And it don’t stop: Hip-hop venues in Calgary
Whether it’s live performances or rap and hip-hop culture you’re after, Calgary’s got a lot to offer hip-hop heads. Many clubs in the city host weekly hip-hop music nights as well as regular events such as Hip Hop Karaoke and the monthly 10 at 10 local hip-hop showcase. The beat is alive and well at these Calgary venues.
Hi Fi Club
219 10 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2R 0A4Known for bringing artists to Calgary before they achieve mainstream success, Hifi Club has become a fixture in introducing new and rising hip-hop artists. Over the years, the club has hosted popular Cleveland rapper KiD CuDi, hip-hop legend Grandmaster Flash and more. Recent performers include DJ Maseo, Tory Lanez and Skratch Bastid. On Friday nights, rap event Set If Off is hosted by Beni Johnson, with music provided by DJ Pump, DJ C-Sik and Ivan Rankic.
Ten Nightclub
1140 10 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2R 0B6Although the club doesn't offer a dedicated hip-hop night, it’s almost guaranteed you’ll hear rap music at Ten on weekends. Right now, the weekly Cherry Saturdays features a mix of hip hop, R&B, rap and reggae courtesy of DJ Newboy and DexOne. The club occasionally hosts hip-hop shows and has brought in artists such as Danny Brown, Flatbush ZOMBiES and more.
Dickens Pub
1000 9 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2P 2Y6This unassuming basement-level bar in downtown’s west end is well known for its involvement in Calgary’s punk and hardcore music scenes. But Dickens has also played host to many rappers and hip-hop artists. The bar has seen Canadian acts like Vancouver’s Swollen Members as well as British Columbia Stompdown artists Snak The Ripper, Evil Ebenezer and Merkules. Dickens also presents old-school American rap legends such as The Onyx, Redman, M.O.P. and others.
Back Alley Nightclub
4630 Macleod Trail Sw, Calgary AB T2G 5E8Marquee Beer Market & Stage recently took over the location of the now defunct Back Alley Nightclub. Since its inception, Marquee has brought several big hip-hop artists to Calgary including Rich Homie Quan, The L.O.X., Fat Joe and more.
Broken City Social Club
613 11 Ave SW, Calgary AB T2R 0E1Broken City on Eleventh Avenue Southwest is central to Calgary’s growing music scene. In addition to presenting weekly live indie band performances, Broken City also features Natural Selection Hip Hop Night, which celebrates the golden era of hip hop. Calgary DJs Brofanity, Typist and Kline play hip-hop classics from the ’80s and ’90s.
Scotiabank Saddledome
555 Saddledome Rise SE, Calgary AB T2G 2W1Calgary’s largest music venue, the Scotiabank Saddledome is the go-to venue for performances by the most current, popular rappers. Fan favourites such as Drake, Rihanna and Jay-Z have all graced the Saddledome stage over the years. When major artists hit the Canadian tour circuit, it’s usually a sure bet that they’ll perform here.
BMO Centre
20 Roundup Way SE, Calgary AB T2G 2W1The biggest convention centre in Calgary, BMO Centre in Stampede Park is one of the largest music venues in the city. While most performance spaces only cater to the 18-plus crowd, BMO Centre frequently hosts gigs for hip-hop fans of all ages. Past guests have included J. Cole and Rick Ross.
Shaw Millennium Park
1220 9 Avenue SE, Calgary AB T2G 0T1This skatepark pulls double duty as an outdoor music performance venue in summer. Annual events include One Love Music Festival, Western Canada’s largest hip-hop music festival. Performers for the September 2015 edition include headliners Nas and J. Cole backed by Machine Gun Kelly; Wu-Tang clan member, Raekwon; Kanye West protégé Travi$ Scott; and Maybach Music Group signee, Wale. Local performers included Evrlove Blake and The Humble Giants trio.
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