With a little over seven days to go, the excitement for this year's Appelsap Festival is understandably rising. Boasting a strong tradition of fusing unique line-ups, Appelsap travels the primary sounds of hip-hop, R&B and related experimental soundscapes, as well as being a snapshot of underground culture in 'Dam and its place as a European outpost to the world.
With past headliners including Fat Joe, Mobb Deep, Skepta, Section Boyz and Soulection, you'll be pleased to know they've stuck to the tried and tested format of US heavyweights alongside European risers, many of which are native to Holland, with a final splash of the UK's finest for good measure. In looking over the bill for the event on August 12, names immediately stand out whilst others — as is often the case — will only do so afterwards.
Here are five must-see acts at this year's Appelsap Festival.
Lil Wayne
Dave & J Hus
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The chances of Dave bringing out Drake for his verse on "Wanna Know" are fairly slim. However, with East London rapper J Hus also at Flevopark next weekend, you can expect to see him pop out for their collab "Samantha". Both wildly differing artists in looking at stage presence, J Hus has the added allure of fresh album material in Common Sense to play. As both are scheduled to perform on the Noisey stage, there will be no clashes to worry about here.
Kempi
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As one of the most pre-eminent names in Dutch rap, veteran Kempi first came to our attention in 2015, linking up with US beatsmith Alchemist in a recording studio for a week and crafted the 4-track EP Rap N Glorie. A mixture of militant street raps and clean, drum-heavy production, it's a great introduction into the world of Dutch hip-hop. 2017 has also proved largely productive for Kempi, having dropped latest project DU4 just a few months back. And now would be a better time than any to acquaint yourselves with this lyrical talent.
67
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67, the "drillers from the hill", continue an active summer and round it out with a slot up on the Noisey stage. Receiving an incredible reception at Denmark's Roskilde festival last month must have surely energised the crew, and they'll no doubt be on hand for another rousing set of uncompromising drill. Now armed with a new EP, The Glorious Twelfth, expect more mosh-pits and mayhem.
Yung Nnelg
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Down as perhaps one of the artists that will leave a lasting impression on you after the show, do make some time to check out rising star Yung Nnelg. Combining creativity (see above for his animated, Akira-inspired visuals) with a strong beat selection, Yung Nnelg truly succeeds in effortlessly rhyming complex schemes with ease.
