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.

Buy tickets for hiphop events in Bristol

Our recent hiphop recommendations

Sell out warning! Explosive Afro-Colombian sound system rumberos bring the vibrant energy of Barranquilla Carnival to Jam Jar. With their patent mix of porro, electro-cumbia, hip-hop turntablism, ragga culture and anything else that gets sucked into their psychedelic vortex this is heavy revelry FFO: Bomba Estéreo, Sotomayor, Sidestepper. Systema Solar at The Jam Jar.

Kelela-esque R&B sensuality, soulful synth-pop, off-kilter electronica and reggae bounce gracefully meld together under Sirens of Lesbos’ shimmering creative touch. The sister-duo led Swiss group - who count Bootsy Collins, dreamcastmoe and Erick the Architect as collaborators - bring their radiant indie-pop to The Jam Jar. Essential FFO: Steve Lacy, Mk.gee, Childish Gambino. Sirens Of Lesbos + Guests at The Jam Jar.

Sell out warning! Next level hip-hop urbano Cubano from the electrifying singer/flautist La Dame Blanche. A properly infectious mix of dancehall, hiphop, Latinx musical heritage and femme-powering lyrical twists engineered to make you bounce’n’slither. Imagine Koffee running a club-sized bolero class with a cigar in her mouth and you’re getting warm…. La Dame Blanche + Fedzilla at The Jam Jar.

High-energy afrobeat, swaggy UK club electronics and polyglot rap, Bryte is an infectious and dynamic tour de force. Get ready to let loose for his new album launch, performing with a full band for the first time including close collaborator Mina. Huge FFO: Nyege Nyege Tapes, MC Yallah. BRYTE - Album Launch at The Jam Jar.

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

“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

“Senser have released 5 studio albums. In 2013 they successfully fan funded and released their 5th studio album ‘To The Capsules’ incorporating their unique fusion of rock, metal, hip hop and alternative electronica, staying true to the sound they have been producing since 1989.”
From: Senser

“Often regarded as one of the scene’s top producers, The Alchemist has produced for many more of hip hop's leading artists in the 2000s, including Snoop Dogg, Nas, and more recently Earl Sweatshirt, Jay Electronica, Freddie Gibbs and Travis Scott.”
From: The Alchemist

“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 - just reach out to Knox & Vikus. 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 & Friends Birthday Show