How To Become A Hip-Hop Head In Tel Aviv

When it comes to hip-hop, Israel may not be the first place that comes to mind, but what if Gangsta’s Paradise turned out to be Tel Aviv? As the epicenter of Israel’s growing hip-hop scene, Tel Aviv is home to some of the most up-and-coming artists, venues and parties in the Middle East. Check out our four-step guide to becoming a true Israeli hip-hop head.

Hip-Hop In The Holy Land

Get acquainted with the Israeli hip-hop scene! Rome wasn’t built in a day, so begin forging your own hip-hop identity by watching VICE’s Hip Hop in the H oly Land. The six-episode documentary introduces viewers to the Israeli and Palestinian hip-hop artists currently making noise in the industry. It captures the essence of hip hop as a street-born culture that reflects the complexity of the Israeli society.

The documentary features Israeli rapper Ben Shakhar, AKA Ben Blackwell, a member of the African Hebrew Israelites. This community of African-Americans who originated in Chicago believe they descend from ancient Israelites who fled to Africa. The documentary also introduces viewers to Tamer Nafer, co-founder of DAM AKA Da Arabian MCs, the first major Palestinian rap band making music about life as part of Israel’s Arab minority.

Auerbach Records

If you thought hip-hop vinyl was a thing of the past, the music store Auerbach Records will prove you wrong. Whether you want to discover newly imported or old-school hip-hop sounds, Auerbach Records offers an incredibly eclectic selection of hip-hop records.

Explore this music store’s universe, while enjoying a coffee or a beer with a DJ spinning in the background. If you want to keep on with the hip-hop vibe, going next to Kuli Alma is always the right move.

Auerbach Records, Auerbach Street 3, Tel Aviv, Israel

DJ Yarden Rokach

This young DJ is the jewel of the Israeli underground hip-hop scene. Growing up in the ’90s, Yarden Rokach is both an old school hip hop purist and a promoter of newer styles of rap. Her moto: Dance Till You Drop! One Saturday a month, she hosts ‘You Can’t Sit With Us’ at the Radio E.P.G.B, one of the top hip-hop venues in Tel Aviv. Because putting girls in the spotlight is also Yarden’s agenda, she lets everyone know that Girls Just Wanna Have Fun! She treats fans to an unforgettable hip-hop night, spinning artists from Beyonce to Coolio to Drake. So don’t sleep, and make sure to catch Yarden’s next appearance.

Radio EPGB, Shadal Street 7, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel, +972 3-560-3636

BeStreet Hip-Hop Studio

Hip-hop is not only beats and rhymes; dancing is also an integral part of the culture. Get in touch with your inner B-Boy or B-Girl. With three locations throughout Israel, students can try their hand at modern hip-hop, breakdance and LA hip-hop. No need to worry if you’ve never busted a move, classes start from beginners and go up to intermediate advanced.

Bialik St 83, Ramat Gan, Israel, +972 3-374-1315

Lucille Crew

Get involved! Lucille Crew, an international groove collective, could be described as the successful fusion of hip-hop, funk and soul. Formed in late 2011 as a studio project, they could not stay far from the stage and started performing live for audiences in Tel Aviv. After non-stop touring around Israel and the world, they have finally returned to Tel Aviv to present their last sound ‘What The Hell.’ They will be on stage at the excellent music venue Barby on December 8th. Save the date!

Barby, Derech Kibuts Galuyot 52, Tel Aviv, Israel, +972 3-518-8123

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.