History of Hip-Hop
This isn’t just a party: it’s a living timeline of rhythm and rebellion, celebrating the pioneers, the parties and the energy that gave us the UK’s most iconic club sounds.
From the basement blues parties of the 1970s to the bass-heavy pirate radio waves of the 2000s, Black British communities have shaped the sound of the UK dance floor for generations. Join us with the Doctors Orders for a special journey through the history of hip-hop, exploring 50 years of the musical genre and its place in British club culture.
With DJs and live performances exploring the development of the genre, each set takes you deeper into a different era and genre, from soul and funk foundations, through the birth of UK hip-hop and the explosion of house, to the raw power of jungle, garage and grime.
Guided by a host who threads the story together live on stage, join us for music, memories and movement in equal measure, whether you were there the first time or you’re just now catching the vibe.
Schedule
3pm – 3.30pm: DJ 279 (1970s)
3.30pm – 4.15pm: Mr Thing (1980s)
4.15pm – 5pm: Spin Doctor (1990s)
5pm – 5.15pm: Blak Twang live
5.15pm – 6pm: Shejay (2000s)
6pm – 6.15pm: JayaHadADream live
6.15pm – 7pm: DJ Semtex (2010s – current)
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Riverside Terrace Southbank Centre
The Riverside Terrace is open all day, every day*.
*If you’re attending an event on our Riverside Terrace, check the event listing for start and finish times.
Plan your visit
The Riverside Terrace is an outdoor space overlooking the River Thames, on Royal Festival Hall, Level 2.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
Through the glass from Riverside Terrace on Level 2 of our Royal Festival Hall you can grab a slice of life by the Thames with drinks and freshly made pizza at our Festival Bar & Kitchen.
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.