Hip-Hop Highlights - June, 2008
In a month devoid of overpriced big-name gigs, it’s time to seek out something smaller and more intimate.
Ahhh, June. The nation stumbles collectively through a park, drunk on fresh air and cider, flakes of sunburnt flesh fluttering to the ground like cherry blossom. A month devoid of overpriced big-name gigs, it’s time to seek out something smaller and more intimate.
We suggest starting with the soulful and inspired reggae of London boy Natty at Cabaret Voltaire, Edinburgh on Tuesday 3 June, 7pm (£6). Of Lesothan and English-Italian descent, Natty isn’t short of diverse musical influences and promises a night of high quality, original tunes.
Keeping with the reggae theme, seeing as it’s summer and no-one’s got a jumper on, Big Toe’s HiFi are rocking two nights at the Wee Red Bar (Edinburgh College of Art) this month. Thursday 5 June sees Buck 65's DJ, Skratch Bastid, whilst Friday 13 sees Symbiosis Sound System bringing us more ground-shaking dub, dancehall and reggae. Things get a little heavier on Friday 20th June, with Riddim Tuffa Sound breaking out the jungle, ragga and dubstep, alongside guest DJs Coco Jammin & Prague’s own Peeni Walli Crew. Come on the Czech ragga boys! 10.30pm - 3am all nights.
In Glasgow meanwhile, Baller’s Social Club bring us an uber-obscure hip-hop super-producer party at The Ivy Bar, Charing Cross. LA’s Samiyam and Ras G will be breaking out sets along with local boys done good Hudson Mohawke and FineArt. This night will see everything from mellow instrumental hip-hop to electric funked-out soul. Apparently. Saturday 13, 8-12pm. The price? People – it’s FREE.
And as ever, for the best Thursday night out in Glasgow, the Freakmenoovers DJs will be rocking the Glasgow School of Art all summer long.