Red Bull Culture Clash

Returning for a fifth time, this latest battle is once again poised to capture the world’s attention with four highly-anticipated heavyweight sounds going head-to-head for clash supremacy: Eskimo Dance, Mixpack, UKG All Stars and Wiz Khalifa & Taylor Gang. All-round music authority and regular to the Culture Clash arena, Annie Mac, will also be returning as host to oversee proceedings on the night.

Annie Mac says: "I think Red Bull Culture Clash is one of the most exciting and innovative live music events we’ve got. It’s one of those events that is talked about and anticipated by artists and fans on an equal level. I have been there as a fan, as the host of a sound, and most recently as a host of the event. I’m delighted and excited to come back this year to host again."

The first challengers stepping into the ring are Eskimo Dance, originally founded by the Godfather of Grime, Wiley. Eskimo Dance have been pivotal in the pages of UK Grime history, building a home for the who’s who of grime talent and a reputation for legendary raves over the last decade. With UK Grime collective Boy Better Know having previously won Culture Clash in 2012, Eskimo Dance affiliates are no strangers to the Culture Clash stage.

Crossing the Atlantic are Brooklyn-based rivals Mixpak. Founded by sought-after producer Dre Skull, the collective is home to some of Jamaica’s biggest stars and has releases from the likes of Popcaan, Vybz Kartel, Beenie Man and Spice. With history and connections steeped in the homeland of sound clash culture, it’s sure Mixpak know how to play the game.

Third up, bringing a completely different flavour to the Culture Clash mix, will be the UKG All-Stars, a freshly formed collective made up of the great and good of UK garage that will undoubtedly have the crowd hooked with an undeniable catalogue of two-step classics. “Our team comprises of players in the game that have climbed every step of the musical ladder, from pirate radio to Brit Awards,” teases a representative of UK Garage All-Stars.

The final contender, repping for the USA, is Wiz Khalifa & Taylor Gang – hailing all the way from Pennsylvania. Led by global sensation Wiz Khalifa, Taylor Gang Entertainment has a roster of rap powerhouses and impressive collaborations to their name – the sort of contact book that makes you a dangerous player in the clash game. Expect some big surprises as they push for the first US Culture Clash victory.

Fought over four rounds, each Sound System will be pushing to bring the biggest tunes, freshest dubs and best special guests to win over the famously demanding Culture Clash crowd.

How it works:

Round One: Pressure Drop (10 mins)
DJs play ANY STYLE – now’s the time to take the temperature of the crowd and then turn it up a notch.

ROUND TWO: The Selector (15 mins)
Crews are judged purely on tune selection. Knowledge is king.

ROUND THREE: Sleeping with the Enemy (10 mins)
Crews twist it, playing an opponents style of music. Big test. The mighty may fall.

ROUND FOUR: Armageddon (5 mins)
Clashing crews play the biggest tune in their bags – One for One. Each crew draws ONE tune then rotates to the next. This is the final round, so double points and double daring. Make your selection count!