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As has been well documented, this year’s Awards Show will be held in the vibrant city of Glasgow. In an exploration of the regions urban music scene, the MOBO Guide to Glasgow highlights the venues, club nights and collectives that promote and celebrate black music in the area. From the mainstream to the underground this guide attempts to reveal Glasgow’s pulsating urban scene. 

The following is a selection of the various hip-hop, R&B, Soul, Funk and Dancehall club nights that are ripping up the city. 

Bump @ Boho

The former warehouse has been turned into a glamorous nightclub with a decadent VIP area and outside patio area. A range of cocktails are on offer containing fresh ingredients and fashionable liquors, and a champagne list that includes Cristal and Dom Perignon accompanies the lavish interiors.

Bump is an urban music lovers dream, held every Thursday, with celebrated Glaswegian DJ Naeem serving up a healthy dose of hip hop, R&B and funk. Playing a stylish selection of the latest tunes, mixed in with some die-hard classics, DJ Naeem stirs up the crowd at one of the cities sharpest hot spots.

Elevator @ Byblos 

Ever the popular record spinner, DJ Naeem also hosts Elevator, a Hip-Hop, RnB, Grime, Soca, Reggae and Dancehall night every Friday at Byblos, a three roomed club on Merchant Square. Once a month Elevator hosts guest DJs or performers, adding fresh elements to the already bumpin' roster. 

Arta

Another urban inspired night is held in the Red and Gold rooms of sophisticated venue Arta. Blending together a steady mix of Soul and Funk on a Saturday night, the Arta attracts a cultured clientele. A popular restaurant as well as drinking, live music and dancing establishment, Arta is the place to be for th where revelers can enjoy a more cosmopolitan night time experience.

Blanket @ The Classrooms 

Spread over two floors, with four rooms and six bars, The Classrooms is a club to be reckoned with. On point RnB and Hip Hop tracks are played on a Friday and Saturday in the Blanket room. With low cost entry, cheap beverages and a dedication to urban music, The Classrooms makes an ideal venue for the student crowd and the young and lively.

The Art School

The Art School, the aptly named Glasgow School of Arts' Student Union, on Renfrew Street holds an eclectic variety of urban nights. Their vast list of events include R-P-Z/Mixed Bizness each Thursday playing Electro/Hip Hop, and a crop of alternative nights including Pangea playing Drum n Bass and Divine at the Vic Bar mixing Soul, Funk, Psych, Ska, Jazz, Pop, Mod, Retro & R&B. Pop down to this buzzing venue to mix with an array of arty students and urban music enthusiasts, all intent on having a good time.

Home Cookin’ @ Belo 

Having been host to iconic guests such as DJ Yoda and De La Soul, Home Cookin’ throws out some classic Dancehall, Hip Hop and Soul each Saturday. Buried beneath its sister pre-club bar The Social, in the heart of Glasgow, Belo is a popular venue with a contemporary feel and smart décor.

The Hummingbird

Whilst The Hummingbird generally offers a more Ibiza inspired musical flavour, this eclectic venue is home to a selection of DJs that play a variety of genres. The club aims on being an overly more avant-garde experience, with four bohemian styled rooms, karaoke party pods, a hot tub, Ipod docking stations, massage tables and African art.

On Saturdays DJ Darrell, a player in Glasgow’s underground music scene, spins a variety of hip hop, grime, disco, dub, boogie, garage and bassline that spans several decades. Sundays are home to club night All Back to Normskis, at which you can dance to Funk, Disco, Soul and Hip Hop.

Other notable nights on the urban music calendar include The Shed, which hosts Crash on a Friday for a dedicated night of RnB and Hip Hop and ShedKandi on a Sunday playing House and RnB. Believe the Hype Sundays at Karbon round off the week nicely with classic urban tunes and selection of drink offers.

Written by Claire Davies

For more information on the club nights featured in this article please see the links listed below.

Bump @ Boho: http://www.bebo.com/Profile.jsp?MemberId=6523352896
Elevator @ Byblos: http://www.byblosglasgow.com/nights/friday.php
Blanket @ The Classrooms: http://www.theclassrooms.com/
The Art School: http://www.theartschool.co.uk/
Home Cookin’ @ Belo: http://www.beloglasgow.com/night.php?id=sat
The Hummingbird: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=51284251950
The Shed: http://www.shedglasgow.co.uk/
Karbon: http://www.karbonuk.com/

Missed your favourite Glasgow club night? Starting up your own night or want to inform us of up-and-coming club events? Post a comment below and to keep the information flowing.

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This article is in no way a representation of the MOBO Awards, MOBO.com or MOBO Organisation or any of its partners or affiliates. The opinions expressed in these articles are the views of the author of the articles and not necessarily the views of MOBO Organisation. The author in no way endorses any of the businesses aforementioned and cannot be held responsible for any problems herewith. The copyright remains with the authors and MOBO.com.