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

Sell out warning! Crazed cumbia meets mutant surf, acid champeta and retro-future radiophonic SFX via Bogotá’s most notorious supergroup (ft. Meridian Brothers mastermind Eblis Alvarez). Astonishingly strange new instrumental worlds FFO: Romperayo, Dengue Dengue Dengue!, Ondatrópica, Frente Cumbiero, Fumaça Preta. Los Pirañas at The Jam Jar.

Sell-out warning! Gorgeous, dream-soaked ghost music, refracted through hypnagogic pop lulls and a soulful jazz poise. Tara Clerkin Trio’s seductive sound is rooted in the city’s lineage of smudged trip-hop and experimental forms, with this homecoming gig at Trinity promising something quietly magical that we’ll all look back on for years to come… utterly unmissable. Tara Clerkin Trio at The Trinity Centre.

Sell out warning! Come commune with the music of the stones: TSHNE continues to astound after THAT intimate Bridget St John happening with Incredible String Band treasure Robin Williamson – the arch bard of UK outsider folk – gracing the lil ol’ Microplex. Undiminished by time, he performs with longtime partner Bina on a stunning set of Celtic and Indian traditionals, marked by intricate, eccentric magic. Robin & Bina Williamson + Rosie Brownhill + Fohn at The Cube.

Radical troubadour Grace Petrie brings her unique brand of fist-in-the-air protest folk to a rapturous St George's, examining social and political issues of austerity-ravaged modern Britain with Bragg-approved anthems of solidarity and solace. 21st century icon FFO: Frank Turner, Laura Jane Grace, Kirsty MacColl, Onsind. Grace Petrie - Bristol at St George's Bristol.

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What our editors say

“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

“DEADPUNK PRESENTS: CODEFENDANTS (Los Angeles, USA) After storming Exchange with Melvinator, Codefendants are back in Bristol this October. Expect a riotous night from the genre-smashing punk collective who blend alternative, hip hop and rock to create a sound they call Crimewave. Tickets sold by Strange Brew on behalf of the promoter, Deadpunk. All ticket revenue belongs to the promoter.”
From: Codefendants

“Kobo Town is a Juno-winning Canadian Caribbean music group, led by Trinidadian Canadian singer and songwriter Drew Gonsalves. Based in Toronto, Ontario, the band blends calypso music with a diverse mix of Caribbean and other musical influences, including ska, reggae, dub, rapso, zouk, and hip hop. Other band members include percussionist Derek Thorne, guitarists Cesco Emmanuel and Patrick Giunta, drummer Robert Milicevic, saxophone and flute player Linsey Wellman, bassist Don Stewart, trombonist Terence Woode, and trumpeter Jan Morgan. Instagram: @kobotown Free entry before 9:30pm £6 afer +DJ Tom Riley till late.”
From: KOBO TOWN + DJ Tom Riley

“For anyone coming on their own we have built up an amazing community of followers. Check our Facebook pages for info on how to meet up with other Hilltop Mafia, Viktorians & Renegades - or just reach out to Knox & Viktus. Anyone and everyone is welcome - hip hop is about community and if you want to be uplifted and feel apart of a true grassroots movement then come out and join us!!”
From: Knox Hill

“GOURMET SOUND KITCHEN TAKEOVER delivering Michelin star tunes to soundtrack the dance floor. Kickstart your weekend with an eclectic mix of bootleg tunes and undiscovered gems. Guiding you through the evening will be some of the city's finest disc jockeys, covering genres such as UK garage, house, disco, soul and hip hop. Free entry.”
From: GOURMET SOUND KITCHEN TAKEOVER