Innovative hip-hop

Never has the hip-hop program been as strong – and especially topical – as this year’s lineup at NN North Sea Jazz.
The well-represented British hip-hop has truly revitalized itself in recent years with the likes of Little Simz, Loyle Carner and Stormzy. Little Simz finally realized a breakthrough with her phenomenal album Sometimes I Might Be Introvert, while Carner recently sold out Paradiso no less than three times. Grime icon Stormzy meanwhile has put out a fairly jazzy album entitled This Is What I Mean, featuring many gospel influences, which he likes to perform live at jazz festivals. There’s also the talented newcomer Sampa The Great from Zambia, who is also pretty skilled at fusing a smooth blend of hip-hop, soul and jazz through her shows.