Best Hip Hop Hot Spots
From Sydney, Australia, Colin came for the girl and stayed for the music. The quality, quantity and diversity of music, by both local and touring acts, can keep a punter like Colin out all week. He's been accused of being not decisive enough when picking his musical 'tribe'. Fact is, he love all genres equally on the proviso the music is executed with quality. That's why Colin can be found at indie gigs, hip-hop shows, jazz nights, punk concerts and dance parties all around Amsterdam.
Neder-hop
While the Amsterdam's hip hop scene may not rival its New York counterpart in international recognition or private jets, never has it been so strong or equally diverse. From the electro-infused De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig to the street sound of Kempi, the hipster rap of The Fringe or the bubbling commercial favourites Ali B and Partysquad, there is plenty of dynamism and ongoing potential bursting through a guttural yet intriguing throaty flow.
Top notch
Kees De Koning, head of Top Notch Records, says "Successful acts seem to come out of nowhere. Opgezwolle and De Jeugd van Tegenwoordig, these bands are huge and nobody expected it. And then there is this guy who plays the trumpet (Kyteman) with a hip hop record who is incredibly huge. None of these groups are making commercial music in the sense that they think 'what might work with the radio' but it's really artistic music and I think that makes a healthy scene."
Speaking in tongues
English-speaking MCs represent, also. Among the best, in duo Pete Philly & Perquisite, Pete raps in English over Perquisite's cello-based production.
Utrecht's Kyteman swings jazzy horns fronted by both English and French MCing while British born BangBang snarls rough rhymes and street knowledge over partner Kubus's dirty industrial production.
Where it's at
Venues like Melkweg, Paradiso and Heineken Music Hall have a great selection of local hip hop and international acts but also try these smaller venues;
Café De Duivel
has been the backbone of the local scene for years now, with good tunes and likeminded crowd. On occasions they'll have live music to boot.
Hip Hop Café 4 Elementz takes over Fusion every Friday night with live hop hop, funk, drum n bass, reggae and anything with a groove-laden bassline. Open Fridays 19:00 til 23:00. Marnixstraat 285.
Bitterzoet hosts bands and DJs ranging from hip hop to reggae, jazz and soul. It gets a decent mix of both regulars and out of towners being so close to Central Station.
Jimmy Woo carries an air of exclusivity and a touch of class soundtracked by hip hop, baltimore bass and club music on the booming sound system.
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