U.S. Labels Eyeing Masked U.K. Rapper EsDeeKid

Algorithm-approved, masked U.K. rapper EsDeeKid may not be actor Timothée Chalamet in real life, as alleged by recent memes, but the rising Scouser is whipping up a frenzy on the charts, with new peaks Wednesday at Spotify.

"4 Raws" flies 111-71 on Spot U.S. and 189-124 at global, while "Phantom," featuring Rico Ace, rises 126-101 and 80-72 on the same tallies.

On the Official U.K. Charts, "Phantom" is at a new peak of #15 in its 10th week, with "Century" one spot below and "4 Raws" jumping 43-35. Only "4 Raws" is found on the artist's June debut for indie Lizzy Records, Rebel, distribbed via ADA, which inches 19-16 on this week's U.K. Albums list.

There has been considerable attention from the usual suspects stateside, but no label deal is done.

Booked by Wasserman Music's Fred Zahedinia, DeeKid played his first proper concerts in the U.K. and Europe this summer and will embark on his maiden North American tour beginning Jan. 30 in Montreal.

Resale prices for a Feb. 6 New York show at the 550-capacity Bowery Ballroom have reached eye-popping levels more than two months in advance.

EsDeeKid follows in the grand tradition of Brit celebs who conceal their identities, to wit: Banksy and Sleep Token's Vessel. It's been suggested that this might be a good idea for us as well, even if people know who we are.