John Glacier: The Complete Bio of the Enigmatic UK Rapper
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Discover the complete bio of John Glacier, the mysterious UK rapper and singer blending avant-garde rap, electronic beats, and poetic lyricism. Learn about her career, influences, and best tracks.
Who Is John Glacier?
John Glacier (real name Shamiya Battles) is a British rapper, singer, and songwriter known for her dreamy, experimental sound that blends hip-hop, electronic, and ambient music. With a style that’s both abstract and deeply personal, she has gained a cult following in the UK underground scene and beyond.
Quick Facts:
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Full Name: Shamiya Battles
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Origin: London, England
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Genres: Experimental Hip-Hop, Electronic, Ambient
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Labels: PLZ Make It Ruins, XL Recordings
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Influences: MF DOOM, Dean Blunt, Burial
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Known For: Ethereal vocals, cryptic lyrics, genre-blurring production
Early Life & Musical Beginnings
Born and raised in London, John Glacier grew up surrounded by the city’s diverse music scene. She was influenced by:
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UK rap and grime
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Underground electronic music
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Abstract hip-hop (e.g., MF DOOM, Earl Sweatshirt)
She began releasing music in the late 2010s, gaining attention for her unique, off-kilter flow and moody, atmospheric beats.
Breakthrough & Musical Style
John Glacier’s sound is hard to pin down—mixing lo-fi rap, ambient textures, and electronic glitches. Her lyrics are often introspective, surreal, and poetic, touching on themes of isolation, self-reflection, and urban life.
Key Elements of Her Music:
✔ Ethereal, whisper-like vocals
✔ Minimalist, bass-heavy production
✔ Abstract, stream-of-consciousness lyrics
✔ Collaborations with avant-garde producers (Iceboy Violet, Vegyn)
Major Releases & Career Highlights
1. Early Work (2018-2020)
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“Slippery When Wet” (2018) – Early SoundCloud loosies
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“Im Drippin In It” (2019) – Gained underground buzz
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“SHILOH: Lost For Words” (2020) – First official project, praised for its raw, unfiltered style
2. Debut Album – “SHILOH: Forgiven” (2021)
Released via PLZ Make It Ruins, this project solidified her place in the experimental rap scene. Standout tracks:
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“Icing” – Hypnotic, bass-driven
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“The Perfect Girl” – Dreamy, melancholic
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“Crème Brûlée” – Jazz-infused, laid-back
3. Signing to XL Recordings & New Music (2022-Present)
After gaining critical acclaim, she signed with XL Recordings (home of Adele, Radiohead, The Prodigy), hinting at bigger projects.
Collaborations & Notable Features
John Glacier has worked with forward-thinking producers and artists, including:
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Vegyn (on “Like A Good Old Friend”)
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Iceboy Violet (UK experimental rapper)
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Dean Blunt (influential UK underground artist)
Why Is John Glacier Unique?
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Mysterious persona (rare interviews, enigmatic image)
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Genre-defying sound (not strictly rap, not strictly electronic)
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Raw, emotional lyricism (feels deeply personal yet universal)
What’s Next for John Glacier?
Fans are eagerly awaiting her next major release, expected to further push boundaries in UK alternative rap. With XL Recordings’ backing, she could break into wider recognition while staying true to her underground roots.
Top 5 John Glacier Songs to Listen To
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“Icing” (SHILOH: Forgiven, 2021)
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“The Perfect Girl” (SHILOH: Forgiven, 2021)
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“Crème Brûlée” (SHILOH: Forgiven, 2021)
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“Like A Good Old Friend” (feat. Vegyn)
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“Im Drippin In It” (Early SoundCloud gem)
Final Thoughts
John Glacier is one of the most intriguing voices in UK rap right now—blending abstract poetry, eerie production, and emotional depth. If you love artists like MF DOOM, Dean Blunt, or Ecco2K, her music is a must-listen.
Follow John Glacier:
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Instagram: @johnglacier
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Spotify: John Glacier
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#JohnGlacier #ExperimentalRap #UKMusic #UndergroundHipHop #SHILOHForgiven #AvantGardeRap