When Irish-bred rap group Kneecap capped off 2024 with a new album, Fine Art, and a movie based on their story, those unfamiliar might be surprised by their sudden success. But one listen of their 2019 single, “H.O.O.D,” and it’s a surprise it took so long for the unapologetic trio to make it big on an international scale, which has led to a lengthy North American tour that includes stops in Coachella and a Pomona show at The Glass House on April 17.
Hailing from Belfast and Derry, Kneecap (Mo Chara, Móglaí Bap, and DJ Próvaí) knows a thing or two about raising hell. For their recent St. Patrick’s Day show, they brought the head of King George V to their Melbourne show. (Albeit, the severed statue head of the former monarch) But the trio stands for more than quick headlines, having founded their career on the preservation of the Irish language. So much so that it was the subject of last year’s Oscar-shortlisted, BAFTA-winning film, “Kneecap,” starring the group as themselves.
Despite being an ocean separated from the United States, where hip-hop acts often spawn from, the genre’s gradual expansion overseas means artists like Kneecap have taken note. Their resulting sound is one reminiscent of the defiant politics that defined groups such as Public Enemy, but carrying with it Irish republicanism beliefs.
“Get Your Brits Out,” an early feat in their discography thus far, is a party-ready rager unfiltered in its stances. Aside from the beeping, nebulous instrumental that counts down like a ticking time bomb, the direct mentions against Democratic Unionist Party members show Kneecap is willing to go far when it comes to getting the Brits out, a phrase that means freeing Ireland of British rule.
Fine Art finds Kneecap pushing the envelope once again on all fronts, whether it be in their biting political commentary or the shape-shifting production. While they stay true to rap in tone and approach, they’re also unafraid of experimenting with other genres, ranging from alt-rock to electronic dance music. For example, “I bhFiacha Linne” takes things to an 11, letting all three go off on a song full of war horns and rapid-fire flows.
In many ways, Kneecap has always had the right ingredients in place to explode at the rate we’re now seeing. But with the trio taking the Irish language, riot energy, and smart political deconstructions on the road, it’s safe to say they have the potential to rival any and every rap group out right now.
Words: David Sosa
Fine Art by Kneecap is out on streaming services. For more on new music and tickets to their upcoming tour, including a show at The Glass House in Pomona on April 17, follow them on Instagram and their website.
North American Tour Dates:
April 11 – Coachella, Indio, CA
April 14 – Summit, Denver, CO
April 15 – The Depot, Salt Lake City, UT
April 18 – Coachella, Indio, CA
Oct 03 – Mercury Ballroom, Louisville, KY
Oct 04 – Brooklyn Bowl, Nashville, TN
Oct 07 – The Howard Theatre, Washington DC
Oct 08 – The Fillmore, Philadelphia, PA
Oct 10 – The Rooftop at Pier 17, New York, NY
Oct 11 – Citizens House of Blues, Boston, MA
Oct 14 – Danforth Music Hall, Toronto, ON
Oct 16 – Saint Andrew’s Hall, Detroit, MI
Oct 17 – Newport Music Hall, Columbus, OH
Oct 18 – Radius, Chicago, IL
Oct 20 – Varsity Theatre, Minneapolis, MN
Oct 23 – Vogue Theatre, Vancouver, BC
Oct 24 – The Showbox, Seattle, WA
Oct 25 – Wonder Ballroom, Portland, OR
Oct 27 – The Independent, San Francisco, CA
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