Before taking the mainstream by storm in 2011, Wretch 32 spent years tirelessly cultivating a name for himself on the UK underground circuit, developing a rep as one of the scene's most respected figures.

2011 was the year that everything changed for the MC described as the Metaphor Man. The Tottenham rapper is now a number 1 selling artist, with celeb fans in the shape of Adele, Liam Gallagher and Nicki Minaj.

Wretch has a long history with the BBC. He was initially spotted by DJ Cameo, picked up a 1Xtra mixtape award in 2006 and got playlisted by the station for the first time in 2007. His performance on the BBC Introducing Stage at Radio 1's Big Weekend 2009 signified the start of his transformation to mainstream artist, and last year he was named in the Sound of 2011 list.

Spring/Summer is set to be a busy time for the star; as well as supporting Example at arenas across the country he is preparing to embark on another headline tour in April, before returning to home soil and rocking the stage at Hackney 2012.

• Read more about Wretch 32 on BBC Music

• Sane's The New Mad
• Unorthodox
• Blur
• Don't Be Afraid
• Me And You
• Earthquake
• Forgiveness
• Hush Little Baby
• Don't Go
• Traktor