Joe Burn & Datkid – UKHH Bars (Balter Festival)
We linked Joe Burn and Datkid on site at Balter Festival. Joe bumped a beat out the ride and some golden hour gold occurred.
We linked Joe Burn and Datkid on site at Balter Festival. Joe bumped a beat out the ride and some golden hour gold occurred.
We went to Balter last year. Chepstow’s little festival with a rep for going seriously hard, went over and above its reputation, blew our tiny minds to kingdom come and was so good that we’re going again this year! Running from the 25th to 28th May. Tickets are still available HERE.
If you haven’t been before, Balter is basically a mini mecca for every strain of bass conceivable. Think like big ravey Boomtown vibes on a smaller site that you can stomp across fairly quickly. With a clientele that’s like Balter skimmed all the best wrong uns from a bigger festival off the top and plonked the assembled gang of non-aggy, messy, party people down on Chepstow racecourse, the vibe is raucous as fuck minus the twats. Inexplicably, the long drop toilets also stayed surprisingly clean the whole time as well.
With a heavy dose of DnB and Tekno and various genre melting stages that span all niches of bass music, Balter also plays host to live bands and consistently also reps the hip hop scene. Following in the steps of previous years they’re going big with it again for 2023.
Here’s our selection for heads who like some hip hop flavours mashed into the carnage:
Ocean Wisdom:
Pretty much undeniably the biggest meteor ever to hurl itself out from the mighty High Focus asteroid belt. Master of the rapid flow, and purveyor of bangers that have consistently straddled the grime and hip hop spheres in a way that’s uniquely him. As the festivals main headliner, expect this to go OFF.
Dr Syntax LIVE
One of the UK Hip Hop Scene’s longest standing, most consistently dope figures, Dr Syntax hasn’t missed a step since the days he came up alongside Foreign Beggars in the early noughties. Carving his own lane from day, he’s earned a deserved rep as an MC that juggles punches to make you laugh with a distinctive flow that makes multi’s and freestyles look easy. Returning to the live band format as a veteran after years of shows with The Mouse Outfit (who’ve also graced Balter’s main stage) Synners is now rocking with Durbrain and Binbags of Binbag Wisdom on collaborative mic duties and live instrumentalism guaranteed to hype a crowd.
Goldie Lookin Chain:
Bit of fun innit. The ridiculous gang are still gigging off the back of being the silliest hip hop to ever emerge from UK shores.
Pete and Bas:
Old as fuck. Ard as fuck. Also some of the silliest hip hop to ever emerge from UK shores.
Mylo Stone
Mylo’s been about for more than a minute. The South West rhymer and SP extended family dropped his first LP way back in 2013 and has been smashing ill bars ever since.
Gardna:
The multi-genre Bristolian needs no introduction. Above all a veteran of bars over any beat, varying from party hip hop infused breaks to dubby crowd movers to jungle/dnb bangers. Expect genre defying soundman business from this don.
Smellington Piff
Proud traveller of the UK and the gritty ends of UK Boom Bap. Piff has been a permanently credible fixture of the scene for time. With multiple well received LPs on Leaf Dog and BVAs’ RLD imprint and a long history of shelling down shows, if you haven’t already caught him live it would be silly not to. Catch him with the SIKA gang.
Mad Apple Circus
Horn-fuelled styles, built on Ska, Jazz, Latin grooves and a healthy dose of hip hop in the form of funky drum breaks and lively rap vocals. One to shake a leg to in the sun.
Joe Burn
Skitz co-sign and general reputed soundman. Joe’s got an impressive catalogue of hip hop bangers to his name combined with a versatility that makes him a threat on any tempo.
Mistafire
Another Bristol voice with deep links to the local scene and the likes of Split Prophets and Res One’s Green Brick Records… Mistafire has stayed true to his name and been dropping real world fire emojis that have left many a man singed for over a decade. Appearing with the SIKA mob.
Karl Phillips & The Rejects
Karl Phillips & the Rejects blend punk and ska with hip hop into a loud afront on the ears, with rap lyricism, fast paced beats and chunky riffs. One that the skank out/moshpit gang and the hip hop head nod click can meet in the middle on.
Balter takes place on Chepstow Race Course on the 25th to 28th May. Tickets are still available HERE.
Come join us for the ridiculousness unfolding on site.
As the first thing resembling an unrestricted summer since 2019 is about to appear (stops writing touches wood, crosses fingers and prays to all the deities)… Team UKHH is finally going to get stuck into some more festival silliness. More to be revealed on that as the theoretical probably-summer maybe unfolds. First up though… Balter Festival 2022.
Now in its 8th Year, the small but mighty Balter has built a reputation for going particularly hard. Its status as a Mecca for ravers (which puts it in the conversation for maddest festival alongside giants like Boomtown) and the myriad styles of dance music that flood its line up… might make it seem like an unlikely choice for a focus on hip hop. Look closer and there’s a rising presence for the genre that’s taken root and is starting to expand.
Still a fairly low capacity festival, Balter is starting to catch much wider national notoriety which will no doubt see it grow over the next decade. This makes it particularly dope to clock that, pre-empting this rise, UK hip hop has nudged its way in on the ground floor and is becoming an increasing feature of the Chepstow Racecourse event.
Previous years have trialled the genre with big slots for hip hop legends. Dead Players and Split Prophets shelled down sets in the event’s first year way back in 2014. Since then the likes of The Mouse Outfit and Chester P have graced stages. This year for any bass obsessives with a side-passion for hip hop there’s a lot of to seek out…
In alphabetical order here’s our picks:
Afro Cluster:
Coming straight out of Cardiff, drawing on West-African funk and Afrobeat blended with Golden Era Hip-Hop, live band Afro Cluster are here to spread love and make bodies move. MC Skunkadelic has been leading the gang on a merry journey through festival stages and big name support slots for the likes of Hot 8 Brass Band, People Under The Stairs and Ibibio Sound Machine. For a taste, check out their debut LP The Reach which dropped back in 2021.
Carasel:
The multi-genre MC and AFT head honco who just fully returned to hip hop with his latest LP Dreams of Paradise is admittedly probably at Balter on a DnB one but he’s a high calibre lyricist who will undoubtedly engage over whatever BPM he’s spitting over.
Deyu ft Durbrain
Live band Deyu bring the deadliest rabid hip hop and jazz. Featuring mega talented players from Snazzback, Waldos Gift, RWKUS and Binbag Wisdom. Fronted by Dur Brain on MC duties whose caught co-signs from the likes of Sektion Red, Wordplay and Dr Syntax.
Dizraeli
Diz needs no introduction. The poetic, folk and world music influenced hip hop artist has been making challenging but danceable music that pushes the boundaries of the genre for years. Whether you’ve seen him with the Small Gods live band back in the day or killing it with just a DJ in tow the show is always electric.
Dub FX
Loop pedal genius Dub FX combines beatboxing and vocals into hip hop, dub and rave infused bangers that stomp the line between spiritual and heavy.
Gardna
The genre blending MC who bobs and weaves between hip hop stylings and various rave sounds is a guaranteed party starter.
Inja
Graduating from his Delegates of Culture hip hop roots into the grinning conscious face of rave Inja gets deep over any beat.
JFB
DMC world Champion JFB has been leaving jaws on the flaw with obscene turntable skills for a long time. Once referred to by Fatboy Slim as ‘The thinking man’s Grandmaster Flash’ the Brighton DJ’s ability to scratch, cut and generally juggle a broad range musical genres from funk to glitch-hop to breakbeat to dnb around the core hip hop tradition of turntablism is second to none.
Joe Burn
Festival regular, Devon soundman and Skitz protégé Joe Burn is a threat. With releases on Bristol hip hop label Green Brick Records and a substantial history of smashing vocal duties at raves Joe is a top tier crowd controller.
Kaotik Kartel
Don’t even attempt to pigeon-hole these guys. The Bristol Based gang of producers, vocalists and DJs bridge dancehall, hip hop, grime and jungle are a crack team of club and festival destroyers.
Leaf Dog and BVA
The undisputed heavyweights on this line up. Leaf and BVA are a force to be reckoned with in the UK hip hop scene. With high profile releases on the High Focus imprint, big moves as one half of internationally renowned crew The Four Owls and numerous drops on their own label RLD, the duo are beyond certified. Expect numerous Boom Bap bangers from the last decade and tracks off this year’s sick collaborative LP The Menu.
Pete Cannon
Also probably here playing DnB. But the guy is UK hip hop royalty/a hair fashion icon.
Too Many Ts
The Ts have whittled themselves their own unique lane and demographic with their brand of witty party hip hop that’s seen them become a regular feature of festival line ups. The order of the day is always fun first and foremost with some serious tekkers when it comes to the back-to-back, call and return element of classic hip hop.
Zico MC
Zico comes with bangers. Seriously grimey with hip hop and uk rap/drill stylings, the guys a beast with the flow and possesses a lyrical capability that would make many a more seasoned spitter envious.
If you’re not present at Chepstow from the 19th to 22nd of May to witness all the above goodness as well as every rave sound under the sun (and apparently the Vengaboys)… We’ll be around to document some of it. So keep em peeled for some heavy content we’ll be filming with the hip hop Familia on site.
Tickets for this years event are still available HERE.
Long awaited Joe Burn movements with the Green Brick click. The versatile MC makes light work of this more classicly hip hop vibe than his previous releases. ‘Hillsides’ boasts a glorious instrumental by the one and only Leaf Dog and cuts by DJ Rogue. Shouts also to Sudders on the cam. Lifted from the incoming Green Brick Records’ Brick Top Vol.1 LP.
Woi oiii!! Some absolute filth from Green Brick Records‘ newest signing Joe Burn and the label’s bossman Res One. Heavy instrumental produced by Mr Burn himself. Bring on the LP.
Like many of the best new festivals in Britain today, Nozstock grew from humble beginnings. Initially founded as a rag-tag gathering for the Nosworthy family and their friends, the event has evolved into a major player in the UK festival calendar. Now in its 21st (official) year, Nozstock has played host to major acts like De La Soul, the Buzzcocks and The Proclaimers. And even though it’s now grown to a 5000 person capacity, the festival still rocks the homegrown, down-to-earth appeal.
The festival now boasts nine stages, covering everything from DnB legends like DJ Zinc to an all-female prog Morris dancing outfit (yes, that’s a thing). Hip hop heads, in particular, are spoiled for choice. From major UK figures to rising stars, this year’s lineup is beyond sick.
But we know how difficult it can be staying on schedule at a festival, especially after several pints. That’s why we’ve put together a complete guide to the hip hop acts gracing the stages at Nosworthy Farm this year. You’re welcome!
Everyone’s favourite reprobate, Jam Baxter comes to the Hidden Valley this year to simultaneously enthral and repulse anyone caught in his crossfire. The rapper has a well-earned reputation for raucous live shows and his Garden Stage set promises to be no exception. You’ve been warned!
Fellow Dead Player, Dabbla will also grace the Garden Stage. To say we’re hyped about this set would be a gross understatement. Asides from dropping one of the best albums of last year, Dabbla has been tearing up festivals from Iceland to Australia. Expect rapid-fire bars with surgical precision and a healthy dose of toilet humour.
Few artists can hold claim to cult status in the UK scene after dropping just one album, but then few people have done as much for hip hop as Skinnyman. One of the illest rappers to grace any festival lineup, Skinnyman should be a priority for any hip hop head.
Can’t decide between hip hop or drum n bass? Get yourself along to Inja’s set for a dose of both. The outspoken rapper, poet and activist has worked with everyone from Delegates of Culture to Task Force to Logistics. Expect breakneck bars spat over dirty basslines and old-skool jungle beats.
Emcee all-rounder Joe Burn will join long-time DJ and producer (and his actual Godfather) Skitz on the Garden Stage for the best sound system infused hip hop on Friday. A match made in hip hop heaven, expect grimy bars and basslines as wobbly as a jellyfish on ketamin.
No strangers to the Valley, the ultimate Nozstock hip hop roster wouldn’t quite be complete without these delinquents. Originally formed round the corner in Hereford, the crew of MCs consisting of Chillman, Entra-P, G00SE and Coosie are sure to draw a crowd. Last year they demolished a Garden Stage set and shot the below video for ‘Takin’ Over’ onsite.
And a few hollas more…
As if that weren’t enough, there’s a whole bunch of artists taking to stages across Nozstock rocking their own hip hop infused sound. Style straddling DJ and the man behind Suspect Packages Disorda will be gracing the decks. For something more wordy, Natty Speaks will be popping up literally all over the place and Lyrix Organix will be in full effect purveying poetry with punch. Whether it’s the face-melting proto-punk, breakbeat and grime mix of Pengshui, or the dubby stylings of Bristol lyricist Gardna with neo-roots reggae Eva Lazarus, you’ll find hints of hip hop in every corner of Nosworthy Farm.
Oh yeah and Soul II Soul are playing on the main stage…
While the list of acts above are definitely something to shout about, Nozstock is notorious for playing host to barn-storming (literally on some stages) takeovers spanning every corner of a bass driven universe. So this guide wouldn’t be complete without our selection of the essentials for the discerning hip hop fan…
UKHH
Of course, we might be slightly biased but we’d argue the UKHH Friday takeover of the Bullpen should be top of the list for anyone craving their fix of sick hip hop. This year, we’re proud to be playing host to some of the most exciting underground acts in the UK today.
Scene veteran Brotherman will be headlining, delivering culturally conscious lyricism set to the laid back beats of his trademark boom-bap sound. Riding the momentum from last year’s Huckleberry EP, the London-Caribbean emcee is primed to take off this year and his Bullpen show could be the launchpad.
Warming things up, relentlessly ridiculous emcee George Bucks will team up with Mick Swagger on the decks (and additional mic duties) to spit some of the dopest bars of the festival. The two rappers have been dropping bangers all year (cop our take on Swagger’s debut Villianaire here) and their set promises to kickstart your Friday.
For the rotten beef at the centre of this poisonous sandwich… Kent-based crew Backward Sun occupy the middle of the takeover with their brand of down and dirty boom bap. Expect debauchery on a scale usually reserved for Motley Crüe after-shows and Roman orgies.
Billy Whizz & Friends
Sometimes fate just does you a solid. For hip hop heads at Nozstock on Friday, one such serendipitous turn of events comes when our takeover finishes in the Bullpen. And you have to go absolutely nowhere!
To say that pillar of the Bristol scene, Billy Whizz, has outdone himself with the array of talent he’s bringing with him is definitely an understatement.
AFT Raps labelmates deservedly have a dominating presence. Press1, Twizzy and Ambush Tactics will all be flying the flag, as well as an appearance from style hopping AFT head-honcho Carasel (also playing his own probably more DnB orientated set later in the festival).
Add in performances from In The Balance signing and Verbal Highz angry-bird G00SE, Jinxta JX and rising barsman Wishmaster and this onslaught of Bristol based beats and bars is guaranteed gold.
And a Few More Hollas More…
If we were going to mention all the DnB Takeovers here also featuring hazardously ill spitters, this article might double in size. For those hungry for more hip hop influenced sounds though, Played Out Records should be bringing them in abundance. Details on who CW Jones will be bringing to the stage as part of his Bone Dry Records takeover have eluded us but it would be safe to expect something that pushes the musical boundaries of hip hop. Finally masters of breaks and dangerously funky basslines, Ghetto Funk Allstars, will no doubt have a piff selection of rap stylings permeating their set.
If that lineup doesn’t get your hip hop senses tingling like Michael Gove’s nostrils, we don’t know what will. On top of all this, there are hundreds of other acts scheduled to perform at Nozstock 2019. Reggae, punk, soul, techno, electronica, DnB and every other genre in between; whatever your bag, it’s safe to say Nozstock has it covered.
So come join us getting wobbly to our top picks, shooting some exclusive footage and just basking in the general anarchy that is Nozstock.
Nozstock takes place in Hereford’s Hidden Valley from Thursday, 18 July to Sunday, 21 July. Tickets are almost sold out, but you can still grab yours here.
It’s that time of year again. With daylight lurching back into evenings and heatwaves around the corner, festival season is nearly here and planning ahead for going ham in a field somewhere is the order of business.
That in mind, we’re hyped to announce that we will be returning to Nozstock: The Hidden Valley in 2019!
Following on from last year’s UKHH Summer Sickness content (which involved summer mixes packed with heaters, festival/events guides and some sick bars and music videos captured on site at some insane weekenders) we’ve adopted the go bigger or go home mentality this time round….
Coincidentally, a highlight of last year’s Nozstock was filming the video for the Verbal Highz fam’s single ‘Takin Over’. This year we are LITERALLY TAKING OVER the Bullpen Stage for a showcase of UK hip hop talent that we’d bet our left nuts are set for recognition.
Before we get into that though… Takeover or not, we’re just excited to be going back to the farm! Last year’s line-up included (to name a few) Verb T and Pitch 92, Fliptrix, Chali 2na, the final performance from UK legends Task Force and a mainstage set from Grandmaster friggin Flash! For 3 days the sun shined, crowds popped off and pretty much everyone lost their precious marbles.
Never caught slacking, the Noz family (a load of them are literally a family) have raised the game yet again to provide a 2019 line-up with a formidable selection of acts for the discerning hip hop head to find sandwiched between the various bass heavy rave spots. UKHH certified fresh acts this year include sets from High Focus original dark poet Jam Baxter, fellow Dead Players lyricist and Potent Funkist; Dabbla, OG barsman Skinnyman, soundsystem hip hop from Joe Burn & Skitz, Illaman getting heavy in live band Pengshui, Gardna x Eva Lazerus and a bunch more to discover. (More to follow on this in the coming weeks.)
Oh yeah… and a UKHH X Nozstock Takover…
We’re honoured and more than hyped to be taking over the Bullpen stage for 2 hours on Friday of this year’s festival. But that wouldn’t count for much if we didn’t have a line-up of acts that we genuinely believe in. To any who don’t yet know the underground dons below, we guarantee checking out their music is worth your time and seeing them live worth the aching limbs afterwards…
BROTHERMAN:
The MC’s MC. Having truly earned the status of veteran with a recording career that stems back over a decade and having caught recognition from names including Skitz, Essa and Skinnyman, Brotherman is more than overdue his time in the spotlight. Returning late last year with the ill Huckleberry EP on MANA records it’s a safe bet you can expect impressive things from releases coming in 2019. In the meantime check the dudes history to see why for over a decade he’s been a problem!
Cop the Huckleberry EP here.
BACKWARD SUN:
There’s something in the water down in Kent. One of the many massively underexposed sections of the UK’s hip hop scene; the most south-easterly expanse of our island boasts a surprisingly innovate community of beat makers and spitters. Consisting of a quadruple threat of the rowdiest wrong-uns the seaside town of Folkestone could provide, the recently formed Backward Sun have released a relentless slew of tunes this year that haven’t yet put a foot wrong. Expect hectic, wavy crew vibes at the Bullpen this year from members Chie, 7th Sense, Misled and Pickle Rich over raw beats provided by producer/DJ King Bracket.
They’ve generously dropped a 3 track EP this week that you can download for free here.
GEORGE BUCKS & MICK SWAGGER
We love George Bucks. Still a relative newcomer, we’ve been fans of the Reading based rapper since he appeared. With consistently slick tunes and a lyrical style laden with punch lines, Bucks permanently has the air of an artist making tunes with the main aim of amusing himself (that just also happen to be dope). It’s not surprising that in his first year he’s already rocked some impressive shows including Bestival and a support slot for Black Josh. Big things coming in 2019.
And one for luck… We booked George and shortly after he hit us up to let us know that his DJ was Mick Swagger and he’d be jumping on the mic for a back to back verbal assault at Nozstock. We’d literally just discovered Swagger a week before and since have dropped his second video for single ‘Hulk Hogan’ on our Channel. Watch this guy.
We’ll be bringing you content from our Bullpen mandem and other line up acts in the 100 days(ish) remaining til our return to the Valley and obviously some sick content shot on location.
Ticket are available now. For full line up and passes CLICK HERE!
Skitz is back to destroying the beats production process with soundman Joe Burn lacing the perfect lyrical assault together over the top to make for the kind of hip hop that demands to be played on a serious soundsystem. Mad flows, politically aware content and Caribbean flavaz guaranteed to get any crowd moving. Also two guys in Trump and Kim Jong Un masks.
In the name of #UKHHSummerSickness and all that is good and holy, you’ll be able to find us going tits up at the front of the Tangled Roots Stage for Joe Burn and Skitz next weekend at Boomtown.
UKHH are mad excited to announce the third of our UKHH Summer Sickness festival recommendations… The mighty Boomtown Fair!
Although it officially sold out in February, Limited resale tickets are now available! To grab the last ones while there’s still time… simply click HERE!
Now in its tenth year and tenth chapter of its evolving story line, Boomtown has a history of putting on an impressive array of hip hop talent since its beginnings. Label takeovers by the likes of High Focus and genre bending spectacles (such as 2014’s ‘Original Fever’ UK Hip Hop Reggae Showcase on the Lion’s Den stage with Daddy Skitz, Rodney P and friends) have become the stuff of legend. Talent to have graced their stages over the years (to name but a few not appearing this time round) include everything from international legends like Cypress Hill, Pharoahe Monch and Jungle Brothers, to a diverse spectrum of UK heroes encompassing everything between Ocean Wisdom and Dizraeli and the Small Gods.
For a pretty good summary of what vibe to expect… The bulk of the footage for the above video for ‘Weed & Ale’ featuring Jman, Dr Syntax, Eva Lazarus and Pete Cannon (all of whom are reappearing this year) was shot way back at Boomtown 2013. Boomtown has continued to grow with expanding crowds, districts, stages and hundreds more acts but the rowdy spirit of hedonism and positive vibes have remained the same.
No surprises then that this year’s line-up has an absolute tonne of talent for the discerning hip hop hunter to uncover!
As festivals can be confusing places to navigate for the soberest of brains and pouring over every act on every stage is a tiring process that most probably can’t be arsed with, UKHH have done all that painstaking leg work for you in order to provide our detailed guide to all the hip hop popping off at this year’s Boomtown…
One of the things that makes Boomtown so sick, beyond the debaucherously immersive city that all the madness takes place in, is the sheer diversity of musical styles peppered across the site at any given time. While each district and stage has its own stylistic focus, so mega-fans of a particular genre could be tempted to get settled, it’s a sure fire bet that doing so would result in missing something dope happening somewhere completely unexpected.
Case in point: Whistlers Green (a district renowned for Jazz, Funk, Soul, World Music fusion, talks and a host of chilled out/holistic activities) boasts a surprising array of sick hip hop influences on it’s Windmill Stage. Out of my personal must-see acts at the whole festival, the multi-influenced Ghanaian/Glaswegian producer and lyricist Kobi Onyame is towards the top of the list. Check out his most recent album Gold for an idea of the kind of triumphant afro-rhythm infused hip hop to expect from him. Seriously ill.
Also on the stage for anyone with instrumental leanings… Bilal; the hip hop influenced soul/jazz artist with notable collaborative efforts on releases from the likes of Common and Talib Kweli who scooped a Grammy for his input on seminal Kendrick Lamar album To Pimp a Butterfly, as well as boom bap jazzers Blue Lab Beats, mixing golden era hip hop influences with jazz instrumentalism and samples.
Keeping the curve balls coming, Rocks Foe, the highly charged and lyrically deep MC known to straddle grime and hip hop and informed by a further range of diverse influences is present as part of a takeover by Bristol label Black Acre. Also, embodying a truly international sound that’s impossible to pin down (I thought she was UK when I first heard her) with Zambian and Botswanan roots but now based in Australia, Sampa the Great is well worth a check. If you haven’t already heard her, think African rhythms, jazz, hip hop and a powerful voice phasing between neo soul melodies and conscious lyricism.
The roots-heavy Lion’s Den stage also sees some hip hop vibes blending their way into the mix with UKHH long time favourites Rodney P and Illaman taking the stage as part of the Spragga Benz and Friends set. Other highlights for heads are likely to include live trip-hop/lounge band Morceeba, and genre defying super-group Gorillaz in a headline slot that’s sure to include more than a few meanders into the territory of hip hop bars and beats. Switch districts and head over to Paradise Heights and you’ll find bass-heavy party starters Too Many T’s rocking the Hotel Paradiso venue.
Even hidden amongst the stellar line-up of broader dubby soundsystem hecticness that populates Boomtown’s woodland parties there are a couple of UK names for rap treasure hunters to track down. Prolific with the festival performances this year, Gardna can be found performing as part of the Wonka-Vision Forest Takeover and Skitz and Joe Burn are set to play the Tangled Roots stage where its safe to expect they’ll be providing a stomping soundtrack to the forest setting, fusing hip hop and Jamaican influenced basslines.
All this said… Unsurprisingly, although there are abundant MCs and DJs worth searching Boomtown’s myriad districts for, the bulk of our UKHH recommended acts can be found dominating the Barrio Loco District!
This year’s line up on the flagship stage Poco Loco is something fierce. For fans with a taste for grimier flavours, bill-toppers Ghetts, Lady please-answer-my-fan-mail-and-marry-me-already Leshurr, Foreign Beggars, Nadia Rose and Big Zuu will be providing unrelenting party vibes. Another artist to go heavy on the festival rounds this year is the ever unpigeon-holeable Kojey Radical. With a hard earned and steadily expanding following now aware of his varied and poetically raw body of work, the crowd are likely to go off for this one.
The suplex that the North has applied to the UK Hip Hop game in the last few years is suitably apparent in the presence of its multiple super-crews/collectives taking the stage at this years Boomtown. LEVELZ, The Mouse Outfit (ft Ellis Meade, Dubbul O and Berry Blac for their Poco Loco performance) and Cult of The Damned have all proved themselves to be serious threats. With fluid rosters and cross over between MCs (e.g. Black Josh is affiliated with all three) each entity reflects a distinctly different facet of a stylistically diverse, collaborative community. C.O.T.D. bring a lazy, fuck-everything rawness comparable to being the UK’s answer to Odd Future. In Contrast The Mouse Outfit bring positive, funk infused smooth grooves, with their recent album Jagged Tooth Crook sounding like distilled summertime. LEVELZ bring the rave.
For fans focused on live instrumentation… Poco Loco also provides. Taking it way back, in a salute to one of the all-time undisputed masters of production, the 18 piece Abstract Orchestra will be performing a musical tribute to the late J Dilla. Scene legends (and one of the original trip hop bands) The Herbaliser will also be taking the stage. Producer and MC duo, Makola, have developed their combination of afrobeat hip hop to include a live band and brass section that should have fans of Fela Kuti and UK rap alike moving in unison. It goes without saying that all of the above might be something special.
For a masterclasses on control of the decks: With a list of influences and collaborations as long as a life-size Stretch Armstrong’s arms, DJ Vadim will be tearing things up and no doubt have some surprises up his sleeves. Mixing global influences including hip hop, trip hop and a heavy pinch of sub-dub L’Entourloop will no doubt be providing a marching soundtrack to skank out to when they take the stage with Troy Berkley and N’Zeng. Kicking the party up a gear, festival and rave scene regulars, The Nextmen, will also be supplying the grooves with an extended family of Gentlemans Dub Club, Garnda, Kiko Bun, Eva Lazarus, and Jman.
Also on a hype tip, the infinitely danceable 808INK will be ensuring a steady stream of cleverly infectious bars and vibes to keep the rave moving and Babylon Dead will be capitalising on energetic support for their dissident ragga-meets-hip hop style and tearing the roof clean off. Another act to balance double time spits, basslines and politics, scene veteran and activist/rapper Lowkey will be in attendance to serve up heavy bars with some food for thought on the side.
For sure fire hits with UK hip hop fans, acts bringing that pure UK underground sound include Children of Zeus, Dr Syntax & Pete Cannon and Coops. C.O.Z. have been on a serious rise lately, with mellow, summery vibes aplenty, an RnB edge to their hooks and raps that sound both very Golden Era and very UK. Long-time collaborators Syntax and Cannon have a catalogue of material built up since the beginning of the century and (as probably the funniest lyricist in the UK scene) crowds can expect Syntax to entertain and hype in equal measure. Finally, High Focus Records’ most recent signing Jordan Cooper AKA Coops, will be showcasing his dope new album, No Brainer, and evidencing why he’s currently one of the UK’s fastest risers.
And that’s just the hip hop… For anyone who fancies diversifying, you’ll be able to catch pretty much everything else under the sun at any moment. With a huge array of districts that each sport their own immersive worlds and more hidden side shows, hi-jinks and mini venues than you could shake a stick at, Boomtown ensures an experience that’s likely to fly by in a messy, technicolor blur. Come join us going tits up to our recommended acts, shooting some exclusive on-site bars, rolling round with a boombox on a music video flex and most probably at points getting completely side-tracked and lost amongst the carnage.
The final surge of resale tickets are very limited and will sell out fast, so to get involved with the 10th anniversary celebrations get yours now!