Hiphop & Rap in Bristol

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Bristol's Hiphop Scene

Bristol’s Hiphop Explosion in 2022?

Hip-hop is big in Bristol in 2022, but it’s never really gone away. Acts like the High Breed bring meaning back to hip-hop in the Bristol underground scene, which some Bristol rap artists have cited as limiting on their chance of success (as compared to their London hip-hop rivals). The shadow of Bristol trip-hop still looms large, with Massive Attack and Tricky being the defining moment for some (and anything else that doesn’t conform to this is swept aside). Hip-hop nights in Bristol set to redefine this, nights booking international hip-hop artists like Next Up and Raise the Bar (who combine hip-hop and spoken word).

It is often said that graffiti is the written expression of hiphop and a key element in hiphop cuture, however the huge quantity of graffiti and comparatively small amount of hiphop in Bristol suggests otherwise... While Bristol is certainly a key stopover for big rap and hiphop tours with artists like De La Soul and Wu Tang Clan playing Bristol's big venues, smaller hiphop events are less prominent.

Although not exclusively hiphop venues it's worth checking the listings for The LAB club, Mr Wolfs and The Croft. Metropolis has emerged as reliable hiphop venue with past guests including Ugly Duckling, Peanut Butter Wolf and Arrested Development. The Contraband Sessions held at The Golden Lion on Gloucester Road every Wednesday can be a good place to find free, Bristolian hiphop gigs.

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Our recent hiphop recommendations

A true cult icon of global dance music, Ata Kak blends infectious Ghanaian highlife, hip-hop, with lo-fi electronic funk. His legendary live show is a high-energy celebration of rhythm, joy, and underground spirit... a rare chance to witness a pioneer in full force FFO: Ebo Taylor, Francis Bebey, Penny Penny. ATA KAK + Support at The Jam Jar.

What happens when nine free-jazzheads get their hands on an ensemble's worth of gamelan goodies? Nist-Nah erupts in dizzying, metallic swarms of controlled chaos conducted by master polymath percussionist Will Guthrie, elevating you to a sonic nirvana only achieved by fearless adepts of Steve Reich, The Art Ensemble of Chicago, La Monte Young and The Necks. Will Guthrie & Ensemble Nist-Nah , Laura Phillips at Strange Brew.

Yesss, Earth was absolutely begging for this head-on collision! Live global fusion for the pan-genre, no-borders brigade, intricately knitting bossa rhythms with Afrobeat elation, astral Middle Eastern synthplay with Euro clubland shuffle. Vibrancy to the nth degree FFO: Muito Kaballa, Falle Nioke, Balimaya Project, Antibalas. Sunbörn meets Clap Clap + DJ Hiphoppapotamus at The Jam Jar.

Medis’ DVL6 celebrates its first birthday with a sucker-punch billing of avant-rap disruptors. On the mic, two of the UK underground’s most riotous MCs link-up for incisive mutant-bass carnage, whilst Guttr taps into introspective cloudtrap and Tae Sasin brings the horrorcore-laced swagger. Gigantic Halloween look FFO: Jawnino, Jim Legxacy, MC Yallah, Cold Light. Bristol record label DVL6 curates a scarily off-kilter lineup of performers pushing the boundaries of alternative rap and bass music: Grove x Taliable, Guttr & Tae Sasin all play live, plus label boss Medis on DJ duties

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What our editors say

“Infusing the soulful and mesmerising rhythms of reggae and dubwith the urban pulse of hip hop, Dub Catalyst ignites stages with an electrifying energy that captivates audiences. This dynamic ensemble, boasting a lineup of eleven talented musicians, delivers a fusion of genres that transcends boundaries and stirs the soul.”
From: Dub Catalyst + Ezme Dickens

“Monster Florence is a British hip hop group from Colchester. The group is composed of six members: vocalists Dream Mclean, Alex Osiris and Wallace Rice, formerly known as Regime, and instrumentalists Tom Donovan, Jonny Poole and Cameron Morrell.”
From: Monster Florence

“Join me, DJ & Turntablist Jimi Needles, for a wintery A/V party where I’ll be chopping, flipping, and scratching your favourite (and not-so-favourite) Xmas tunes into an unforgettable festive experience. Expect hip hop holiday heaters, rare funk covers, DIY remixes, and a ridiculous amount of pop culture and film references on the big screen.”
From: Jimi Needles presents "The Christmas Remixed A/V Show"

“Local artists will warm up the space from 7.30 until 9pm. DJ NuBalance, Bristol’s hip hop foundation and a funk collector too is coming out to perform as a special guest, with his seamless mix of classic tunes, you will want to get up and boogie!”
From: 'Indeed Indeed'

“Stereo MC's are an English hip hop and electronic dance group that formed in Clapham, London, England, in 1985. They had an international top 20 hit with their single "Connected" and a UK top 20 hit with "Step It Up".”
From: Stereo MC's