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

Halima’s honeyed Afro-pop and slinking R&B heads up the Bass Candy launch: a new night dedicated to live vocalists and global club sounds. The first instalment takes place in the intimate surrounds of a 17th-century church nestled in Bedmo, with further live sets from PRVNA on the hypnotic Afro-house and Badliana’s bassy trap-pop. Hot new destination FFO: Kelela, SZA, Cleo Sol. Halima, PRVNA, Badliana at St Dunstan's House.

Kicking off the fest with a live quadruple threat: DJ Python’s subaqueous reggaeton and textural ambience meets a highly-anticipated Bristol debut of expressionist Sufi poeticism from vocalist Abdullah Miniawy. Joined by sprawling avant-punk-dub from Coby Sey + band (aka Continue) and mary hurrell’s spectral sound art meditations. Coby Sey & Continue, DJ Python , Abdullah Miniawy & more at DOCUMENT.

Emerging from Melbourne's underground led by Australian drummer Ziggy Zeitgeist, ZFEX blend blissful house grooves with cosmic jazz-funk rhythms. Expect psychedelic synths intertwined with lush flutes, intricate percussion and broken beats, set to stun fans of: Jimi Tenor, Yussef Daye and Tenderlonious. Zeitgeist Freedom Energy Exchange at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! You can’t talk about the last decade of rap without saying ‘Billy Woods’ or ‘Backwoodz’. And if you’re not shouting those names by the end of it, Lord help you. By our counts this’ll be the second time he’s ever taken the stage in Bristol (hands up the Armand Hammer 2019 crowd). Do whatever you need to do to be there. Untouchable FFO: Quelle Chris, Def Jux, Ka, Mike, JPEGMAFIA, Pink Siifu. Billy Woods + DJ Haram at Strange Brew.

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What our editors say

“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

“Native James melds hip hop, grime, punk, metal & garage; a fusion of spitting bars and angry guitars. From mosh pits and walls of death, he has has continued to morph, as demonstrated on incendiary tracks and knockout shows alongside the likes of letlive. and Skindred plus festivals including Glastonbury, Trees and Burn It Down. Get in ring with us this November!”
From: Native James

“Quinton Barnes is a relentlessly ambitious Montreal-based artist exploring the edges of Canada’s music scene. Since 2018, he’s built a unique sound, writing, rapping, singing, producing, mixing, and mastering his own work across a prolific discography, pushing the boundaries of hip hop, R&B, hyperpop, footwork and experimental music.”
From: Quinton Barnes with The Black Noise Ensemble

“Aileen Kelly : Hailing from the West Country, Kelly sound draws from old soul, blues, and jazz—layered with influences of hip hop, neo-soul, reggae, and Latin/bossa nova. topped off with vivid storytelling and an uncompromising authenticity. Having worked as both a top line writer for other artists. Aileen has gone from strength to strength since her ITM tenure and this tour comes right off the back of her own successful jaunt UK-wide.”
From: In The Making Presents TOUR -Headliners ROB.GREEN and Aileen Kelly

“Birmingham-born lyricist Sonnyjim has carved out his place as one of UK hip hop’s most consistent and uncompromising voices. With a catalogue that stretches over two decades, his sharp wordplay and distinctive style have earned him respect both at home and internationally. His collaborations with producers and artists across the globe have pushed boundaries, but it’s his solo work that truly defines him.”
From: Sonnyjim PA BRISTOL + support