In October 2010, I had an idea. Rather than debating whether or not rap was poetry, I’d celebrate both. I’d relax the atmosphere by inviting a DJ to play songs between poems. The poets would be of hip hop influence, they’d each read only one poem, and to make it feel like a celebration, I’d get a whole gang. Two basketball teams worth. 10 poets. I reached out to the Albany, and though it was an untested idea, they gave me space to experiment, funding that first ever event.

Ten years and 49 events later, The R.A.P Party has played to audiences nationally and internationally, in Brazil, Nigeria, Australia, Germany, Belgium and across the United Kingdom. From low-fi intimate 30-seater gathering in schools, to 1000-strong ravers at the British Library, the R.A.P Party has grown to become an integral part of British literary heritage.

To celebrate 10 years of brilliance, and to raise funds for the Albany during this pandemic, I’d like to invite you to the 50th R.A.P Party, our 10 Year celebration, featuring the first line up, and a special guest.

Join an all-star cast of literary giants: Breis, Charlie Dark, Zena Edwards, Joshua Idehen, Jacob Sam-La Rose, Kae Tempest, Musa Okwonga, Nii Parkes, Gemma Weekes, Polarbear, Theresa Lola and myself for an truly incredible night of hip-hop-inspired poems and favourite hip-hop songs.

Join us to support the venue where it all started. Tickets from here