I Live Hip Hop with Kendrick Lamar

An unforgettable day of hip-hop workshops and performances for young Manchester creatives.

The artist Kendrick Lamar is surrounded by a crowd of people. There is excitement in the room. A person in the background is taking a photo with their phone and has a big smile.
Date
31 October 2022
Category
Past Projects

In March 2016, we brought together 46 of Manchester's most exciting young MCs, producers, DJs and musicians.

They assembled for a day of music workshops at The Wonder Inn in the city's thriving Northern Quarter.

The up-and-coming artists, all aged between 15-25, took part in DJ, lyric writing, recording and free styling workshops, led by inspiring music leaders and industry professionals.

  • hree participants huddle around a production area. One is rapping into the microphone, another is mixing on the laptop and the other is looking at the laptop.

  • Close up of a smiling participant who is sitting on a white chair.

  • Two participants look at a laptop screen, the table is filled with production equipment. The facilitator is pointing to the screen.

  • A person is on stage holding a microphone and points out to the audience, encouraging them to join in.

  • A person speaks to a crowd of people, holding a vinyl record with a set of DJ decks behind them.

  • Facilitator on stage speaking into a microphone, participants and band looking at them smiling

Inspired by the beats, lyrics and general vibe, the group produced a huge graffiti style mural.

The day ended with an incredible range of live performances to showcase what they'd been up to.

  • A large colourful graffiti mural.

  • A black and white image of three musicians performing live together. In the background there is a drummer and a bassist. In the foreground, a vocalist sings into a microphone with their eyes closed.

  • Close up shot of two participants on stage performing. One is singing into a microphone and the other is smiling with their arm around them.

  • Close up shot of Chesqua singing into a microphone with the bassist playing in the background.

And then, Kendrick dropped in.

To the surprise of everyone involved, global superstar Kendrick Lamar walked in the door.

Keen to connect with local young musicians as part of his visit to Manchester, Kendrick started to join in with the cyphers, looking completely at home within the huge huddle of excited young MCs and onlookers.

Kendrick Lamar with our Director Debra behind

Want to see (or hear) more?

Take a look and listen for yourself...

Credits

With thanks to:

The facilitators - Martin, Danny, Persia, Elizabeth, Alex, Jomo, Lee and Gareth.

8 Gold Rings Band - Thomas, Ben, Joe, Ali and Jack.

Photos by Rachel Bywater. Film by Clive Hunte.

I Live Hip Hop with Kendrick Lamar was commissioned by Reebok Classic and four23, and supported by The Wonder Inn.

“For me Friday was more than just a workshop - it was a spiritual thing. As for the cypher with Kendrick, it's something that was on my bucket list and something as an artist I will cherish forever. Thank you Brighter Sound for one of the best workshops I've ever been to.”

Jerrell aka Bxrry, participant

Related Content

© 2026 Brighter Sound
All Rights Reserved
Registered Company: 05100495
Registered Charity: 1154803
Site by Studio Treble
Brand by Bert

Contact

[email protected]

First Floor, Green Fish Resource Centre
46-50 Oldham Street
Manchester
M4 1LE

See on Google Maps

Policies

  • Arts Council England logo
  • Youth Music logo
  • Manchester City Council logo
  • GMCA logo
  • PRS Foundation logo
  • The Granada Foundation logo
  • British Council logo