Although the weather might be saying something different, we’re now into May and summer is well on it’s way. With sunshine on the near horizon, that also means that festival season is fast approaching. As rap and grime fans, indifferent opinions on festivals are probably common place. In the past they’ve tended to neglect ‘urban’ music, with their beginnings being firmly rooted in rock and roll. Plus, in all honesty, you and the mandem camping out in a muddy tent for 4 days… that’s not me.
However, in recent times, festivals have begun to open their arms to our tunes and in fact several dedicated urban festivals have opened for business. Kanye is headlining Glasto, Boy Better Know have BEEN tearing up Bestival and it seems that the relationship between festivals and rap music is only just beginning. On that note, if you fancy a few cans in the sunshine this summer, our guy Griff has rounded up the 5 best festivals to catch rap and grime throughout the year. These are set to be huge.
Parklife – Manchester – June 6th & 7th
This one is for all the Manny crew and anyone else fancying a damn good mash up. Put on by the good people at The Warehouse Project, you already know this one is going to be one hell of a rave throughout the weekend. Plus, the line-up features the likes of Nas (who is performing his classic debut LP ‘Illmatic’ in it’s entirety, which itself should be enough to make you buy a ticket), Action Bronson, Novelist and loads more. If you’re one of the people who hates camping too, this one is for you.
Lovebox – London – July 17th-18th
Travelling is long, we get it. If you fancy something a little closer to home, then you should probably get on over to Lovebox. Skepta, Danny Brown, Snoop Dogg, Cypress Hill and a shed load more of great acts are taking to the East End to play here, coming together for an unmissable weekend.
Bestival – Isle Of Wight – September 10th-13th
Bestival is a longer weekend and one built for those feeling a little adventurous. Taking place on the Isle Of Wight, it takes a little more planning and preparation to tear it up at Bestival, but my Lord is it worth it. Speaking first-hand, you do NOT want to miss Boy Better Know return to the stage after their triumphant appearance last year. As well as just the music, Bestival is a full-on experience, with loads to do around the huge site and plenty of secrets and mysteries to uncover. If you don’t mind the journey, don’t hesitate to give it a go.
Boom-Bap – Suffolk – June 5th-7th
Boom-Bap Festival is a young and still-growing fest that takes place in the Suffolk countryside, with a line-up that is the hip-hop heads’ dream. Taking to the stage are a cast of UK hip-hop heroes like The Four Owls and Foreign Beggars, some of the finest US imports such as Ratking and Earl Sweatshirt, but most importantly Skepta is making an appearance. His appearance here is especially important, as it signifies a bridging of the gap between the UK hip-hop and grime worlds. Plus, we’ve been told in confidence that he is being ‘very hands-on’ with the event, so expect him to bring some special guests along too. Again, there’s plenty of other cool stuff to be seeing and doing here, like a cinema showing only hip-hop films and documentaries!
Wireless – London – July 3rd-5th
In all honesty, we probably don’t have to say very much about Wireless festival to get you gassed. The line-up speaks for itself, which reads as more of an A-list who’s who in 2015, than a festival line up. Drake, Kendrick, Nicki, Rocky, Stormzy, Wretch… the list of incredible acts goes on and on and THE festival dedicated to urban music has failed to disappoint yet again. Friday tickets have already sold out, so don’t sleep any more and get on it!
Words: Alex Griffin