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

British folk iconoclast Chris Wood graces the candlelit hush of John Wesley’s New Room. His everyday epics sketch sharp-edged portraits of England’s many overlooked lives, from empty nests to minor league football teams to tragedies of industrial decay. Acute compassion ballads FFO: Martin Carthy, Karine Polwart, Billy Bragg, Richard Dawson. Chris Wood at John Wesley’s New Room.

Sell out warning! Granny’s Attic craft a mischievous folk playground, weaving original tunes into centuries-old reels and laments with effortless virtuosity. Crisp melodies, playful textures, and infectious energy celebrate the living, breathing pulse of the folk tradition. Joyous foot-stomping magic FFO: Jack Rutter, Eliza Carthy, Salt House. Granny's Attic - Greenbank Folk Club at St Anne's Church, Eastville.

Sell out warning! Kiss Facility unites Sega Bodega’s prodigious production alchemy with Mayah Alkhateri’s gossamer Arabic vocals, all refracted through a prism of shoegaze longing and soaring avant-pop emotivity. Prepare to be utterly transfixed by the ultimate creative power couple in an absolute no-brainer FFO: Erika de Casier, Eartheater, Nadah El Shazly Kiss Facility at Strange Brew.

Marauding Norsemen Agabas charge into town wielding their self-coined ‘deathjazz’: a pummeling uptempo rawk engine with a thrash gallop, horn blasts strafing through the noise, and shredding throat growls atop a storm of riffs and rhythms. A cataclysmic ruin ritual FFO: Kvelertak, Imperial Triumphant, Slipknot, Converge. AGABAS at Exchange.

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What our editors say

“Nick Bodywork from Erratic Batting says: "My love affair with Melbourne music continues with the booking of Karate Boogaloo. We caught these guys up close when they supported Surprise Chef at Bristol Beacon last year. Their music moves fluidly between classic funk, Italian library, jazz, cinematic grooves and hip hop breaks with astounding musicianship."”
From: Karate Boogaloo

“Previously called Seed Sessions, this is now our Lets Talk supported hip hop/jazz fusion jam on the last Monday of every month! Let's Talk/Seed Sessions are a fantastic charity for male musicians providing musical mentorship and counselling, come along, jam out or just show your support!”
From: Let's Talk Jam

“This event is an open mic/live jam hybrid celebrating all forms of vocal skills. Expect hip hop, rnb, reggae, garage, trap, dnb, grime, drill and just about anything else. Involving solo showcases, collaborations, freestyle games & of course a massive cypher at the finale!”
From: Cypher Space

“Forward thinking, British Born, Irish/Ugandan Poet and Songwriter Amy True has been delivering her unique fusion of politicised hip hop, jazz and soul since 2011. A true wordsmith, Amy’s steady stream of conscious, iconoclastic verse sits in visceral harmony amongst soulful melodic hooks and rich jazz motifs as she punches out poetry with unapologetic flare.”
From: Amy True + DJs til late

“Five years on from the release of their highly acclaimed sophomore album, Balance, Tyler Daley and Konny Kon return with As The World Burns…, their much anticipated third studio album and a powerful 16-track opus set for release on 4th September 2026. Sonically the duo continue their story where they left off; crafting an amalgamation of street soul, alternative r&b and boom bap hip hop, with a sprinkle of flavours taken from their original multi-genre pirate radio influences, and a dash of forward-thinking new sounds, ensuring all tracks are destined to become future classics.”
From: Children of Zeus + special guests