Bulgarian hip hop
Encyclopedia
The Bulgarian hip hop
culture development and influence is divided into two main periods. "The First Wave" ran from the mid '80s to mid '90s of the 20th century. This period is known with its underground rap and quite unfamiliar breakdancing crews, few graffiti
artist and almost no DJs. At that time some of the active rappers were: In 1986 a street rapper called Ivo-Trombona recorded the first official Bulgarian rap song "This is a fake love" recorded in the only private recording studio back then - Dilema Studio in Sofia city, the capital of Bulgaria. Ivo-Trombona (later on renamed as Mc Guiness) is considered the first Bulgarian Rapper and founder of the Bulgarian rap and hip hop culture. Another follow ups at that time era were: Dynamic ( DJ Stancho and Peter ), Gumeni Glavi, Amnistea (some members participate in Dope Reach Squad), Avi MC, Teslata and Bulldogz.
"The Second Wave" from 1999 to nowadays was a big time success in comparison to the first one, partly due to the more developed show business that replaced the fading socialist state ran estrade. There were many artists and media support. Prominent artists from this time are Misho Shamara
(now changed his name to Big Sha) with his Frontline Hustle label, DJ Stancho, Spens
and Slim
and their label Sniper Records. Those two labels were quite controversial in terms of "real hip-hop", sampling and mostly which is "the better one". This east-west conflict was mimicking the US hip-hop scene only for commercial reasons.
Notable acts of hip-hop positive development are the several clubs specialized in R'n'B and hip-hop music, established by Misho Shamara
and his clothing line. On the other side - Sniper Records - the quite successful hip-hop magazine "Knockout", the "NGP" video shooting studio, and the several hip-hop events powered by Sniper Records such as the Wu-Tang Clan
and RZA
concert in Bulgaria
and the "No borders" Balkan festivals placed in Sofia
. No doubt this was a big progress for the Bulgarian hip-hop.
There are two main trends in Bulgarian hip-hop: mainstream and underground.
The first one set by Gumeni Glavi and their label R'n'b Records mirrored the American rap scene as depicted on MTV
, complete with grillz
, heavy jewelry, scantly clad women, Dirty South/East Coast/West Coast variations. The most distinct commercial Bulgarian rappers to date are Misho Shamara
, Konsa, 100 Kila and Upsurt
.
In 2007, Misho Shamara
changed his name to Big Sha, signed to Universal Records
and created a new label - Frontline Hustle, which is also signed to Virginia Records/Universal Records
.
In 2008, Big Sha released his fifth studio album - Hliab & Amfeti (Bread and Amphetamines), which has guest appearances from Drag-On
and Crucial Conflict
, Frontline Hustle labelmates. The album was a major success in Bulgaria
.
Big Sha was featured on LiLana's song "Dime Piece
" together with American rapper Snoop Dogg
. The song and the video were released in Bulgaria
on April 24, 2009. As announced, this collaboration was probably the most unexpected by the Bulgarian rap fans, but it was made possible by the producer of the song Ariel Rodriguez. Also, this is the first collaboration
between a Bulgarian rapper and an American worldwide known rap star.
There are also some Bulgarian mainstream hip-hop artists who collaborate with folk-stars (e.g.Ustata).
The hip-hop scene in Bulgaria consists of numerous performers, including Spens
, DeepCode (Pierro and Styleback) Wosh and Yoko, Wood , Rumanetsa i Enchev, Deadly Mindz,KING SIZE, Kuchetata (The Dogz) , Bate Sasho , Honn Kong , X-Team, FARS (Funatic Adventures of Rhyme Sapiens), Horata na Izgreva (The Sunrise People), warm-up act of Onyx and Das Efx concerts. DRS+ (Dope Reach Squad
working alongside Nokaut since 2002) and even have a representative of the crunk/dirty south movement, in the face of Jentaro and his group Nad Zakona (also known as Above Da Law Clique or just Above Da Law). He is notoriously known not only for his raw lyrics and gimmicks to turn a pending club crowd into a riot, but also for his rough flows and deliveries, often bordering with screaming. On March 31-st, 2010, he alongside other popular bulgarian hip-hop artists was a supporting act for Lil Jon at his concert in Zala "Universiada" in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is the founder and developer of the crunk style in Bulgaria since 2005, being the first ever to bring it to Europe. Udarnata Grupa (The Striking Team) is the most prominent underground formation in Bulgaria, with no media appearance, a few events in Plovdiv
, but with own distinctive style of rapping which is appreciated form those who are familiar with what is to be called "real hip-hop".
Upsurt
is also a very famous hip-hop group, which has gone from underground to mainstream. Their first album, Bozdugan, was released in 1999 and was based on rude and vulgar rhymes as well as original pop references.
Lyrics focus mainly on agricultural issues, intra-Slavic conflicts, nationalism, as well as more conventional topics like bling, women, relationships and racism
.
Hip hop
Hip hop is a form of musical expression and artistic culture that originated in African-American and Latino communities during the 1970s in New York City, specifically the Bronx. DJ Afrika Bambaataa outlined the four pillars of hip hop culture: MCing, DJing, breaking and graffiti writing...
culture development and influence is divided into two main periods. "The First Wave" ran from the mid '80s to mid '90s of the 20th century. This period is known with its underground rap and quite unfamiliar breakdancing crews, few graffiti
Graffiti
Graffiti is the name for images or lettering scratched, scrawled, painted or marked in any manner on property....
artist and almost no DJs. At that time some of the active rappers were: In 1986 a street rapper called Ivo-Trombona recorded the first official Bulgarian rap song "This is a fake love" recorded in the only private recording studio back then - Dilema Studio in Sofia city, the capital of Bulgaria. Ivo-Trombona (later on renamed as Mc Guiness) is considered the first Bulgarian Rapper and founder of the Bulgarian rap and hip hop culture. Another follow ups at that time era were: Dynamic ( DJ Stancho and Peter ), Gumeni Glavi, Amnistea (some members participate in Dope Reach Squad), Avi MC, Teslata and Bulldogz.
"The Second Wave" from 1999 to nowadays was a big time success in comparison to the first one, partly due to the more developed show business that replaced the fading socialist state ran estrade. There were many artists and media support. Prominent artists from this time are Misho Shamara
Misho shamara
Mihail Mihailov born on December 27, 1972, better known as Big Sha or by his previous name Misho Shamara is a Bulgarian rapper from Varna, Bulgaria.- Music career :...
(now changed his name to Big Sha) with his Frontline Hustle label, DJ Stancho, Spens
Spens
Spens , is a Bulgarian hip hop artist. He was born in Pleven on October 13, 1975.As a high school student he recorded amateur songs using nothing but a synthesizer and tape deck. After graduation in 1994, he moved to the capital city of Sofia to pursue studies in computer information technologies...
and Slim
Slim
Slim may refer to:* Field Marshal William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim , a British military commander and 13th Governor-General of Australia* Slim , Band member from the group 112...
and their label Sniper Records. Those two labels were quite controversial in terms of "real hip-hop", sampling and mostly which is "the better one". This east-west conflict was mimicking the US hip-hop scene only for commercial reasons.
Notable acts of hip-hop positive development are the several clubs specialized in R'n'B and hip-hop music, established by Misho Shamara
Misho shamara
Mihail Mihailov born on December 27, 1972, better known as Big Sha or by his previous name Misho Shamara is a Bulgarian rapper from Varna, Bulgaria.- Music career :...
and his clothing line. On the other side - Sniper Records - the quite successful hip-hop magazine "Knockout", the "NGP" video shooting studio, and the several hip-hop events powered by Sniper Records such as the Wu-Tang Clan
Wu-Tang Clan
The Wu-Tang Clan is a hip-hop group from Staten Island that consists of RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. They are frequently joined by fellow childhood friend Cappadonna, a quasi member of the group...
and RZA
RZA
Robert Fitzgerald Diggs, better known by his stage name RZA , is an American Grammy-winning music producer, multi-instrumentalist, author, emcee, and occasional actor, director, and screenwriter. A prominent figure in Hip Hop, RZA is the de facto leader of the Wu-Tang Clan. He has produced almost...
concert in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
and the "No borders" Balkan festivals placed in Sofia
Sofia
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria and the 12th largest city in the European Union with a population of 1.27 million people. It is located in western Bulgaria, at the foot of Mount Vitosha and approximately at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula.Prehistoric settlements were excavated...
. No doubt this was a big progress for the Bulgarian hip-hop.
There are two main trends in Bulgarian hip-hop: mainstream and underground.
The first one set by Gumeni Glavi and their label R'n'b Records mirrored the American rap scene as depicted on MTV
MTV
MTV, formerly an initialism of Music Television, is an American network based in New York City that launched on August 1, 1981. The original purpose of the channel was to play music videos guided by on-air hosts known as VJs....
, complete with grillz
Grillz
"Grillz" is a song by American rapper Nelly from his compilation album Sweatsuit. The song features Paul Wall and Ali & Gipp. Brandi Williams also does back-up vocals on the song, but is not officially credited as a featured artist . The song was produced by Jermaine Dupri. The song is about...
, heavy jewelry, scantly clad women, Dirty South/East Coast/West Coast variations. The most distinct commercial Bulgarian rappers to date are Misho Shamara
Misho shamara
Mihail Mihailov born on December 27, 1972, better known as Big Sha or by his previous name Misho Shamara is a Bulgarian rapper from Varna, Bulgaria.- Music career :...
, Konsa, 100 Kila and Upsurt
Upsurt
Upsurt is a Bulgarian rap-band founded in the beginning of 1996 by childhood friends Itso Hazarta, Butch, Bat Ventsi and Panchev. Their first records were recorded in Sudibula studio in January 1996. After a while, Shlevi Panchev left the band and only three members remained...
.
In 2007, Misho Shamara
Misho shamara
Mihail Mihailov born on December 27, 1972, better known as Big Sha or by his previous name Misho Shamara is a Bulgarian rapper from Varna, Bulgaria.- Music career :...
changed his name to Big Sha, signed to Universal Records
Universal Records
Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
and created a new label - Frontline Hustle, which is also signed to Virginia Records/Universal Records
Universal Records
Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
.
In 2008, Big Sha released his fifth studio album - Hliab & Amfeti (Bread and Amphetamines), which has guest appearances from Drag-On
Drag-On
Mel Jason Smalls , better known as Drag-On, is an American rapper from The Bronx, New York City.Drag-On was originally signed to Interscope Records under the Ruff Ryders Entertainment imprint, where he released his successful debut album, Opposite of H2O, which debuted at #5 on the Billboard 200...
and Crucial Conflict
Crucial Conflict
Crucial Conflict is a Chicago hip hop group best known for its 1996 single "Hay" and "Scummy" . The members of Crucial Conflict are Coldhard, Wildstyle, Kilo, and Never. They frequently collaborate with fellow Chicago rappers Do or Die and Twista...
, Frontline Hustle labelmates. The album was a major success in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
.
Big Sha was featured on LiLana's song "Dime Piece
Dime Piece
"Dime Piece" is the first single from Bulgarian singer LiLana's second studio album. The song features American hip hop veteran Snoop Dogg and fellow Bulgarian rapper and Virginia Records labelmate Big Sha. The song is produced by Ariel Rodriguez and was a very successful hit in Bulgaria. The track...
" together with American rapper Snoop Dogg
Snoop Dogg
Calvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
. The song and the video were released in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
on April 24, 2009. As announced, this collaboration was probably the most unexpected by the Bulgarian rap fans, but it was made possible by the producer of the song Ariel Rodriguez. Also, this is the first collaboration
between a Bulgarian rapper and an American worldwide known rap star.
There are also some Bulgarian mainstream hip-hop artists who collaborate with folk-stars (e.g.Ustata).
The hip-hop scene in Bulgaria consists of numerous performers, including Spens
Spens
Spens , is a Bulgarian hip hop artist. He was born in Pleven on October 13, 1975.As a high school student he recorded amateur songs using nothing but a synthesizer and tape deck. After graduation in 1994, he moved to the capital city of Sofia to pursue studies in computer information technologies...
, DeepCode (Pierro and Styleback) Wosh and Yoko, Wood , Rumanetsa i Enchev, Deadly Mindz,KING SIZE, Kuchetata (The Dogz) , Bate Sasho , Honn Kong , X-Team, FARS (Funatic Adventures of Rhyme Sapiens), Horata na Izgreva (The Sunrise People), warm-up act of Onyx and Das Efx concerts. DRS+ (Dope Reach Squad
Dope Reach Squad
Dope Reach Squad or DRS is a Bulgarian hip-hop and reggae group. They originated as a graffiti crew in the city of Dobrich in 1998.In 2001 they collaborated with many other artists such as Nokaut, 187 Clan, DJ Ivo Glavata, Scum, Naste, Kaska, Dani, and Juliana to produce their first album, "Urok...
working alongside Nokaut since 2002) and even have a representative of the crunk/dirty south movement, in the face of Jentaro and his group Nad Zakona (also known as Above Da Law Clique or just Above Da Law). He is notoriously known not only for his raw lyrics and gimmicks to turn a pending club crowd into a riot, but also for his rough flows and deliveries, often bordering with screaming. On March 31-st, 2010, he alongside other popular bulgarian hip-hop artists was a supporting act for Lil Jon at his concert in Zala "Universiada" in Sofia, Bulgaria. He is the founder and developer of the crunk style in Bulgaria since 2005, being the first ever to bring it to Europe. Udarnata Grupa (The Striking Team) is the most prominent underground formation in Bulgaria, with no media appearance, a few events in Plovdiv
Plovdiv
Plovdiv is the second-largest city in Bulgaria after Sofia with a population of 338,153 inhabitants according to Census 2011. Plovdiv's history spans some 6,000 years, with traces of a Neolithic settlement dating to roughly 4000 BC; it is one of the oldest cities in Europe...
, but with own distinctive style of rapping which is appreciated form those who are familiar with what is to be called "real hip-hop".
Upsurt
Upsurt
Upsurt is a Bulgarian rap-band founded in the beginning of 1996 by childhood friends Itso Hazarta, Butch, Bat Ventsi and Panchev. Their first records were recorded in Sudibula studio in January 1996. After a while, Shlevi Panchev left the band and only three members remained...
is also a very famous hip-hop group, which has gone from underground to mainstream. Their first album, Bozdugan, was released in 1999 and was based on rude and vulgar rhymes as well as original pop references.
Lyrics focus mainly on agricultural issues, intra-Slavic conflicts, nationalism, as well as more conventional topics like bling, women, relationships and racism
Racism
Racism is the belief that inherent different traits in human racial groups justify discrimination. In the modern English language, the term "racism" is used predominantly as a pejorative epithet. It is applied especially to the practice or advocacy of racial discrimination of a pernicious nature...
.