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.
Ronnie Flex & The Fam
Get ready for an electrifying afternoon as Ronnie Flex takes the stage at Ketelhuisplein with unstoppable energy, raw emotion, and hit after hit. Rooted in hip hop, but just as comfortable dropping pure pop, club bangers, smooth R&B or urban anthems — the Rotterdam native does it all, and always with style. With almost 3 million monthly streams on Spotify, Ronnie Flex continues to prove he's one of the most versatile and beloved artists in the game. A new album is on the way, and on the recent single ‘Heel De Nacht Alleen’ we even hear a rocking Ronnie Flex like never before. And this time, he’s not coming alone — Ronnie Flex will be joined by The Fam, bringing even more energy, talent and love to the stage. We’re thrilled to welcome him.
