4, 1998, in Ladbroke Grove, London. He was raised in a multicultural household with an English mother and a father of Chinese and Guyanese descent, Central Cee’s early life was marked by a rich blend of influences. His parents’ separation when he was seven led him to live with his mother and two younger brothers in Shepherd’s Bush, a neighborhood that would shape much of his artistic persona.
Central Cee’s journey into music began in his childhood when he showed a knack for writing poetry and rap. Encouraged by his mother and social worker, he channeled his thoughts and experiences into lyrics. His exposure to diverse musical genres, including American hip-hop, reggae, and dancehall, further enriched his artistic development. Despite facing challenges, such as being kicked out of his mother’s home at age 14, Central Cee remained committed to his passion for music.
In 2014, he made his first public appearance on Charlie Sloth’s “Fire in the Streets” series, adopting the stage name Central Cee. His initial music releases, including the “Ain’t On Nuttin Remix” with J Hus in 2015, showcased his potential but did not immediately propel him to stardom. It wasn’t until 2019, after meeting his future manager YBeeez, and transitioning to a UK drill style, that his career began to gain significant traction.
Central Cee’s breakout came in 2020 with the release of “Day in the Life,” followed by “Loading,” both of which garnered millions of views on GRM Daily and reached the UK Singles Chart. These singles laid the groundwork for his debut mixtape, “Wild West,” released in March 2021. The mixtape debuted at number two on the UK Albums Chart, cementing Central Cee’s status as a rising star in the UK rap scene.
Continuing his momentum, Central Cee released his second mixtape, “23,” in February 2022, which debuted atop the UK Albums Chart. The mixtape featured hits like “Obsessed With You,” which reached number four on the UK Singles Chart. His single “Doja,” released in July 2022, became his highest-charting song, peaking at number two on the UK Singles Chart and becoming the most streamed UK rap song on Spotify.
Central Cee’s success reached new heights in 2023 with the release of “Sprinter,” a collaborative single with Dave, which became his first UK number-one single and held the top spot for 10 weeks. This success was followed by the release of their joint EP, “Split Decision.” He also made his debut on the Billboard Hot 100 with “On the Radar Freestyle” featuring Drake.
Aside from music, Central Cee has made a significant impact in the fashion world, launching his streetwear brand Syna World and modeling for major brands like Nike and Jacquemus. His distinctive style, often featuring tracksuits and puffer jackets, is emblematic of British streetwear culture.
Central Cee’s artistry is influenced by a blend of UK drill and American hip-hop, with inspirations from Kendrick Lamar, J. Cole, Jay-Z, and NBA YoungBoy. His lyrical content often reflects his personal experiences and the gritty realities of urban life.
Central Cee’s rapid ascent in the music industry is a testament to his talent, resilience, and ability to connect with a global audience. As he continues to evolve as an artist, his impact on the UK rap scene and beyond is undeniable.
