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Music FeaturesYou are in: Birmingham > Entertainment > Music > Music Features > Hip hop in Birmingham  Miss C Brown Hip hop in BirminghamHip hop DJ Miss C Brown takes an insider look at Birmingham's vibrant underground hip hop scene.  Miss C Brown and some hip hop artists Beneath the surface of the UK’s second largest city, there is a vibrant hip hop scene.Ìý It is a scene that has the support of local community radio stations and where the artists are unsigned, and most of them unknown to people outside of the area. The key word here is independent.Ìý Music is promoted via word of mouth and independently produced, self financed and promoted.Ìý This is a scene that is struggling to get outside recognition and support from mainstream outlets. The artistsThere are a huge number of hip hop artists within Birmingham – producers, rappers, spoken word poets, graffiti artists, DJs and break-dancers. I'm giving you a sample of what we have to offer, so you can have an understanding of our hip hop culture.  Bambino Bambino has been part of the scene since 1999 and around three to four years ago he started entering MC battles, which have taken him from Stratford on Avon to Amsterdam – where he came second against Dutch and US rappers.ÌýÌý Music and cultureWhen I asked him about Birmingham's hip hop culture, he told me that it's progressively getting better and describes Birmingham as being the main hub for UK hip hop.Ìý Whereas other areas are based more around grime, bassline and 4x4, Birmingham has a deep passion for the music and culture.Ìý He feels it is time to get recognition on a mainstream level.  Rawality There are many female artists who are a part of the scene too.Ìý Rawality has been immersed in the culture for over 20 years, and her love and passion is what has kept her going.Ìý She says "to make it in this industry, it's not about where you are from, or who you know, it’s who is wiling to support you.Ìý It’s so hard to get on Radio 1, Galaxy and 1xtra, they just don't seem to be interested." The scene is divided up according to the different genres: underground hip hop, commercial hip hop, gangsta hip hop, UK hip hop, and also underground UK hip hop.Ìý Each genre has its own listeners, who will follow the scene or culture wherever they or it may go.ÌýÌýAlthough it is all hip hop, they will rarely merge together.Ìý They tend to stay as separate entities.  Justice VenuesThe Yardbird hosts a regular Hip Hop night called Skratch Club, which is held the first and third Tuesday of every month.Ìý This is the essence of Hip Hop. DJ’s bring their vinyl here - these are real turntablists.Ìý MCs and break-dancers help to keep the atmosphere lively and the open mic session has attracted a few regulars – Bambino being one of them! Look out for Inspektah, who has a rapid fire flow, and has recently been signed to a major record label.Ìý  Dilated Minds Café One is a haunt for underground hip hop, I myself have played there, and you can expect to see break-dancers, turntablists, and MC’s. They once had themed nights put on by a local DJ E Double D, paying homage to artists such as J Dilla, Pete Rock and DJ Premier (US Hip Hop veterans). This is a no frills café - which adds to the feeling that you are there to experience real hip hop with no gimmicks. The Medicine Bar is well known for featuring UK artists as well as big underground US Hip Hop names.Ìý This is not a venue you would expect to find Kanye West or 50 Cent, but a place where you are likely to have beer spilt on you, your footwear will be filthy when you leave, and you will probably be covered in sweat – whether it's your own or not!Ìý  Juice Hip hop on the radioDJs that support Birmingham music are found on community radio late at night.Ìý DJ Mega Stress has a specialist show.Ìý He feels that although there are a lot of artists making music, there are not enough venues for shows and only a handful of DJs pushing the scene.Ìý  A B girl spins He told me that after the artists have made the music, they are left feeling stuck as there is no-one to promote it, and mainstream radio are not interested.Ìý He says "if everyone was able to come together as a whole, the scene would be a lot bigger, and therefore gain more recognition." In order to push the Hip Hop scene forward and out of Birmingham, it needs to come together a lot more as a whole; radio DJs and presenters can play a major part in this, as well as venues, artists and promoters.Ìý Miss C Brown and some hip hop artists A positive side is that the scene has expanded and grown enormously over the years, and people here feel that the second city is a main hub for Hip Hop in the UK. There is a genuine love and passion for the music and culture so get out and about to different venues and experience our vibe. last updated: 04/03/2008 at 11:48 You are in: Birmingham > Entertainment > Music > Music Features > Hip hop in Birmingham  Nature in Birmingham |
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