In collaboration with Poppa Lars, a North Norwegian hip hop legend, and Sparebank1 Nord-Norge, we are proud to present Hip Hop Bonanza 2024: a powerhouse of a hip hop concert you can´t miss.
At the top of the poster are two of Norway's most exciting and current artists: Tyr and Oscar Blesson. They will perform an exclusive joint concert with both solo and collaborative tracks in a delightful interplay. Before this, we present an exciting lineup of northern Norwegian artists: Unge Funksjonell, Regz, Foad Noor, and Carl Critical. We are very excited!
Tyr
This year, Tyr released the album "Bedøvelse gjør mester", and despite his young age, he's almost considered a veteran! Previously known as Wonder the Boy, with lyrics in English, he had his breakthrough when he switched to Norwegian and released the single "21" in 2022 – a true summer anthem! His unique sound blends modern elements with inspiration from 2000s hip hop, and combined with his intriguing lyrics, it becomes an irresistible concoction! He's an energetic and raw live performer that we can't wait to see in Harstad!
Oscar Blesson
Oscar Blesson also started with English lyrics, gaining significant recognition and respect. In recent years, he has switched to Norwegian, establishing himself as a heavyweight and a powerhouse of a live artist! His debut album "Vi blør i kor" (We Bleed in Chorus) (2022) has streamed millions of times and recently came out on vinyl – but it's on stage that Blesson truly shines! With his electric energy, he takes the audience on an emotional rollercoaster, seamlessly switching between powerful rap verses, sensitive vocal parts, and intimate moments. He recently released the single "In Transit Freestyle," and a new album is expected in 2024!
Unge Funksjonell
Unge Funksjonell leads a new wave of exciting artists from Tromsø. He recently released the album "Dogma," featuring Harstad's own RSP and the well-known Joddski. UF clearly has his roots in a strong hip hop tradition but isn't afraid to show his more alternative sides and influences from other genres – like from his father, Bror Olsen, frontman of the legendary New Wave band Vinterhagen.
"Few new artists can create such a clear identity. Few male rappers dare to show this kind of vulnerability," wrote the newspaper iTromsø in their review of the album. We agree and are very excited!
Regz
Regz is a rare female rapper from the north and has already made her mark with personal lyrics over intense beats – whether she sings or raps. She holds nothing back when addressing her past lifestyle and former social circles. With high ambitions, the released singles more than hint that an album is on the way – something we got a taste of when she opened for Marstein last fall.
Foad Noor
Foad Noor has been bubbling in the northern Norwegian underground for a few years now, collaborating with RSP, Klish, Viljar Broks, Joddski, and several others. Singles have been released intermittently since 2016, but it is said that his debut album is now fully recorded – we wait with anticipation!
Carl Critical
Carl Critical is (among many other things) a music producer and filmmaker from Tromsø, and he runs the record label IGH – which houses UF, Regz, and Foad Noor. He comes to the Festival as the musical director and DJ for these three. Expect heavy beats and high-level visual flair!