Angry Blackmen
Angry Blackmen are the Chicago duo tearing into the horrors of modern America with raw poetry and spine-snapping industrial hip hop. On their 2024 album The Legend of ABM, Quentin Branch and Brian Warren waste no time. Jumping straight into a barrage of glitchy, noise-heavy beats and pathos-laced bars about themes such as racism, capitalism, addiction, and survival. It’s a 30-minute blast of existential urgency told through personal anecdotes and razor-sharp wordplay. Expect their live shows to be just as unfiltered and loud. An electrifying deep-dive into the pre-apocalyptic world we’re already living in.
Oykie
Amsterdam-born Oykie (Kyo Bijron) returned home at 17 to pursue music, quickly gaining millions of streams with hits like Geluk and Private Life—all without label support. Blending American styles with a distinct Dutch edge, his tracks like the viral Naar Je Toe and collaborations with Eves Laurent showcase his versatility. With over 20 million streams and recognition from FunX and Complex, Oykie is a rising star both on local and international stages.
NOAH
Take it from one of our headliners two years ago, Sticks: NOAH is one of the most exciting new names in Dutch hip-hop and the multitalented force behind Noah’s Ark. Noah Defares, better known as NOAH, is a multidisciplinary artist who splits his time between the studio and the canvas. After the release of Mr. Blue in 2023, he made a conscious shift back to basics: fewer chords and melodies, more beats and bars. This creative reset led to the release of two punchy maxi-singles—Survival Of The Fittest / Noahlogie and Zeeziek / Kijken Kijken Niet Kopen—with a third one on the way.
Sef
Yousef Gnaoui, better known as Sef, first burst onto the scene with the iconic hip-hop collective Flinke Namen, quickly cementing his place in Dutch music through chart-topping collaborations with The Partysquad and Dio. In 2011, he ventured out on his own. His solo debut marked the beginning of a fearless career defined by originality, introspection, and constant evolution. In 2023, Sef released the widely acclaimed ‘Ik Zou Voor Veel Kunnen Sterven Maar Niet Voor Een Vlag’. A powerful album that delves deep into the impact of capitalism, nationalism, and individualism on society. The record earned him the Edison Award for Best Dutch Album of the Year, further solidifying his status as one of the country’s most thought-provoking artists. With a brand-new album, Lieve Monsters, dropping this June, Sef is ready to take things to the next level during Hit The City.
Gotu Jim
Rapper Gotu Jim’s journey is nothing short of legendary. From student king to internet sensation to style icon, he’s been rising nonstop and if he weren’t so down-to-earth, people would be calling him a superstar by now. Secretly, maybe he always dreamed of being a DJ, but the hip-hop scene is absolutely richer with this charismatic rising star behind the mic. In 2024, he broke through with ‘Misschien Kwijt’, a viral TikTok hit that quickly turned into a full-blown festival anthem. His sound remains unmistakably Jim: dark and emotional, yet always wrapped in a smile, with those catchy, sing-along hooks you just can’t shake. With his raunchy lyrics and wavy beats, Gotu Jim has already teamed up with artists like Faberyayo and Merol. He’s rocked stages at Solar, Lowlands, and Pukkelpop, while his album ‘Niet Geslapen Wel Gedoucht’ earned a nomination for a prestigious 3voor12 Award. The hip-hop scene is lucky to have this genuinely talented and down-to-earth artist rising fast.
Fresku
Since 2008, Fresku has been a cornerstone of the Dutch rap scene, and he’ll bring his honest, heartfelt voice back home at Hit the City. He broke through with ‘Brief Aan Kees’, a powerful track that landed him a deal with Top Notch, the Netherlands’ biggest hip-hop label. Fresku is a creative powerhouse and a storyteller who fearlessly shares his fears, doubts, and love. Beyond music, he acts, performs cabaret, and runs his own label. Through his work, he holds up a mirror to Hilversum, sparking reflection during times of division and tension. Expect deep stories, sharp rhymes, and the unmistakable spirit of a true original. Don’t miss this hometown hero shake the city to its core.
Broederliefde
Rotterdam’s finest, Broederliefde, is hitting the stage at Ketelhuisplein. Broederliefde, which translates to brotherly love, tells the unique story of a brotherhood that rose from the streets of Spangen. Blending hard-hitting hip-hop with the rhythm of Caribbean dance music, they made waves with their debut single ‘Labanta’ and hits like "Mi No Lob”, "Jungle", “Alaka”, and “Ik Was Al Binnen”. Get ready to move with the familia!
Brunzyn
Straight outta Vlaardingen: Brunzyn! He’s is not just an artist, he’s the vice president of Albino Sports, an independent label making major moves. After a lifetime of vibing to hip-hop, he now spits relatable bars over blazing beats, always keeping the crowd on its toes. A true man of the people, Brunzyn builds a real connection with his audience and when he hits the stage, it shows. With explosive projects like ‘B2’, ‘Albino Sports Vol. 1’ (with Joost Klein), and ‘Meer Dan Een Meme’, you already know he’s about to tear it all down. Expect high energy, slick moves, and moshpits that’ll shake basement.
Jawnino
The enigma of London’s underground: Jawnino! Emerging from the shadows with his cult 2019 hit ‘It's Cold Out’, Jawnino has carved out a space entirely his own. Fusing grime, jungle, and UK rap, his sound pulses with the raw, restless spirit of London. Unapologetically unconventional, Jawnino weaves gritty street tales with eclectic production, capturing both the chaos and beauty of city life. His music doesn’t fit neatly into one category—instead, it draws from various influences to craft a sound that’s uniquely his. With co-signs from underground heavyweights like MIKE, Kibo, and James Massiah, Jawnino is building a movement on his own terms; no gimmicks, no compromises, just pure, unfiltered expression.
KiLLOWEN
Rapper, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist KiLLOWEN is one of the UK’s most exciting genre-benders, blending UK garage, hip-hop, dance, and soul into tracks that feel both deeply personal and universally infectious. After making serious waves online with the viral hit ‘Sober’, written and produced entirely by the 24-year-old himself, KiLLOWEN skyrocketed to 4.8 million Spotify streams and over 20 million TikTok views, landing at 20 on the UK Viral chart. But this is no one-hit story. From early SoundCloud experiments to collaborating with artists like p-rallel, Arlo Parks, and Finn Foxell, he’s built a sonic world that’s raw, reflective, and relentlessly fresh.