EsDeeKid maintains anonymity after All Points East set
The masked rapper EsDeeKid performed a high-energy set at All Points East on Sunday, continuing his rise despite ongoing mystery regarding his true identity.
The masked rapper EsDeeKid performed on the All Points East stage on Sunday night, delivering punchy tracks from the top of a castle. Although he performs with a Scouse accent and only ever reveals his eyes, the artist continues to draw large crowds while remaining anonymous.
When the rapper debuted last year, many fans were convinced he was US actor Timothée Chalamet. The actor eventually dismissed these rumors in December by performing alongside the rapper in a new music video. Since that collaboration, conspiracy theories have quieted, but the musician's popularity has grown. EsDeeKid recently announced a 48-date tour titled Council House Rat, which will span the UK, the US, and Europe.
BBC Newsbeat interviewed festivalgoers at the east London event who described the performance as absolutely insane with constant energy. One fan named Isaac noted that there is proof the rapper is not Chalamet and suggested he is likely just a person from Liverpool. Isaac believes that anonymity is beneficial for the underground scene because the industry needs figures without a traditional media presence. The music video featuring Chalamet has garnered 42 million views on TikTok.
Chart success and musical appeal
EsDeeKid released his debut album Rebel in June 2025. It initially debuted at number 82 on the UK Official Albums Charts before eventually climbing to number eight. In the United States, the album peaked at number 23 on the Billboard 200. By the end of last year, his monthly Spotify listens had increased significantly.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| UK Official Albums Charts Debut | 82 |
| UK Official Albums Charts Peak | 8 |
| Billboard 200 Peak | 23 |
nDanil Boparai, a content strategy director at Dazed, believes the hype surrounding the artist is justified. He cites a raw energy and a reluctance to do press interviews. Boparai observed that EsDeeKid has become a voice for Gen Z due to his unique take on rap and a medieval-style fashion aesthetic. The castle-themed set on Sunday was unique compared to previous performances at All Points East or Outbreak festival. Boparai also noted that every song on the debut mixtape became a TikTok anthem.
The value of mystery
The upcoming tour is scheduled to begin in North America in September and will conclude in December with two shows in his hometown of Liverpool. James, who works in event promotion, stated that having a specific aesthetic helps an artist stand out in the industry. Another attendee, Zari, described the presence as mysterious and noted that curiosity is what draws people in. Boparai argued that while the Chalamet rumors may have helped the brand, the music is the crucial factor. He emphasized that EsDeeKid remains authentic by maintaining his distinctive accent and refusing to reveal his face.
