As tens of thousands of hip-hop heads descend on Marley Park this weekend one can’t help but think it’s the grandest line up yet. A far cry from the inaugural 2013 headliners of Vampire Weekend and Kraftwerk; the almost wholly hip-hop line up boasts some of the world’s biggest stars and promises to deliver some high energy performances.
Despite question marks over A$AP Rocky’s appearance at the festival it’s curated a lineup that stands up to any hip-hop oriented festival on the planet.
KNEECAP
The West Belfast Gael-Gigolos have developed a reputation as one of the rowdiest acts coming out of the emerald isle; Their live performances are laced with ‘Taps aff’ fuelled bangers and nonchalant lyricism.
KneeCap Play the Heineken Stage at 3:30pm on Friday 5th July.
JID
Under the mentorship of Dreamville head honcho J. Cole, JID is developing into one of the most widely rated, young MCs in the game. The 2018 XXL Freshman cover artist has been quickly growing traction for his rapid fire flow and signature cadence. Off the back of the acclaimed ‘DiCaprio 2’ expect nothing less than a show stopping performance at Marley Park.
JID Plays the Heineken Stage at 6pm on Friday 5th July.
Flohio
South London rapper Flohio is making waves with her fiery flow and biting lyricism. Her fierce approach to hip hop is turning heads and coupled with the eclectic production on her ‘Wild Yout EP’ is certain to draw some mosh pits this weekend.
Flohio plays the Elevation Stage at 6:10pm on Friday 5th July.
Stormzy
Drafted in to replace Chance The Rapper, Stormzy’s status has grown exponentially since dropping Shut Up. Hot off the back of an iconic Glastonbury performance and his first no.1 single Vossi Bop, the Croydon MC is more than ready to light up the main stage on Saturday.
Stormzy plays the Main Stage at 9.30pm on Saturday 6th July.
Nealo
Clonsilla wordsmith Nealo burst on to the Irish hip hop scene with his debut ep ‘October Year’ at the end of 2018. Having performed in hardcore bands previously, one would be forgiven for assuming he delivers more aggressive tracks. However Nealo delivers jazz inspired cuts featuring introspective word play that are sure to command the gaze of festival goers alike.
Nealo plays the Heineken Stage at 2:15pm on Saturday 6th July.
JPEGMAFIA
Baltimore producer and rapper JPEGMAFIA caused a stir in 2018 with the release of ‘Veteran’. The warped, glitchy production and sharp, punk infused verses combined with his mosh pit inducing howls are not to be missed.
JPEGMAFIA plays the Elevation Stage at 6:30pm on Saturday 6th July.
Denzel Curry
Florida’s own Zeltron 3000 aka Denzel Curry is gracing Longitude this Saturday with his outrageous delivery and relentless flows. Rising to prominence initially with Raider Klan, the martial arts loving MC guarantees raw energy.
Denzel Curry plays the Main Stage at 3pm on Saturday 6th July.
Brockhampton
‘American Boyband’, Brockhampton have been teasing new music and after nailing a US number one album expectations are high. Initially garnering attention through the Saturation series, the eclectic group bring their catchy MIA inspired hooks to Marley Park this Sunday.
Brockhampton plays the Main Stage at 6:30pm on Sunday 7th July.
Slowthai
Arguably the most exciting artist coming out of the UK at the moment; Northampton’s Slowthai dropped his scintillating debut album ‘Nothing Great About Britain’ to critical acclaim. His riotous live shows always end with the crowd surfing MC in his boxers, a spectacle worth seeing.
Slowthai plays the Heineken Stage at 4:30pm on Sunday 7th July.
Why-Axis
Utilising considered instrumentation and producing ear worm hooks, Why-Axis has been steadily procuring a loyal following since his ‘Airplane Mode’ EP. The Dublin artist makes his Longitude main stage debut this Sunday.
Why-Axis plays the Main Stage at 2:45pm on Sunday 7th July.