This Little Island has some Big Sounds!

There's the boyos now....

In the vibrant landscape of global hip-hop, Ireland's journey into the genre has been one of gradual evolution. While hip-hop has always found its way to Irish ears, the notion of Irish artists rapping with their distinctive twang was once met with skepticism. However, the tides are changing, and Ireland's hip-hop scene is experiencing a newfound legitimacy, thanks in part to the influence of grime and international hip-hop.

For many years, hip-hop in Ireland existed within the realm of listeners, appreciated but not fully embraced as a viable genre for local artists. However, with the rise of grime and the growing acceptance of rap with diverse accents, Irish hip-hop has begun to carve out its own unique space on the global stage.

One of the key factors driving this shift is the increasing recognition of authenticity and diversity within hip-hop. As listeners around the world seek out new voices and fresh perspectives, artists from Ireland are finding a platform to express themselves in their own unique way. This has led to a flourishing scene of Irish rappers and producers who are unapologetically embracing their roots and infusing their music with the sounds and stories of their homeland.

Ultimately, the emergence of Irish hip-hop is a testament to the genre's universal appeal and its ability to transcend geographical boundaries. As artists continue to push boundaries and challenge stereotypes, Irish hip-hop is poised to make an even greater impact on the global music scene in the years to come.

Kojaque

Kojaque has been pushing the Irish hip hop scene for some time now. Kojaque delves into the gritty realities of working-class Dublin life in his lyrics. From the lighthearted moments of sneaking a drink into his boxers at a party to the introspective examination of contemporary masculinity, his work covers a spectrum of experiences. His rise to prominence began with the visually stunning "Midnight Flower" video, a provocative homage to Radiohead's "No Surprises" that saw Kojaque rapping underwater for an intense three minutes, symbolising a struggle against suffocation.

Denise Chaila

Limerick-based MC Denise Chalia's journey as an MC originated in the realm of spoken word poetry. She made her initial mark on the track "Isn't Dinner Nice" from Rusangano Family's album "Let The Dead Bury The Dead" buyt has continued a well deserved rise to greatness. Through her music, she continues to explore topics such as feminism, race, and the concept of otherness in contemporary society.

Hare Squead

The soulful Dublin trio Hare Squead defy conventional genre boundaries, drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences. From pop-punk sensations like Panic! at the Disco and Fall Out Boy to hip-hop luminaries such as Kanye West and Kid Cudi, members Jessy Rose, Tony Konstone, and Lilo Blues blend elements of hip-hop, R&B, and pop in their music. Hare Squead's infectious beats offer a refreshing contrast to the more emotionally charged offerings from other artists in the scene.

Hazey Haze

Hazey Haze, a native of Limerick, stands out amidst the city's thriving MC scene. His distinctive style lies in the gritty texture of his rapid vocal delivery, which sets him apart from his peers.  Haze maintains an active presence on the live music circuit, performing regularly in Limerick and across the country. 

Nealo

Dublin-based MC Nealo brings a distinctive old-school vibe to the table, seamlessly transitioning from the hardcore punk scene to hip-hop with remarkable ease. His debut captured our interest with its raw, lo-fi production style and down-to-earth lyricism. When it comes to Dublin MCs, Nealo is undeniably one of the first names that springs to mind.

JyellowL

Irish conscious rap in full swing. JyellowL makes his mark on the scene with a mixtape and an EP already in his repertoire. Hailing from Dublin, this artist delves into themes of political ideology, as showcased on his debut mixtape "Bulletproof". The industry is taking notice of JyellowL's talent. Associated with the Word Up Collective for some time, he recently joined MPI Artists and secured coveted support slots for Jay Rock and The Game. With a conscious mindset and a relentless work ethic, JyellowL proves he has the drive to match his ambition.

Kneecap

Sure you'd have to include these boys. A hip-hop trio hailing from Belfast, Northern Ireland, with the stage names Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí. Singing in both Irish and English, they frequently express their support for republicanism through their music.

Versatile

Occasionally terrifying but always well crafted, Versatile have released some seriously memorable tunes over the last few years. And Coolio was hanging out in Ringsend. What more do you want?

Citrus Fresh

A man of many aliases (Citrus Fresh, Trevor Tart, Zesty Supreme, and more), Citrus Fresh immerses listeners in the realm of Irish cloud-rap, delving into profound subject matter. Initially gaining attention with his appearance in part 4 of the series "Somewhere in Ireland," Citrus went on to release a 5-part concept EP titled "Early Days/Late Nights," shedding light on one of the most universal yet isolating human experiences: a failed relationship. His follow-up project, SMILE, further solidified his place in the scene, and he's currently in the process of working on another. Citrus Fresh provides listeners with a rare and deeply emotive experience, inviting them to peer into the inner workings of the artist's mind.

Offica

Offica, from the Drogheda A92 collective, stands out as one of the leading figures in the emerging Irish drill scene, potentially even being hailed as the breakout sensation of recent years in Irish rap. His ascent to prominence was marked by the release of tracks such as 'Naruto Drillings' and 'Plugged In Freestyle', which garnered millions of streams. Notably, Offica has collaborated with a range of artists including KSI, Fizzler, Reggie, SELLO, Versatile, and fellow members of the A92 Collective like DBO Fundz, Ace, Nikz, Trapboy, Ksav, among others.

Bricknasty

Hailing from Ballymun, the band Bricknasty, fronted by Fatboy and comprising Cillian McCauley, Dara Abdurahman on bass, Korey Thomas on drums, and Louis Younge on saxophone and keys, immerses itself in the vibrant tapestry of the Dublin tower block housing community. Their music embraces the essence of life in Ballymun, incorporating collages and recorded dialogues from local friends and family, offering a poignant portrayal of the neighborhood's experiences set to a blend of jazzy, soulful funk, and hip-hop-inspired sounds.

In their live performances, Bricknasty ignites the stage with explosive energy, but it's their recorded material like 'Ina Crueler' and 'fashion' that truly captivates, delicately weaving together various musical styles with a soft touch. Collaborations with guests like Khakikid, Tomike, and Chi-Chi add layers of depth to their already rich and memorable releases.

Alex Gough

A percussionist turned producer and lyricist, Gough injects his track 'Breakfast' with a dose of glamour, elevating the everyday struggles of a broke student to new heights.

Lethal Dialect

Musician, actor, and spoken word artist Paul Alwright has an impressive resume, boasting four albums under his belt, three of which were released under the pseudonym Lethal Dialect. Known for his versatility, Paul has shared the stage and collaborated with a diverse range of artists, including The Game, Action Bronson, Damien Dempsey, and Maverick Sabre. Beyond music, he has ventured into acting, landing roles in acclaimed films like Cardboard Gangsters, as well as projects by renowned writers Roddy Doyle and John Connors.