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! Early bets on the beatdown of the year, 2:1 on Sunami to pummel all contenders with their no-it’s-not-a-joke-anymore bada$$ bully crossover hxc. You’ve seen the news, so expect a bleeding lip or two (and don’t wear that fresh white tee). Fans of Terror, First Blood God’s Hate etc – you know the drill! Sunami at Shredenhams.

Sell out warning! The Brownswood polymath / scene GOAT lends her exuberant electro-jazz sensibilities to the Miles canon in a supreme act of love. Emma pushes the King of Cool's electric era into deeper fusion territory with the 21st century wisdom of broken beat and footwork, cos we all know he was a junglist born too soon. A bonafide life-affirmer for all the Brainfeeders out there... Dear Miles – A Love Letter at Strange Brew.

Woi oi! Iconic 'ardkore action incoming from the unrivaled Moving Shadow fold! Reinforced / Altern8 / Shut Up And Dance heads will already have their tickets of course. For everyone else: breakbeat ravestalgia doesn’t come much ruffer than 2 Bad Mice, chopping samples and bombing tha bass like it was the Second Summer of Love all over again. 2 Bad Mice + Friends at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Harakiri are the only band you need on your post-black sky chariot riding mix. Triumphant melody barely disguising soul-wrenching trauma, blistering blast-beats; BM purists beware, this is pure catharsis stitched with post-rock, post-hardcore, grunge and skramz DNA. With Denmark's impossibly mournful Sunken opening things up, ethereal awakenings await disciples of: Alcest, Deafheaven, Drudkh, WitTR. Harakiri for the Sky & Sunken at Strange Brew.

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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

“The Line up will feature Hannah Allen playing her unreleased project developed in Eswatini in collaboration with London based producer and multi instrumentalist Mrisi providing textures with traditional Southern African instrumentation, and Double Bass player Bill Frampton. Playlisting will be curated by Mlandvo Masuku (The Kitchen Radio) and will take listeners on a journey through Southern African Jazz, soul and hip hop, with a spotlight on Eswatini’s most prolific artists currently.”
From: Hannah Allen ft. Bill Frampton and Mrisi

“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 + Temple Collective DJs til late