Meet The Irish Artist Blending Old-School Hip Hop With Punk Rap

Introduction

Hehhh? Gavin Curtis aka Curtisy, a rapidly rising rapper is making a huge mark on the Irish hip hop scene with his unique blend of insightful lyricism, creative flows, and sound that reflects his upbringing in Tallaght. Embracing global hip hop influences, he’s known for his laid-back style of rapping, his deeply reflective lyrics and his infectious energy. His music dives into societal issues, personal struggles while also uplifting listeners. If you have heard his work, you’ve likely caught his signature sound effect hehhh? A sound effect that is even being featured in other Irish artist works. This iconic vocal tag is becoming a hallmark, just like his position in the Irish music scene.

Early Journey

His journey into music started in his teenage years, experimenting with sounds. Influenced by American hip hop icons mixed with local Irish music, he began releasing tracks on SoundCloud in 2020. His earlier experiences of performing in small venues and collaborating with other Irish artists have been a foundational aspect of shaping him in to the self-made artist he is today.

The Sound of Curtisy

His beats are laid back, and his lyrics are introspective yet charismatic. His inspirations are drawn from the likes of Wiki and Earl Sweatshirt, and his underground sound has a fusion of hiphop, punk, lo-fi and even indie. His tracks sound like an intimate conversation between him and the listener. Aside from his general exploration of old school Irish hip hop, rap, lofi beats, his recent collaboration with Ten Hail Marys on ‘Bruises, Cuts’shows a new punk sound.  

Notable Tracks

1. Landmine!
2. Tree Sap
3. Lower Your Hopes

Creative Process

Curtisy takes a DIY bedroom approach to his work. Improvisation and rapping from the heart are at his core. He reacts to a beat with his rhythmic rapping, followed by the lyrics. This process can even be heard in the intro of ‘Comedy Jam.’ Working closely with producer Rory Sweeney, his polished tracks showcase raw honesty and detailed storytelling, over the looped beats. The responding conversation between the beat and his vocal imitate his reaction to the goings on in his world around him. His consistent collaborations with other local artists proves variety in his authentic works. 

Making Waves in the Irish Scene and Beyond

Aside from being a consistent collaborator with Irish producers like TXPE_EATER, Ahmed, with Love, Rory Sweeney and more, and has been championed heavily by Irish hip hop royalty, Kojaque, who featured on Curtisy’s track ‘Men on a Mission.’ Having had shout outs from numerous influential figures in the Irish music industry and performed at festivals in both Ireland and beyond, he has just announced that he will be playing the Great Escape Festival in May 2025. 

What’s Next?

Currently in the midst of his UK & IE ‘What Was The Question Deluxed’ tour, he is set to play his headline Dublin Show in Workman’s Club on Wednesday the 20th of November. Aside from other announced gigs like Jameson’s Other Voices Music Trail, and Workman’s End of The Year Ball, fans are eager to see what is next for Curtisy. Having naturally expanded his fanbase to new audiences outside of Ireland through his ever-evolving sound, Curtisy’s future is clearly a bright one as he continues to build his reputation as a key figure in Irish hip hop.