Irish hip hop

Started DJing in 1988. Belfast native. DJ, Label owner (Equilibrium Recordings & The Fear) and club pioneer. 1990 started the First Hip Hop Club in Northern Ireland (Katch22) along with MC B-Fast, DJ Triple Cee ( Chris Caul ) and Sconney from The Belfast City Breakers. 1991 Produced the first Full length Irish Hip-Hop LP entitled 'A Hidden Era Made Clearer' with MC Hidden Identity, bringing a unique perspective on being brought up surrounded by 'The Troubles' of the time (archive audio available from Community Skratch Music). 1992 - 2005 Organised various club nights promoting Hip-Hop culture, such as the Melting Pot nights in Dublin, where he was based from 1995. He also presented a weekly Radio Show on Power FM from 1996 until 2003. In 1998 he was to play at the Kohoutek Festival in Los Angeles, supporting The Roots, Abstract Tribe Unique, and Aceyalone on his Book Of Human language Tour, he settled in Seattle collaborating with Heavens Weapons and B.Boy Genre (later to become Giant Panda). He returned to Dublin in 2000, starting Equilibrium Recordings (First Hip Hop Specialist Label in Ireland), continuing a new solo practice in improvisational techniques and live performance, also performing as an original member of Heavy Flow and contributing producer for Melodica Deathship and as part of the Free Jazz Quintet Trouble Penetrator.

He moved to Berlin in 2005, where he became a member of the Avante Garde / Experimental Music Collective Zentrale Randlage, living and performing there until 2014, when he returned to Belfast. He has been one of the only Producers from the early era of Irish Hip-Hop to remain prolific in production until this day – performing live, and publishing music consistently under his Bethaniens Dust moniker (ex Epigon A.D:M & one half of Shallowbliss) via All City Records (Dublin), Narcorpses Music (Czech), The Content Label (USA), Dreckzloch44 Records (Berlin), Nohmad Netlabel (Belgium), and more recently publishing music on the Portland-based Indie Cassette and Vinyl Imprint IHAA Records (see the 'Irish Hip Hop Releases' section below for full details).

Scary Éire were pioneers of the hip hop scene in Ireland and the first Irish rap act to be signed to a major label (Island Records). Although the band had little commercial success, they were said to be excellent live. The group's name is a play on the Irish language word Éire.

The band consisted of two rappers (frontman Rí-Rá and hypeman Mr Browne), and two DJ's (Mek and Dada Sloosh).
D.J. Mek (winner of 5 Irish Disco Mix Club titles) had met Rí-Rá and Dada Sloosh working in Tullamore's pirate radio station Kiss F.M. in 1987. All three were involved in earlier rap groups (DaBadaPak and Noiz.Inc) but joined forces in 1990 and recruited Dublin breakdancer Mr. Browne as hypeman and second vocalist.

In 1991 they recorded their early demos in RadioActiv Studios, Bray, which included a Hip Hop reworking of Linton Kwesi Johnson's protest song "Fite Dem back". The recordings led to a string of notorious gigs in Dublin rock venues such as Fibber Magees (Parnell Street) and Barnstormers (a biker bar on Capel Street). A bidding war began as U.K. and International record companies tried to sign them. The band eventually signed with Island Records.

They recorded a debut album that included contributions from Howie B, Tricky and Cutmaster Swift; but were then dropped by Island Records, who kept the rights to the album but did not release it. The band continued to record and play live, including opening for U2 on their Zooropa tour, and supporting many acts such as Madness, Beastie Boys and House of Pain.
Tommy Boy records featured one of their tracks ("Lost for Words") on the 1993 album Planet Rap.
In 1995 Scary Éire reappeared on London independent label 11 Records and released "Dole Q"/"That's No Good To Me" as a 12" single. The former song is about their various comical encounters on dole day and the latter a rugged, frenzied cypher.

In March 2007, the group released The Scary Era - a collection of archive songs that had been shelved since the early 1990s.

Rí-Rá continues to perform live and has released new material including the "Horses work for donkeys wages" album and several singles. He has also collaborated with Sinéad O'Connor, Tricky, Junior Delgado and Adrian Sherwood.

DJ Mek has remixed tracks for Ian Brown, Sweetie Irie, La Coka Nostra, The Frames, Gemma Fox and Dirty Dubsters.

Marxman were two Dubliners (MC Hollis Byrne and electronic musician Oisín Lunny) and two British Jamaicans (rapper MC Phrase and scratch mixer DJ Kay One) who brought out the album 33 Revolutions Per Minute on Talkin' Loud in 1993.[4] The album exercised Irish traditional music within a hip hop framework. It featured collaborations with Irish folk music guru Dónal Lunny (father of group member Oisín Lunny), Sinéad O'Connor (who had also worked with McLyte on the track "I Want Your (Hands on Me)"), DJ Premier (who produced "Drifting"), trad group Storm, and several others. They gained notoriety for the track "Sad Affair," which protested against the presence of British troops in Northern Ireland; the track was banned by the BBC and most other UK radio stations[5] for featuring lyrics such as "A six-county state is a bastard state / Why oh why can't we all integrate". This was followed in 1994 by an EP titled The Cynic, which cut down on the traditional influences and included some mellow instrumental tracks influenced by Massive Attack. In 1995 they released the Time Capsule LP on the More Rockers label, which was received without too much fuss. The band called an end to the project in 1995.

Since then the group has branched out to do other work, including introductory music for the Irish television channel Teilifís na Gaeilge, running their Pawnshop label, Oisin Lunny's soundtrack work, and recording under the name Minatone on Howie B's Pussyfoot label.

Ghost 'n' Jay were part of the first wave of Irish hip-hop that emerged in the late 1980s. The group formed in Tallaght. Sharing similar musical interests; both were heavily influenced by US legends such as Melle Mel, Rakim and Ultramagnetic MCs as well as UK pioneers The London Posse. They developed their down tempo underground sound with a string of recordings at Radio Activ studios in 1993 which resulted in their first E.P with the critically acclaimed tracks "2 Innocent", "Good n Evil" and "No Irish no Blacks". The lyrical content showed that Ghost wrote powerful stories about political and social injustice. Their live shows reflected the DIY nature of the early hip-hop scene – from small venues around Dublin and then on to Fun City in The Point and a residency with Scary Eire at the Barnstormers And Rock Garden gigs as well as other venues around the country. The band broke up around 1995 but reformed 2004 and the band were credited by new member Colz(DJ/Producer) in 2004 they began playing live shows again, including opening for Lord Finesse and Rahzel as well as regular performance's' in Eamon Dorans including (rouges reunion Saint Patrick's Day gigs) and the village venues.

The long-awaited vinyl outing from one of Ireland's original rap groups – Ghost'n'Jay 'What do yea want' is on 'All City records' released 17 March 2006. This four-track 12 inch includes production from colz, and co production by Mek and Jay also contributions from Ri-Ra (ex-Scary Eire) Mr Brown (ex-Scary Eire) and Exile Eye (Equilibrium Recordings - Ireland) both of whom have already released 12s on All City along with Cork emcee/producer Scooby and Dj Mek who has recently been working with artists as diverse as Ian Brown, Sweetie Irie, and Suggs from madness. The seventh release on the All City label features the title track, "What Do Yea Want" plus instrumental "Straight n Direct" alongside an Exile Eye remix of Straight n Direct.

Jus Like Family, hailing form Dublin, formed in early 1992 and consisted of Hypeman Buzzy-Boy Chop, M.C.'s (Kong & Locko AKA The McLoughlin brothers), and two Dj's, Cut Master Jay & Dj Laz-e (formerly of early 1980s B-boy crew, Team City Rockers). Jay & Laz-e had been a Hip Hop duo prior to Jus Like Family. JLF was founded by group frontman Locko, whilst showing a group of teenagers how to write Rap lyrics. Jus Like Family were heavily influenced by acts such as Ultramagnetic MCs, Hijack, The Furious Five, and Public Enemy.

By 1995, the group had disbanded, with two members moving to the UK. Dj Laz-e returned to his radio roots and went on to present the Plastic Attack (Old School Hip Hop radio show) for RTÉ Radio for over 18 years, 1998 – 2016.

Dj Laz-e is now a radio presenter with RTÉ Gold for Ireland's National Broadcaster.

Class A'z are an Irish rap super old group from Dublin, members of this group include terawrizt AKA Andy Brady, Redzer and Nu-Centz with regular appearances from Collie, Siyo, Nugget and Rawsoul. They were recently featured on an RTÉ documentary about the current state of Irish Hip-Hop.

Aidrean Williams is a Galway born hip-hop artist who is based in England. He goes by the stage name Big Que. He has released one album called Stupid White Boy and two eps under his independent recording label, Madness Records.

Big Que has worked with Case Closed, Murder Mass Records and Demon Logic UNLTD.

Irish hip hop failed to break into the mainstream until the 1998 release of Optic Nerve (EP) by Exile Eye. Third Eye Surfers brought their own sound to Irish hip hop with their critically acclaimed album Filthy Folklore, released in 2001 and produced by DJ Wool (aka Glen Brady). Band members DJ Wool, Lisa Dee, Big Al (previously First Kouncil), Richie C and MC Poetic quickly received recognition on the Irish hip hop scene and followed their album's success with a 12" vinyl titled Third Eye Mindstate, which landed them a Best Newcomer Award at the Smirnoff Dance Awards in the Temple Theatre, Dublin. Touring Ireland, Third Eye Surfers began to build a solid fan base, supporting such names as Public Enemy, Jurassic 5, The Pharcyde and Sugarhill Gang. The band broke up in 2002.

DJ Wool is now a founding member of New York-based punk-funk/electronic outfit The Glass and is signed to Stretch Arm Strong's Plant Records. He and The Glass are constantly touring the world and releasing records and remixes by the likes of R.E.M., INXS, Jennifer Lopez, Just Jack, Howie B, Ghostface Killah and Killah Priest. In 2008 DJ Wool engineered and mixed the Billboard Charting Baltimore Club album 12 Steps by Tittsworth, featuring appearances by Kid Sister, DJ Assault, The Federation, Nina Sky and others.

Messiah J & The Expert are a rapper/producer duo from Dublin, Ireland, originally part of three-piece Creative Controle with DJ Mayhem. Their first release, the single "First Place", came out in September 2003, quickly followed by their debut album, What's Confusing You? Over the years, they have supported Public Enemy, The Street, Gang Starr, De La Soul, Jurassic 5, Wyclef Jean, Buck 65, The Pharcyde, El-P, Jeru The Damaja and others. In March 2006, they released a 12" single featuring New York rapper C-Rayz Walz, entitled "When The Bull Gores The Matador", on their own label, Inaudible Records. This was followed in September 2006 by the release of "Something Outta Nothing". In October 2006 they released the album Now This I Have To Hear, which was nominated for a Choice Music Prize in January 2007.[6] In October 2008 they released From The Word Go, which was nominated for a Choice Music Prize in January 2009.[7]

Formed in 2004, mo-t consists of emcee Mobriath, producer Pablo and DJ Carnie, all based on the Northside of Dublin. They frequently released material between 2005 and 2017, both as physical and digital releases. The trio performed live at variety of venues across Dublin and its outlying areas. Lyrically, the band is both surreal and confessional. The production displays a wide range of influences as diverse as Radiohead and Eurodance.[8][9]

The Rubberbandits are rappers and producers from Limerick who perform anonymously in costume. Having started off making prank phone calls, they ventured into hip hop in 2008. They have supported Ice Cube and Alabama 3. Their track "Bags of Glue" became an underground hit in 2008. Another track, "Up Da Ra" (a satirical song about Irish history) created much controversy on YouTube and MySpace. Nialler 9 of State magazine listed the Rubberbandits as his number two international act "to watch for 2009."[10] In December 2010 the Rubberbandits released Horse Outside with the target of it becoming the Irish Christmas number one single, it finished second behind X-Factor winner Matt Cardle.

The Infomatics are an Irish hip hop musical ensemble from Dublin. They consist of Bugs, BOC, Steo (aka Konchus Lingo) and Mr. Dero. Steo's brother, Damien Gunn, was lead vocalist and saxman with DC Nien, a 1970s band.

The Infomatics have released one album titled Kill or Create. They participated in interactive music television series The Raw Sessions in 2009, winning the overall series. They have been awarded the title Sony Ericsson Artist of the Year.

Rob Kelly is a rapper from county Wexford, who was discovered in 2003, and has since become a major figure in the Irish underground hip hop scene. Artists such as the American rapper Slaine, have performed with him on songs, and he has supported live acts from artists such as, the American rapper Game.

Paul Tall-Order Ritchie is a rapper Born in Greenfort, Clondalkin. Tall-Order is owner of Ireland's biggest hip hop label Bloodshed Records. He has worked with Kool G Rap, Wu Tang Clan, Immortal Technique, Vinnie Paz, Roc Marciano, Block McCloud, Diabolic, Apathy, Ill Bill and many more. His debut album The Tree of Life and Death is a concept story. Its driven by real 1990s hip hop lyricism and story telling content. Nas was recently quoted as saying his album is the best concept album he has ever heard. The Tree of Life & Death was released on 13 December on iTunes and in stores.

Sons Phonetic are a Hip Hop group formerly known as Correkt Minds who are dedicated to keeping raw uncut Hip Hop alive. Their style of music can be described as hard-hitting, thought provoking lyricism over heavy sample based beats. The group consists of six members: Mook (aka Nylon Primate), Tommy Tyler, Sammy Dozens, Mouse Hughes, Kav and Shotgun Dunne.

SP released their debut album 'Twelve Labours' in 2011. With guest appearances from pioneering Irish hip hop legend Rí Rá (Scary Eire). The Sons became regulars on the live circuit touring across the country and overseas.

The Elements are a hip hop rap group that formed in Blanchardstown in the early 2000s, consisting of original members Richard Lewis (Ricki Rawness), Adam Swords , Keith Connell (ThaBoy), Sheriff Ibrahim (Gemsmiff), Mo Keating and Karen McDermott. They have been noted for their poetic lyrics, high energy performances and heavily saturated "Power Soul" beats. Later line-up changes added long-time collaborator DJ, producer and instrumentalist Neill Whelan. Headline and support slots around the country were common alongside acts such as NuCentz and Rob Kelly and included shows at Oxegen's Red Bull Stage.

2011 saw the release of the 12-track LP The Lost Archives, which included songs such as "The Road", "Seduction" and "Smooth Sailing". The album featured a mix of styles, from down the middle hip hop to reggae to alternative, and featured Ruari Coogan and Liz Davis as guest Vocalists.

2021 saw a return of The Elements, with the release of the Art Of The Vandal. EP a dark, brooding, and combative comment on the state of play in the Irish music scene.

J.B2 is a drill music rapper originally from Athlone but now based in the United Kingdom. His unique "jumpy" flow divided opinions after his "Bars at the Sesh" freestyle for Dearfach TV in 2018. He has worked with UK drill artists such as Poundz and Russ Millions and appeared on GRM Daily.

Versatile are a rap duo from Ringsend, Dublin consisting of Alex "Eskimo Supreme" Sheehan and Casey "Casper" Walsh.[15] Versatile released their first mix tape Dublin City Gs in November 2017.[16] In April 2018 Versatile released their single Ketamine which is to date their most successful song with over 5,000,000 views on YouTube.[17] Since forming in 2013 Versatile have gained over 144,000 followers on Spotify and amassed over 20,000,000 views on YouTube.[18][19][20][21] They were the first Irish hip hop act to both play and sell out Irelands largest venue – The 3Arena.

Mango X MathMan are a rap/grime duo. Both former members of rap collective "The Animators".[22] In 2018 they launched their debut EP "Wheel Up" with a track featuring African/Irish rapper Dania.[23] In February 2019 they released single "No Surrender FM".[24]

Alex Anyaegbunam [25] better known by his stage name Rejjie Snow, is an Irish rapper, songwriter and record producer from Dublin.[26]

LDK are a rap group from Grange, County Sligo who after being featured on grime series Risky Roadz went viral with a freestyle video which amassed over 1,700,000 views on YouTube.[27][28]

Rusangano Family are a Limerick trio with roots in Togo, Zimbabwe and County Clare, whose debut album Let The Dead Bury The Dead won the 2016 Choice Music Prize.

Jack Rabbit (Jack Masterson) is a Mayo-based rapper, comedian, filmmaker and actor. He has been nominated for a Janice Memorial award for his song Try To Leave Me. He regularly performs comedy under his real name while releasing music under the "Jack Rabbit" name. To date, he has released two albums and two EPs.

Cbakl is a Portrush-raised, Belfast-based record producer whose music has amassed over 10 million streams across multiple streaming platforms. To date, he has produced for the likes of Craic Boi Mental, Fynch, GavinDaVinci, Hazey Haze, Local Boy, Max Zanga, Monjola & Nealo.

Kojaque (Kevin Smith) is a Dublin-based rapper, visual artist and filmmaker, whose debut album Deli Daydreams was nominated for the Choice Music Prize.

Craic Boi Mental is an autistic Cork-based cloud rap artist, who has performed under many aliases,[29] most notably Dudewithswag and Oscar Benso. He has worked with producers such as BrentRambo, Contact Lens, Fomorian Vein, CBAKL and BlackMayo. To date, he has released three albums (Craic Magic, Autistic Legend, and Minister 4 Chaos), six mixtapes and three EPs.

E The Artist is a North Dublin-based rapper, political activist and visual artist, who released his debut single Caramel (featuring Northern Irish rapper Leo Miyagee) in early 2020.

James Shannon is a Dublin-based rapper, singer and producer. His previous releases include his 2019 single "Last Bus". He released his debut album The Night Before the Morning After on 30 June 2020.

Kneecap are a Belfast-based hip hop trio with the stage-names Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap and DJ Próvaí.[30] They sing in Irish Gaelic and often reference their support for republicanism. They began releasing music in 2017 with their single "C.E.A.R.T.A." (Irish for "RIGHTS" as in human rights). After releasing various singles such as "Get Your Brits Out", they released their first album 3CAG in 2018.[31]