Music / Clubs
Rhyme and Reason on hip-hop’s biggest talents
Since putting on their first show at The Croft back in 2011, Rhyme and Reason have become the Bristol hip-hop promoters to beat. Passionate about the genre in all its forms, Luke and Dave are equally at home booking UK rap showcases at Exchange or big name shows at Motion.
The next few months sees another flurry of great R&R lineups, kicking off this month with a small-venue show for Jay Electronica, one of the most talked-about MCs of the last few years. As they prepare for their new season we asked Luke to share his favourite MCs, DJs and producers of all-time, which vary from global superstars to underground heroes.
“This was not an easy task,” says Luke, “and certainly not one which has been undertaken lightly. Of the 21 artists featured, two are no longer with us. We have been fortunate enough to arrange shows for most of the others.”
is needed now More than ever
R&R’s Top Ten Producers/Beatmakers/DJs
J Dilla
“J Dilla was the Mozart of our music genre. Taken from us far too early, many consider him to be the chosen one. He would probably be first choice on the lists of most of the other artists below.”
DJ Premier
“No-one has more longevity in world class hip-hop production than Preemo. One of the nicest guys we’ve met in business, he made me a mix CD for the drive back to the airport.”
Pete Rock
“Always insists on playing for a minimum of two hours. Pete Rock’s seminal Petestrumentals is a hip-hop masterpiece. About as good at the twin arts of production and DJing as anyone on this list.”
Apollo Brown
“Our favourite beat-maker right now. We can’t get enough of the jazzy samples and heavy bass. If you haven’t heard, check out the albums Clouds and Blasphemy.”
Simiah
“About as talented a beat-maker and cut DJ as anyone we’ve seen in the UK. His live MPC set is incredible.”
Illinformed
“The younger brother of the soon-to-be-mentioned LeafDog, This guy makes the finest hip-hop beats in the UK.”
Leafdog
“The only person to feature on both lists, Leaf is oozing with talent. His production for the Four Owls is taking UK Hip-hop global right now.”
El-P
“Such a shame he didn’t produce the latest Cannibal Ox album. Instead just pump Run The Jewels Vol 1+2.”
Madlib
“Never been a huge fan before I heard last years Pinata LP with Freddie Gibbs. I’ve been meticulously going through his discography ever since.”
Badhabitz
“Bristol-based producer Badhabitz has taken group Split Prophets to new heights. His mix-tape Diggin Up The Past is the best UK mixtape we’ve ever heard.”
R&R’s Top Ten (actually 11) MCs
KRS-One
“When we booked KRS we were asked in the rider to purchase a book on spirituality and sign it for him. We signed it ‘To KRS, the greatest showman we have ever seen. R+R’”
Q-Tip/Phife
Clearly there are two of them but the yin and yang of the A Tribe Called Quest MCs is really the biggest appeal. We have Tribe playing about a hundred hours a week in this house.”
Method Man / Redman
“We are usually our own biggest critics but last year’s Meth and Red show was the best we’ve ever witnessed. Some people are born to perform.”
Jay Electronica
“What a talent. His voice and writing are close to perfection. His debut album is surely the most anticipated hip-hop album of recent years.”
Joey Bada$$
“Fresh off a world tour which sold out every date. Just like Dilla, at a young age he is considered to be the chosen one in his own right.”
Kendrick Lamar
“One of the most talked about rappers in the world right now. His diversity and lyrical wizardry are the best in the business. We would probably trade our mothers to put on a Kendrick Lamar show in Bristol.”
Jam Baxter
“His latest album, So We Ate Them Whole, is a masterpiece. His writing at times seems a million miles ahead of anyone else’s.”
Datkid
“Our favourite Bristol-based MC. Could hold his own against any rapper in the world. Great live presence.”
Leafdog
“Gotta love the nasal-heavy tone of Leafdog. Flow, content and vocab are all top notch. In our opinion the most talented hip-hop musician in our shores.”
Aesop Rock
“The best vocabulary of an MC that we’ve ever heard. He paints pictures with words in a way that is completely unique.”
Chester P
“Task Force was one of the groups that got me into hip-hop. Chester is a very inspirational person and arguably the finest writer ever in UK hip-hop.”
- Jay Electronica plays Exchange on Wednesday, March 11
- Phili N Dotz, Split Prophets and Micall Parknsun play Exchange on Saturday, March 14
- Lady Leshurr, Mr Woodnote and Eva Lazarus play Exchange on Saturday, April 4
- Problem Child and Lewis Parker play Exchange on Saturday, April 25
- The Four Owls and Jam Baxter play The Marble Factory on Saturday, May 16
- Pete Rock plays Bristol in May. Date and venue tbc.
Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
