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

Monochrome made a blood oath to extreme ugliness in all forms, and the hex has not been lifted! Another weekend splatterfest of pummeling deathgrind, cybernetic queercore and….noise accordion? Gruelling highlights include Black Curse’s ludicrously blackened death-magick, Gretchen Guttersnipe in solo anarcho-gabber psychodrama, graveyard-bating OSDM from Coffin Mulch + all the bands we’ve never heard of, yet can’t unhear ….. Monochrome Festival of Ugly Music 2025 at Moor Beer Co.

Sell out warning! Berlin hot shit jazz fusion trio stepping on Robert Glasper’s sophisto toes with their own deft broken beat / boom-bap inflected propulsion, florid funk bass fills and collabs with rappers like ENNY. This is bop for the broad-listening brigade! FFO: Emma-Jean Thackray, Madlib, R+R=NOW, Joe Armon-Jones. Moses Yoofee Trio at Strange Brew.

MĀDŁY’s Seedling Session incubator returns to the frankly glorious Fyfe Hall (upstairs at Trinity Centre). In front of the stained-glass: Komposa’s conscious grit and lyrical eloquence sparring with drill-inflected Nigerian-rap misstress Lyandra. Two of Bristol’s finest right now FFO: Kendrick, Ghetts, Kojey Radical, Bomb$hell Grenade, Angell Mutoni. Komposa / Lyandra / CON at The Trinity Centre.

Sell out warning! Brum’s beating heart of Madvillainy descends on the Jam Jar with his blunted flow and surreal cartoonish tongue-twisters, probably clutching some jazzy joints from Premier or Madlib loaded on the 404 like it’s no big deal. Proper UK rap titan in the making FFO: Mike, Jehst, Black Josh, the Alchemist, Roc Marciano. Sonnyjim at The Jam Jar.

What our editors say

“Carving out an exceptionally infectious sound, Fedzilla is a riveting MC and rapper. From festival stages to sound systems and street carnivals, her shows speak directly to the audience, immersing passionate stories and humorous commentary into bass-heavy beats made for the dancefloor. With piercing raps in English and Spanish, she flows charismatically between dancehall, reggaeton, hip hop and electronica.”
From: La Dame Blanche + Fedzilla

“Kruder & Dorfmeister is an Austrian duo, known for their trip hop/downtempo remixes of pop, hip hop and drum and bass songs. This year, they’re celebrating the 25th anniversary, of iconic album ‘The K&D Sessions’, a defining soundtrack of the late ’90s.”
From: The K&D Sessions

“To listen to Sevenyearwaitinglist's releases will only give you a hint of what their live set has in store. Yes, you'll be treated to intense bursts of chaotic cyber-grind, but you'll get them weaved together with snatches of pop bangers, hip hop anthems, and whatever else they feel like screaming their way through.”
From: Saturday Only

“This is our new Seed Sessions supported hip hop/jazz fusion jam on the last Monday of every month! Seed Sessions are a fantastic charity for male musicians providing musical mentorship and counselling, come along, jam out or just show your support!”
From: Seed Sessions

“The trio are known best for their explosive, yet silky sound permeating jazz, R&B, hip hop and more; evidenced through their extensive collection of online recordings, reels and now a fully-fledged debut album.”
From: Moses Yoofee Trio