Photo: Theo McInnes

Meet the vanguard of homegrown hip hop artists planting their flag on the world scene—and creating a new cultural conversation about Athens—one verse drop at a time.

By Alex King

Greek hip hop is finding its own voice in Athens - and on the world stage.

Photo: Theo McInnes

Negros Tou Moria speaks the language of this country.

Photo: Theo McInnes

ATH Kids is inspiring a new generation of young Greek rappers.

Photo: Theo McInnes

“I see a lot of new kids who are bumping now and they’re mainly rapping in Greek,” Joseph explains. “They have seen that, thanks to the internet, it is possible to make it if you rap in Greek. A lot of kids say they have been inspired by us and the other elders out there. This new generation aren’t happy with existing 9-to-5 like robots. They have big dreams and are taking more time to be creative and find their place.”

Word Up: Honing verses old school.

Photo: Theo McInnes

Well-versed: Kid Young and Kareem Kalokoh talk shop.

Photo: Theo McInnes

Negros tou Moria in Kypseli, the HQ of Athens hip hop.

Photo: Theo McInnes

Where to listen to hip hop in Athens?

Joseph Mouzakitis and Kareem Kalokoh on the streets of Faliro.  

Photo: Theo McInnes