Best Hip Hop In London

Best Hip Hop In London

21 July, 2008
by: TOrton

The best hip hop nights are the ones that surprise you, throwing in some original flavour between commercial biggies – the kind of set that reminds you why you're there.

For a time there were these nights where you'd go out looking for your west side and just end up west end! Bar Rumba, or at a stretch, Ministry, promising hip-hop and delivering R'n'B, nish. Not any more. An inflamed rash of eclectic nights have been borne of London’s diverse Hip Hop community. A few of the very finest are collected here.

The Social West End

If you want great acts, tasty cocktails and a refreshingly unpretentious vibe in the West End, look no further than the Social. Though the venue plays host to many genres of music, there are a few hip nights including Hip Hop Karaoke. An inspired twist on a kitsch concept; it has made karaoke cool again and sees b-boys and haircuts alike reaching for the mic. The track list is awfully deep: Biz Markie, Group Home and Schooly D, to name a few choice inclusions. The night's totally '8 Mile', but with a compère who offers the 'Prick Hat' to anyone booing, onstage you’re safe. It's about camaraderie and respect for getting up there. The karaoke runs through until about 11 o'clock, then it becomes a late eighties, early nineties hip hop appreciation society reunion, with a few more modern 'anthems' thrown in. A regular fixture at the club is also Hardknock, a varied set of DJs and acts put together, and headlined by Goldielocks.

Notting Hill Arts Club

This eclectic club is embraces a wide range of music with regular live bands and DJs spinning everything from hip hop to minimal techno. There are many regular events that cater to the hip hop crowd, including YOYO, whuch lays out hip-hop with jungle, ragga and soul to follow. Standout guests every week, and excellent regulars. The legendary DJ Derek also stops by every month to spin his favourites for Sweet Memory Sounds; a night geared to all the best old school rocksteady, reggae and ska. Diverse, it is.

The Big Chill House

A large bar and cafe near King's Cross, The Big Chill House is quickly gaining a reputation as one of the best bars in London. Weekly events are varied and include Hot Wuk, a mashup night dedicated to dancehall, hip hop, bashment and soca.Regular weekend events also provide hip hop drenched parties all night long, and DJ battles are hosted on occasion.

Plan B

One of Brixton's coolest nightspots, Plan B combines an intimite location, great soundsystem and extensive drinks list, with a regular line up of great bands and DJs. Regular fixtures include The Throwdown, where DJs and MCs trade beats and battle it out for prizes.

Cargo 

A great selection of hip-hop showcases, the ‘J Dilla Changed My Life’ night being a recent triumph. Acts are varied, and range from beatbox battlejams to live breakbeat.

Worth a mention also is The Doctor's Orders - an excellent hip hop night headed up be Spin Doctor. They hold parties at Herbal and Cargo. They are responsible for the annual 'J-Dilla Changed My Life' commemoration parties at  Cargo. Fresh.


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Click here to see all London live music.

TOrton