Hip hop at the Jazz Cafe

Image: Big Daddy Kane 

Nestled in the vibrant quarters of Camden Town is the Jazz Cafe, a two tier independent venue integral to its cultural eco-system. Stretching beyond Jazz music, the venue attracts a diversified programme of artists ranging from modern soul musicians to hip hop artists.

The upcoming months are no different for the venue, as we nosedive into the intimacy of the live gig, and we couldn't help notice the crop of formidable lyricists set to spit on the Jazz Cafe mic. 

From genre pioneers to the cream of the Brooklyn crop, we've honed in on a quartet of key hip hop jaunts to shine a light on the Jazz Cafe's alternative speciality. 

In September, trailblazing jazz and hip hop meddlers Jungle Brothers hit the venue. Compromised of Mike Gee, Baby Bam and DJ Sammy B, the trio struck their acclaimed record Straight Out Of The Jungle in 1989 - an album which paved their way into the Native Tongue Posse. 

Revered for their Afrocentric lyrics, members of the clan included A Tribe Called Quest and De La Soul, a prominent movement during the eighties and nineties that introduced a variety of topics and motifs that helped construct genre. 

Continuing their innovative streak, the group linked up with Todd Terry for 'I'll House You', a cut often referenced as the first hip-house track, which you can listen to below. Stepping foot in the door on the 4th, the Jungle Brothers appear as part of their UK tour dates. 

Another key figure in the eighties, Big Daddy Kane comes to the venue on Friday 30th October. Widely regarded for his seemless wordplay and being draped in gold chains, the Brooklyn MC's most notorious hit arrived via 'Aint No Half Steppin' - listen below. 

Often regarded as a sex symbol during the late eighties and nineties, Kane's smooth and sexualised persona brought early albums Long Live The Kane and It's A Big Daddy Thing, records that spawned some of the finest hip hop from that period. 

Introducing something slightly different, A Tribe Called Quest's Phife Dawg hosts an evening on Friday 6th November. Performing both ATCQ and solo material, 'the five foot assassin' brings one of the hottest hip hop tickets to the capital this year. 

Sourced from closer to home, British hip hop musician TY secures the mic on Thursday 12th November. Previously signed to Big Dada, the South Londoner was deservedly nominated for a mercury prize for 2004 album Upwards. 

Ticket links below: 

Jungle Brothers at Jazz Cafe - Friday 4th September

An Evening With Phife Dawg at Jazz Cafe - Friday 6th November

TY at Jazz Cafe - Thursday 12th November

Head to the Jazz Cafe group to see their entire programme of events.