Most people link hip hop to cities such as New York, Los Angeles or Atlanta. Even the beautiful city of Budapest, Hungary, has been affected by hip hop’s influence now. We’ll take a look at the energetic hip hop scene here and see how it grew into a unique cultural movement in Budapest over the years.

How Hip Hop Got Started in Budapest

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, hip hop first appeared in Budapest. After Hungary recovered from communism, Western culture reached the country, including affecting their music. Hip hop gave Hungarian young people a way to speak out against what was expected from them by society and authorities. At that time, change and uncertainty were everywhere, so hip hop let those who questioned authority take part in a worldwide movement.

In the beginning, the local hip hop scene struggled because there weren’t many resources and not many people heard their music. Because they did not have the support of major media networks or the tools needed, early artists had to be both inventive and diligent. Even so, those dedicated to hip hop held on and built a new culture in Budapest that joined worldwide trends and kept traditions unique to Hungary.

Ingredients of Hungarian Hip Hop

The sound of Hungarian hip hop is quite different from hip hop found in America. This is why Hungarian hip hop is set apart and unique:

Language

 The Hungarian language appearing in the music is one of the biggest separators. Singers in this style write and deliver their lyrics by drawing from their culture’s language, slang and traditions. Because of Hungarian words and expressions, Hungarian hip hop retains its local character and attracts international listeners.

The Lyrics and Main Theme

 Hungarian hip hop tells the true stories of life in Hungary. A lot of the time, artists present social matters, politics or their own experiences to their fans, making a strong link with their fans. Hungarian rap features words that bring understanding to the ups and downs of life in this society. Material hardship, questions of identity and the aim for freedom are often explored in the music, giving it value and making it socially important.

Musical Style

 You can hear many different kinds of music in Hungarian hip hop. Certain artists focus on traditional rap music, but others like to combine the genres of rock, funk and jazz and even traditional Hungarian folk music. As a result of using many distinct sounds, the genre gets more interesting and illustrates how artists mix today’s popular trends with their local heritage.

Hip Hop in Budapest

Hip hop lovers will find that Budapest provides a constant flow of events, venues to visit and chances for music lovers and artists to gather. Because of its cultural atmosphere, hip hop artists in the city are inspired to create and work together. I would like to highlight a few events in the hip hop scene of Budapest.

Musical events often happen through concerts and festivals.

 Budapest is the stage for several hip hop concerts and festivals each year. Different acts from around the world and close to home perform at these events. Either at underground gigs or huge outdoor events, everyone can find something they love. Such meetings act as entertainment and important places where people can interact and learn about other cultures.

Dancing in b-boying and in dance crews

 Budapest is established as a base for many gifted B-Boying and dance crews as well. Singers and dancers mix hip hop moves with their own creativity, wowing spectators with their performances. Many times, you’ll see them perform in clubs and street venues, where their passion and talent preserve hip hop in the city.

Art that appears in public places

 Graffiti and street art are important aspects within hip hop and Budapest is rich in these forms. Murals, tags and works of art can be seen across the city, making the area exciting to look at. Walk through the 7th and 8th to appreciate the artwork, since many wall paintings share tales of resistance, identity and imagination. The unique murals help define the look of the city and pay tribute to hip hop art.

Famous Hungarian Hip Hop Artists

After learning about Hungarian hip hop, we should look at some artists who have influenced the genre:

Artist                                                                   Genre

Abrakazebra                               Rappers from France are also known for Alternative/Experimental Hip Hop.

GANZ                                           Hip Hop music played with machines and technology

Frauq                                                                    Trap

Mad Flow                                                         Boom Bap

Azaia                                    Hip Hop that is carefully considered

Just a part of the many talented hip hop artists in Budapest are the ones mentioned. You’ll discover many kinds of Hungarian hip hop by listening: experimental, serious, fun or political.

Being a Part of Hip Hop

If you’re curious about Budapest’s hip hop scene, there are some great ways to explore it.

Attend Events

 Watch the internet, look for local event announcements and check hip hop event sites for events in Budapest. You can attend parties, concerts and open mic nights to see dancers in real life. These events are at the heart of the underground scene and give people a way to meet others in the community.

Take part in dance workshops.

 Budapest has dance workshops where instructors will teach you hip hop dance steps. You don’t need much experience to learn and make new friends at these dance workshops.

Buy products that come from nearby artists.

 Help local artists by enjoying their live shows, buying their songs and posting about their work on the internet. A lot of Hungarian hip hop musicians depend on regular encouragement from fans like you.

Start Creating

 If you can’t get enough of hip hop, try making your songs, designing your dance moves or creating graffiti. Hip hop is a friendly scene in Budapest that lets everyone express their thoughts and emotions. Go ahead and join this thriving community by offering your own original ideas.

Conclusion

The hip hop community in Budapest reflects the special qualities found in Hungarian culture. From concerts to extraordinary street art, there is no end to the ways someone interested in hip hop can explore New York City. If you explore the talents where you live, go to events and engage in the community, you’ll become a member of this lively culture. Let hip hop inspire you and try Hungarian rap in one of Europe’s interesting cities.