Radio 1Xtra’s first female Rap Show host leaves the station

When Tiffany Calver became the first female presenter of BBC Radio 1 and 1Xtra’s Rap Show at the age of 24, she had no idea what the reaction would be.

He remembers listeners, pundits and even TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson weighing in on him when he starred in the popular series.

Describing herself as a “nerdy girl who loves playing music”, she told BBC Newsbeat that she had never been exposed to so many thoughts before and they “absolutely ate away” at her.

But he’s happy to “ruffle some feathers.”

“That’s when you know you’re making an impact, when change scares people,” he says.

“Fortunately, I don’t think it’s that scary to see a woman in that space anymore.”

His final Radio 1Xtra programme, a pre-recorded programme, will be broadcast later and will mark his seven years on the station.

Tiffany believes it was “very important” for her to reclaim the spot in 2018.

“There are a lot more women in publishing focusing on genres that are strictly male-oriented, perhaps taboo, but that’s still not enough,” the 31-year-old actress says.

Tiffany left Rap Show in 2023 to launch her own multi-genre program at 1Xtra, where she has hosted a wide range of musical talent over the years.

During her seven years at the station, Tiffany debuted a number of new tracks and interviewed numerous music stars.

One of the “bittersweet” moments that stands out in the DJ’s memory is his conversation with US rapper Pop Smoke. Shot to death in 2020.

He was determined to find the artist after hearing his track Welcome to the Party before it exploded during a 2019 trip to New York.

“We were his first British radio interview,” he says, reminding her that he locked himself in his studio to show her his latest tracks.

“I’ll always cherish that. He was such a nice guy and he also proved me right by saying, ‘Okay, I should take this job. I have a good ear,'” she says.

And like most of us, this imposter syndrome is something he’s encountered throughout his career.

Tiffany says she once had the chance to ask one of her “absolute greats”, US hip-hop streamer Angie Martinez, for tips on being a female streamer in music.

“A lot of this is letting fear drive you and learning to manage imposter syndrome, managing trust and the lack of trust that you may have sometimes,” she says.

“Leaning more into fear” helped Tiffany make the decision to leave 1Xtra.

At one of his last shows, he played tracks submitted by UK musicians after posting a message on social media.

This was a key part of their show representing British talent.

“I think the great thing about British rap is the innovation, especially keeping it constantly relevant,” he says.

“There’s been so much talk, especially in recent years, about it being out of fashion and not as fashionable as it used to be…

“And lo, a whole new scene appears and engulfs everyone once again.”

His last live show in December featured messages from popular artists such as Tinie Tempah and singer Ms Banks, as well as a very special guest – his father.

The duo performed a back-to-back set and chatted about how he taught her to have the “best” taste in music.

While Tiffany focuses mainly on rap music, she says her taste has “grown” and “evolved” and she is “very eager” to showcase a wider range of music in the future.

So what’s next for the DJ? He takes a page from US star Timothée Chalamet’s playbook when asked about speculation that he is Liverpudlian rapper EsDeeKid – “all will be revealed in due course”.

“I’m leaving after seven years because it’s been seven years,” he says.

“It’s been a long time and I think it’s time for a fresh start, to challenge myself.”

Tiffany admits she’s “absolutely terrified” about heading into the unknown in 2026.

But on the bright side, she’s “about to finally discover what a weekend is.”

Listen to Newsbeat live weekdays at 12:45 and 17:45 – or listen again Here.