5-a-side… 5 new hip hop artists

With EURO 2020 entering the final stages, we’ve curated a 5-a-side team of hip hop artists who are on the same wavelength. Here’s 5 of the best new hip hop acts you can see live later this year.

Master Peace

Who: 19-year-old South Londoner Master Peace has managed to captivate the ears of this generation with his own hybrid hip hop indie street sound. Master Peace’s combination of infectious hooks creates a live show that will blow your mind. He has quickly solidified himself on London’s ‘cool kid’ circuit as the new head turner. A fan of artists such as Phill Collins, Tracey Chapman and The 1975, Master Peace developed the nucleus of his own sound into one thing: good music. With ‘PDA’ and ‘Slow Song’ being crowd favourites, he has the correct balance of electric energy and great songs, leaving you believing that the future of millennial music is in very safe hands.

When: Tuesday 21st September @ YES (The Basement), Manchester.

Frisco

Who: With its strident DIY culture, discombobulated rhythms, and punk sonics, the underground just carries on as before, Frisco’s music is owning a very specific space and an equally specific culture: an unadulterated, unbending sonic universe that authentically reflects the reality of London environment and culture. For Frisco with his new album ‘The Familiar Stranger’  isn’t anything new. This is what it’s always been and where he’s always stood, mic in palm, shoulder to shoulder with his peers. Only this time, he’s ready to turn the volume way up and make some noise about the essence of what Grime is all about.

When: Thursday 25th March @ Thekla, Bristol

Friday 26th March @  02 Institute 3, Birmingham

Sunday 28th March @  YES, The Pink Room, Manchester

Wednesday 31st March @  Lafayette, London

Central Cee

Who: A mysterious character, Cench has let the music do the talking so far, hitting target after target and garnering over 10 million streams per month –  maintaining a truly remarkable rapid upward trajectory. In a year where the unexpected has become normal, Central Cee has been making his name heard, displaying a grime-esque flow over melodic, forward-thinking beats. His blend of concise lyricism, layered with introspective thought and social commentary, has given listeners from his area, someone to champion as a new and rising voice in West London’s rap scene. With over 200 million collective streams, Central Cee is impossible to ignore.

When: Saturday 2nd October @ O2 Institute2, Birmingham

Sunday 3rd October @ Thekla, Bristol

Tuesday 5th October @ Club Academy, Manchester

Wednesday 6th October @ O2 Shepherds Bust Empire, London

Priya Ragu

Who: Priya is not only a remarkable talent but also one with a sound quite unlike anyone else. Her limitless potential has established her as a breakthrough artist, resulting in airplay at Radio 1, 1Xtra, 6 Music and the BBC Asian Network, plus Ones To Watch tips from Vogue, i-D, NME, The Line Of Best Fit, gal-dem, The Forty-Five and Notion.

Priya now takes the next step in a major year ahead by sharing her new single ‘FORGOT ABOUT’. If you think you know what to expect from Priya, think again. In contrast to the fiery energy of her recent tracks, ‘FORGOT ABOUT’ is a timeless slow jam which really showcases the versatility of Priya’s vocal gift. The production, courtesy of her brother Japhna Gold, strikes the perfect balance between innovative sonic flourishes and the yearning of a timeless love song.

When: 22nd November @ YES, Manchester

23rd November @ Jazz Café, London

Paris Texas

Who: Following the release of their debut EP ‘Boy Anonymous’ rap duo, Paris Texas have announced a very special UK headline show at London Colours on Wednesday 13th October 2021.

Paris Texas, is a combination of two odd misfits who have no correlation with the city, or the 1984 Harry Dean Stanton film, that share the same name. Both members were raised in the melting pot of South Central Los Angeles, where they found themselves embedded into a clusterfuck of influences via the internet, ranging from post-hardcore bands like Dance Gavin Dance to underground rap acts like Snub-nose Frankenstein. The duo defies any and all classifications, even referring to them as a ‘Rap duo’ is beside the point, they’d prefer to let the music do the talking.

When: Wednesday 13th October @ London Colours