Jim Legxacy is already a known name in the UK. In 2023 he co-wrote and co-produced “Sprinter” for Dave and Central Cee, which Pigeons & Planes notes spent 10 weeks at No. 1 in the UK. In 2026 he was runner-up in the BBC Radio 1 Sound of 2026 poll, earned two BRIT nominations and won Best Male Act at the MOBO Awards in Manchester on March 26. In the United States, he is still early.
Background
He was born James Olaloye in Lewisham, South London, to Nigerian parents, and NME reported his age as 25 in January 2026. He signed to XL Recordings in October 2024 and marked it with the single “aggressive.”
The sound
He raps, sings and produces. AEG Presents lists R&B, soul, grime, Afrobeats and alternative music among his influences. Stereogum called him an inventive shapeshifter and described his March single “idk idk” as a soul-sampled beat that turns into gospel-influenced dance music.
The records
His breakthrough project is the mixtape black british music (2025), released July 18, 2025, on XL, with singles including “father,” “stick” and “3x” with Dave. His most recent release is “idk idk,” out March 24, 2026. He has not yet released a debut studio album.
Why now
Stereogum reported in March that he was booked for Lollapalooza, Osheaga and Outside Lands. With a MOBO win behind him and no album yet, whatever he releases next will be his first full-length statement.
Official links
Sources
- NME: BBC Sound of 2026 winner and top five
- Official Charts: MOBO Awards 2026 winners
- DJ Mag: BRITs 2026 nominees
- The BRIT Awards 2026 winners
- The Quietus: Jim Legxacy signs to XL Recordings
- XL Recordings: Jim Legxacy
- Stereogum: Jim Legxacy, idk idk
- AEG Presents: Jim Legxacy
- Pigeons & Planes: 26 Artists to Watch in 2026
