Beijing's Best Hip-Hop Clubs for Homies, Husslers, and Shorties
Over the past couple of years, hip-hop has unequivocally broken from a lifestyle among China's underground circles through to the country's mainstream culture. Thanks to the huge success of shows like The Rap of China (中国有嘻哈), and despite the ensuing government backlash, it seems that rap is here to stay.
Its growing popularity also means that there's a need for more public spaces for youngsters to flash their bling, spit their raps, or simply nod along to some well-crafted beats. Beijing's club scene has listened, and there are now more than a few venues that through regular hip-hop nights or hold the genre close to their hearts as the crux of their trade. Below are the best places to stave off your hip-hop cravings in Beijing.
Club Mix
Probably one of the best-known clubs in Beijing, Gongti's Club Mix is divided into two main floors, essentially separating it into two clubs. While the main floor by the entrance usually features top 40 pop remix and EDM, the basement is where the party’s at for some trap. Entrance fee is RMB 50 on most nights (coat check included), which isn’t terrible if you enjoy older mainstream hip-hop sprinkled with some newer hits. Depending on the DJ and the night, you might also get some reggae and afrobeat. While cocktails and shots can get pricey, most beers in the self-serve fridge area in the basement are all under RMB 30.
Playhouse Global
A favorite among Chinese hip-hop lovers, PH Global typically spins some of the younger names in hip-hop. If Travis Scott, XXXtentacion (RIP), Cardi B, and even Jaden Smith (who actually performed in the club in October 2018), get you excited, then this is the place for you. A little more compact than the other venues on this list, PH's two floors are split between the bar, stage, dancefloor, and various couches on the first floor while the second floor and balcony is predominantly lounge space. Don't be surprised to see hip-hop dance battles break out with seemingly professional hip-hop dancers. If you want bottle service, prices are certainly not friendly to broke brothers and sisters but luckily there's a beer fridge area à la Heaven Supermarket and mixers like mojito buckets go for RMB 150. Additionally, PH has a decent patio space outside if it all gets too much inside.
6 Six-Uno
A relative newbie to the Beijing hip-hop club scene, 6 Six-Uno in the basement of Gongti's Tango Club has only been open a couple of weeks so it's true potential has yet to be seen. Things are off to a good start, however, with a very bling and boardable chrome VW Camper sat in the middle of the bar area, which as with Playhouse Global, is similarly divided between beer fridges and a bar catering to cocktails and liquor. There's also a plethora of plush white seating to rest while you're not pogoing with the masses.
Honorable Mentions
Though all of the above clubs center around the nightlife apex of Workers' Stadium, there are also a couple of bars doing hip-hop proud in Dongcheng district. To name but two, Soi Baochao on Beiluogu Xiang and School on Wudaoying Hutong, both occasionally hold rap battles and open mic rap nights where younguns can flex their rhymes.
WATCH: "Banned" Rap Music is Alive and Well in China
Photos: theodysseyonline.com, PH Global, dianping.com
