Hip hop
With our latest Issue 124 on stands, the nights getting longer and May warming up nicely we return to Cafe Koko in Camden on Thursday 27th July for a night of live music & DJs with great food and drinks on hand. Sign-up now via the form at the bottom of this article.
Acts including Ashnikko, J HUS, Lady Leshurr, Tom Grennan, Masego, Jarreau Vandal, Knucks, Big Zuu, Sampah The Great, Poppy Ajudha, Greentea Peng, Jammer, Skepta, Frisco, Sneakbo, Sam Tompkins & many more have all previously graced the Clash Live stage. So far this season we have hosted stellar performances from AntsLive, Br3nya, BZ, Zakhar, Jaydonclover, Psi.ko, Tommy Saint, Bawo, Mnelia, FelixThe1st, Kwaku Asante and more.
Running monthly, the series returned for 2023 with fresh energy and enhanced settings at Cafe Koko in time for spring. Bringing together industry favourites for an invite-only cultural celebration. This is generally speaking the last chance to catch some these acts this year in such an intimate environment. As always space is extremely limited, sign up for the free ticket lottery now via the form below for your chance to attend.
AMIE BLU
Amie Blu is riding triumphantly on the wave building around her new song ‘grab my coat’ right through the door into Clash Live this month. Still only 20-years-old, the South London artist is moving with real assurance. Tipped by Biig Piig on BBC Radio 1 early in 2022, her upward trajectory continued in the form of sparkling debut EP, ‘5 For U’, and has continued apace via the release of a new series of singles in early 2023, with each serving as a primer to her forthcoming follow-up EP, ‘crumbs on my bed’.
Having also been named one of DICE’s Ones To Watch For 2023, Amie Blu has since been hand-picked to play a sold-out Mahalia Presents show at London’s Moth Club and wowed crowds at The Great Escape in Brighton, all the while drawing acclaim for her musicianship. Amie recently supported Warpaint at London’s Royal Festival Hall on June 12th, and made her Glastonbury debut on The Greenpeace Field at the end of June.
Following recent singles ‘powder’ and ‘oh no’, Amie Blu extends her story with ‘grab my coat’. She sketches out her emotions, aiming to take ownership on her life, and declare her feelings to be her own. Amie’s breakout year shows no sign of slowing down, as she continues to solidify her position as one of the UK’s most exciting new vocal talents.
Close friend and collaborator Humble The Great is on hand to lend his vocals, with Amie Blu commenting… “‘grab my coat’ is all about acknowledging when you feel sad and dissatisfied with life”, Amie explains, “but you want to avoid talking about these feelings with the people around you, so you just grab your coat and leave the space you’re in.”
Tune in now…
RIO RAINZ
18 year old London riser Rio Rainz joins us for Clash Live this month. The multi-hyphenate spent his teens on the outskirts of London, a space close enough to the white heat of creativity to feel its lingering blast, while still too far away to truly contribute.
As such, he built his own identity. His music is pinned down by spiralling guitar lines, his voice moving between rap flows and something more soulful and melodic. Walking in his own lane, Rio Rainz taps into the 2023 summer energy. Returning with his infectious new single ‘Favourite Girl’. A Jazzy-Rap-infused lullaby with Rio showing off his hopeless romantic side in the shape of a summery Bonnie & Clyde anthem.
Hailing from East London, Rio was born to Irish and Jamaican parents who raised him on an eclectic mix of Reggae, Rap, Rock, Pop and more. When his parents separated, Rio began splitting his time between London and the countryside, two contrasting worlds he first fought but later described as his Ying and Yang. Rio started to hone his craft as young as six, playing keys for the church choir and attending performing arts school, where his love for all things creative flourished.
Finding comfort in his introspective lyrics, he has been open in sharing his highs and battles through his adolescent years, hoping his vulnerability might support others. Motivated to break the stereotypes pushed on him with his sound reflecting a genre-fluid mix of all his inspirations under one multi-layered roof. Rio finds himself amongst The UK’s burgeoning Alternative-DIY scene, whose music speaks to generations of young adults trying to find their way.
Tune in now…
TWYCE
South London rising rapper Twyce is the talk of the town. His combination of Garage meets Drill on ‘Prouda You’ perfectly combines clever wordplay with nostalgic, infectious melodies. The single nods to how far he’s come, stopping to celebrate his wins and all those around him.
Born in Nigeria, raised in South London, and began exploring his love for music from the tender age of 9 years old. From the Nigerian radio waves playing Michael Jackson, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes to his introduction to UK artists like Giggs, JME, Skepta, and Devlin. His musical journey has been influenced by a diverse range of artists and styles.
Despite his challenges growing up during secondary school, he found solace in English classes, using what he learned to enhance his music. Recording music at the local youth club with friends, he saw music as an escape from the noise of inner-city London. A man with one simple mission: to make people feel happy within themselves. He is an artist who wants to make you feel proud of the person you are and encourages you to celebrate what makes you different.
After gaining attention from industry veterans and critics alike across the scene, Twyce, now signed to Island Records is fully focused on his art. With the UK scene at an all-time high he has made an immediate impact.
Tune in now…
ZINO VINCI
East London-based rapper Zino Vinci is back with his first release of the year ‘Filth’ produced by Cole Yours Truly. With anticipation for his next release at fever pitch, the track has been drawing in critical acclaim. Showcasing Zino’s ability to switch between melodic hooks and hip-hop flows seamlessly.
With his undeniable talent, Zino Vinci is carving his own lane. ‘Filth’ introduces you to a rising star in the making. With a distinctive and refreshing sound he is pushing boundaries and challenging traditional music conventions.
With his original, witty and energetic approach to rap music Zino Vinci really took off with the release ‘CEO Of The Friendship Group’ which caught the attention of editors at Spotify, landing on NMF, Just Dropped and hitting the cover of Fresh Finds UK & IRE.
Co-signed by the likes of Brent Faiyaz, Little Simz, Pink Pantheress, Knucks, Enny & more, Zino is keeping his foot to the floor and joins us this month for a very special PA set.
Tune in now…
EVENT DETAILS:
CLASH Live “Next Wave” @ Cafe Koko
Thursday 27th July 2023
Ground Floor, 74 Crowndale Rd,
London NW1 1TP
Doors: 7.00pm – 12.00am
Confirmed RSVP is essential for entry & please arrive early to avoid a queue. Sign-up for the guest list now and look out for an email from us in the coming days for all guests we can accommodate this month…
