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

Cuculi returns with pianist-composer Laurie Torres’ uniformly gorgeous post-minimalist piano pieces, shoulder-to-shoulder with multi-instrumentalist James Gow’s flickering cello, bass, and brass shapes. Seductive, intimate and mysterious FFO: Harold Budd, Duval Timothy, Ben Seretan. Subtle lo-fi piano experimentations from acclaimed Canadian artist

Take a trip with G-funksters XL Middleton and Moniquea! The LA scene lynchpins bring their Indeed Indeed party to Bristol for a one-off special, cooking up breezy West coast hip-hop and lowrider funk slathered in swag and sass FFO: DāM FunK, Dabeull, Mndsgn, Onra, Nite Jewel. Los Angeles funk party ‘Indeed Indeed’ is coming to Bristol for one night only!

The most psychotropic entry in the modern post-kraut-dub-punk canon, Société Étrange’s propulsive wormholes echo into infinity alongside Megabasse’s celestial double-knecked guitar hymnals. Another giddy crest of the underground Schwetwave FFO: Holy Tongue, African Head Charge, Can, Roy Montgomery, Efficient Space. Schwet presents a night of rhythmic minimalism and psychedelic hypnotica

Grove’s Diaspora journey closes with a down’n’dutty slice of grime royalty. Roll Deep’s unsung hero Manga Saint Hilare rubs shoulders with the anointed qweeeen of Afro-rave, Toya Delazy – serving Zulu gabber inna pyrotechnic head-on-collision with TaliaBle’s mutant-bass punk carnage. We dare you to stand still for this one! The final live chapter of DIASPORA brings together underground hip-hop, grime, experimental rap, and genre, showcasing artists whose work speaks to resistance, identity, and heritage across borders.

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What our editors say

“Amber Mark is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. Her multifaceted style implements sounds from hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul, and bossa nova. She released her first album, 3:33am, in May 2017, followed by her EP Conexão in 2018. Her second album, Three Dimensions Deep, was released in January 2022.”
From: Amber Mark

“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

“Freshly Squeezed are an evolution of funk, soul and hip hop hailing from the vibrant South West UK. A musical force that seamlessly blends heavy horns with soulful melodies and a formidable MC. Their self-titled EP dropped at the end of 2023 to great reception, and with it the band has solidified its status as a rising star in the funk scene. This summer has seen them command festival stages all over the UK with an undeniable energy that leaves crowds thirsty for more.”
From: Freshly Squeezed + Every Day Quartet

“A selection of mash ups and bootlegs paying homage to a very thing reggae, roots, ska and old skool hip hop. Served up in the fabulous underground crypt bar at Bristol iconic Mount Without. Fully equipped bar, this is an over 18s event.”
From: GdubbleE