GROF – Hip-hop night with Meyhem Lauren and Hus Kingpin

Great raps, old-school vibes. Quality hip-hop for enthusiasts. Underground, unpolished, razor-sharp, hard-hitting and in-your-face.
Previous editions have featured Rome Streetz, Lord Finesse, Cali Agents and The Musalini on stage: nothing but heavy hitters, and this edition promises to be another one for the history books. The programme consists of:

MEYHEM LAUREN (USA)
Meyhem Lauren is New York hip-hop personified. The Queens-based MC is a rapper, graffiti artist, fashion icon, chef and, above all, a bon vivant with refined taste. His music captures the spirit of 90s New York: raw boom-bap, colourful street stories and a laid-back ‘ flow ’ full of humour and bravado.

That same flavour is evident in his collaborations, which range from Sean Price to House Of Pain. Meyhem Lauren has produced entire projects with, amongst others, DJ Muggs, Harry Fraud, Buckwild and Griselda producer Daringer, and has been working closely with Action Bronson, Westside Gunn and The Alchemist for years. From *Gems From The Equinox* with DJ Muggs to *Glass* with Harry Fraud and *Black Vladimir* with Daringer: quality and flavour are the constant.

Outside the booth, this connoisseur has also become a cult figure – through F*ck, That’s Delicious and his own cooking content – for anyone who takes hip-hop just as seriously as a good meal and a matching outfit. Great raps, great taste: Meyhem Lauren at GROF.

HUS KINGPIN, ROZEWOOD & FLAME (USA)
Hus Kingpin is an enigma from the American underground and one of the pioneers of the minimalist, sample-based street rap that has taken the world by storm again in recent years. Within this scene, Hus has carved out his own niche: stripped-back loops, smooth raps and cinematic street poetry brimming with luxury, women, art and dark imagery of New York – and Rio de Janeiro.

Hus is extremely prolific, but never random: he creates his own concept and universe around every release. From the ‘Portishus’ series, built entirely around Portishead samples, and his ‘Threesome’ series, to reinterpretations of classics by The Firm, Wu-Tang and Kanye West. He has worked with producers such as Madlib, 9th Wonder and Big Ghost Ltd, and has earned the endorsement and respect of pioneers such as Rakim, Kool G Rap and his contemporary Roc Marciano. Hus isn’t coming to GROF alone: his regular partner in rhyme, Rozewood, will be standing alongside him on the mic, with FLAME behind the decks. Hus and Rozewood have been collaborating since day one and recently released their duo tape, *Waveghxst *. For the first time in the Netherlands and a super-exclusive event: Hus Kingpin, Rozewood & FLAME. Wavo forever!

JUST
Justhas been on the scene for over fifteen years with honest, vulnerable and lyrically powerful boombap hip-hop. As one half of Engel & Just, he built up a loyal following with albums such as *Statler & Waldorf*, *Dertig*, *Liefdewerk Oud Papier* and *Souvenirs*, and is now making serious strides entirely on his own. With his solo debut *Water Onder De Brug*, Just demonstrates that his recognisable voice and sharp pen have only grown stronger. Personal stories, mature reflections and pure hip-hop: an MC who doesn’t need to shout any louder to make an impact.

DENZEL NEVILLE
Denzel Neville creates what he himself describes as ‘EmoSoul Stories’: his own blend of narrative rap, soulful melodies and raw emotion. Denzel writes about both his deepest lows and personal triumphs, without letting the music feel heavy. Last year he released the EP 30, and his name is now starting to make waves more and more outside the city – even Virgil van Dijk has said he’s a fan of his track ‘Euro 95’. Time for a spot in the line-up in his hometown!

GAME OVA & ORIYE CAZZ
Between sets, DJ Game Ova will be providing the music. You’ll know him from his legendary mixtapes and radio shows, which he spices up with his two-man act Oriye Cazz (aka ZaCairo). It’s no coincidence that Oriye is hosting this edition, and the One F.A.M.E. duo will guide you seamlessly through the evening.