January 2, 2013 11:17

Tupac named as most popular artist among British prisoners

The rapper was the most requested artist on National Prison Radio in 2012

Photo: PA

Tupac has been named the most popular artist among British prisoners.

The rapper tops a list of the most requested artists compiled by National Prison Radio, which broadcasts to all 84,000 inmates in the UK. During 2012, some 4,000 music-loving inmates requested songs on the station.

Jamaican dancehall artist Vybz Kartel places second on the list, while rapper K Koke comes in third. Rihanna, who follows in fourth, is the only female artist to appear in the top 20.

Meanwhile, the rest of the top 20 features a mixture of hip-hop stars including Eminem and Lil Wayne, metal bands Metallica and Slipknot, and reggae legends Bob Marley and UB40.

Commenting on the list, an NPR radio host told The Mirror: "Listening to something heavy can be a healthy release from prison life."

The top 20 artists in full:

1. Tupac
2. Vybz Kartel
3. K Koke
4. Rihanna
5. Drake
6. Akon
7. Metallica
8. Pink Floyd
9. Biggy Smalls
10. Gyptian
11. Jah Cure
12. Slipknot
13. UB40
14. Bob Marley
15. Lil Wayne
16. Eminem
17. Evanescence
18. Mavado
19. Devlin
20. Giggs

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