This summer, Charm Music look set to bring one of the most unique and exciting concerts Istanbul has experienced in quite some time to KüçükÇiftlik Park on Tuesday 19 July. Headlining, Princess Nokia is New York’s iconic MC, singer-songwriter, actress, activist, and undoubtedly rising star making major waves since 2017’s charting album 1992 Deluxe. Joining her on the evening from across the Atlantic is UK rapper and producer, with plenty of grime influence, AJ Tracey who is likely best known for the 2016 single Thiago Silva alongside fellow British rapper Dave. American rapper, producer, and audio engineer Pi’erre Bourne joins the proceedings, having gained a reputation in the industry as one of the best contemporary producers in his collaborations with some of hip-hop’s most prominent global figures. Rounding out the festival, are local support acts and beloved Istanbul DJs Güneş and ARTZ. Under the title “TRAPPED”, the one-day affair is a must-attend for fans of rap, grime, trap, and hip-hop, with tickets currently on sale now via Passo.
Princess Nokia
Princess Nokia (Destiny Frasqueri) has deservedly earned the headline billing, with the arc of her career in just a few years showing major evolution. 1992 Deluxe serves as a proper follow-up to her debut album adhering to a fundamental hip-hop sound while pulling in distinct and interesting directions, immediately gaining her credibility and seeing her trend on the charts and gaining praise from publications such as NME and The Guardian. In the years since, she joins a class of elite female rappers taking the genre and industry by storm.
The subsequent releases of 2018’s Metallic Butterfly (a remastered reissue of her freshman effort), as well as 2020’s Everything Sucks and Everything is Beautiful have seen her fully enter the mainstream with sold out international performances, high production music videos, and influencer status. Tracks like I Like Him, Harley Quinn, Sugar Honey Iced Tea (S.H.I.T.), and collaborations such as Slumber Party and Boys are from Mars have enjoyed millions of streams and show a range that are sure to be well received at live shows.
AJ Tracey
AJ Tracey (Ché Wolton Grant) has also enjoyed great success since 2016’s Thiago Silva, with 2018’s Butterflies (ft. Not3s) arguably being his real entry into mainstream recognition. Immediately preceding it and following it are his 2017 EP Secure the Bag! and his self-titled 2019 first full-length, both of which helped add extra spark to an already burgeoning trajectory. His output has remained prolific, with Secure the Bag! 2 and 2021’s sophomore album Flu Game showing growth and an ever-expanding list of influential collaborators. Ladbroke Grove, Ain’t It Different, Rain, and Dinner Guest are among the hits that have seen him continue to foster regularly increasing audience numbers and name recognition. All throughout his catalogue, AJ Tracey seamlessly dances between grime, pop-rap (pop-trap one could argue), UK Garage, and more… and fans of any of the genres should find themselves pleasantly surprised at a live gig.
Pi’erre Bourne
Unlike his on-stage companions for the evening, there’s a strong argument to be made that Pi’erre Bourne’s greatest strength and raison d’être is in his undeniable talents in production. A simple look at the popularity of songs like Playboi Carti’s Magnolia and subsequent collaborations with Kanye West, Rich the Kid, Young Thug, Lil Uzi Vert, Travis Scott, and many others are proof in abundance. Even his signature production tag of “Yo Pierre, you wanna come out here?” has transcended music into the coveted world of internet memes. Much of his ear for production translates well into his own music, in a style of rap that many would argue remains consistently more in the realm of trap or cloud rap. While a bit alien to an older hip-hop fan such as myself, it certainly has a new generation of enthusiasts following it closely.
With some local talents in the mix as well, it’s set to be a wonderful evening for fans of the many intersecting hip-hop connected genres. Charm Music clearly remains dedicated to bringing international talents to Turkey, following on many previous entries including 2019’s visit from Marshmello and Kungs in Electric Playground that we very much enjoyed, and with a few other impressive performers coming this year as well.
Tickets for “TRAPPED” are currently on sale now via Passo. Be sure and keep up with Charm Music and their other performances via their Instagram.
Harbiye, Kadırgalar Cd. No:4, 34367 Şişli, İstanbul
Image courtesy of the organizer.
