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

Looking for Glastonbury-esque feels at only 1,000 capacity + just a 30 minute drive from Bristol? Welcome to Inglefest. An intimate farmhouse location with a firm musical focus on the South West, including adorable emo-folk-punk trio Toodles & The Hectic Pity, Pocket Sun’s impossibly dreamy synth-pop, beloved Bristol boom-bap from The Scribes + oh so much more. Inglefest’s just bursting at the seams with rnb, punk, jazz and folk loveliness. 15th - 17th August at Oxwick Farm.

Pioneering globe-trotting sonics crafted from thundering Senegalese griot talking-drum polyrhythms and light dub-techno flourishes from the Basic Channel originator. Hypnotic, intoxicating afro-futurist marvels FFO: Nihiloxica, Rhythm & Sound, Chouk Bwa & the Ångströmers, Konono Nº1, Shangaan Electro. Mark Ernestus' Ndagga Rhythm Force + O$VMV$M at Strange Brew.

The most deranged, ecstatic, snare drum solo of all time rolls back into town. This time the cult of Kiyasu has its own mini-festival with 9 hours of grinding electronic weirdness ft. Genderisthebastard’s wanton peddle abuse, pagan noise-hopera phenomenon Isn'tses + a whole host of Eggy Tapes-adjascent niceness/nastiness. God bless Sharp Noodle. KIYASU FEST at Moor Beer Co.

August delivers dreamy, hard-hitting electronics shaped by trip-hop, pop, and breaks. Already turning heads with standout sets at Bristol Beacon and The Mount Without; they’re joined by Marns’ rich, jazz-soaked soul and My Midnight Heart’s haunting, alt-R&B textures. AUGUST + Marns + My Midnight Heart at The Louisiana.

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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

“Departing from earlier jazz leanings, but Still oozing with soul, their sound nods to not only African funk and hip hop but strong modern references, including electronic pop favourites Jungle By Night and cosmic groove merchants Khruangbin.”
From: Muito Kaballa

“The Scribes are a multi-award winning hip hop act from Bristol whose unique talents have combined to make a trademark sound quite unlike any other, featuring a seamless blend of live instrumentation and sampling set against a backdrop of head nodding boom bap breaks.”
From: The Scribes

“Esoteric electronic duo from Manchester that take transcendental ritual rhythmic noise, replete with throbbing pulses and washes of ghostly static and mix it all in a murky sub bass soup. Taking as much influence from 70s/80s horror scores and industrial sounds, as they do the backbone of experimental hip hop.”
From: SARRAM / SHE THE THRONE / MONIKA BADLY

“Surprise Chef’s music is based on evoking mood; their vivid arrangements utilize time and space to build soundscapes that invite the listener into their world. The quintet’s distinct sound pulls from 70s film scores, the funkier side of jazz, and the samples that form the foundation of hip hop. They push the boundaries of instrumental soul and funk with their own approach honed by countless hours in the studio, studying the masters, and perhaps most importantly, the ‘tyranny of distance’ that dictates a unique perspective to their music.”
From: Surprise Chef + Support