Trio de Belfast mixes bilingual rap, social criticism and acid humor, and now conquer the world with film, controversy and coachella
Moon (Liam Og O Hannaidh), MOGLAÍ BAP (Nonaise O carealláin) and DJ PROVAÍ (JJ O Dochartaigh) They are not just the names behind the KneecapHip Hop Group at Northern Ireland – they are the driving force of a cultural revolution. Mixing English with Irish, satire with social criticism, and reality with absurdity, the trio came from the outskirts of Belfast to become one of the most provocative and original phenomena of contemporary music.
From the beginning, the Kneecap He made noise with lyrics that opened the contradictions of the United Kingdom and the historical marginalization of the people and the Irish language. Tracks like “Get Your Brits Out” and “Cearta” They are hymns loaded with sarcasm, criticism of colonialism and reflections on identity – all packed by an explosive delivery and a graphic mood that resembles the first works of Eminemas well pointed out La Times or a little with the BEASTIE BOYS if they were Irish nationalists lovers of fun, as declared the Rolling Stone USA.
This authenticity – coupled with a sharp lyrical intelligence – made the group a feeling in record time, with sold out in the UK and the United States, and a growing fan base even among those who do not understand half of what they say. As they themselves explain, their song “has been shouting from the often neglected areas of northern Ireland, speaking of a language that is often ignored.”
The boldest step, however, came with the movie Kneecap: Music and Freedoma hybrid production between biography and fiction that mixes narrative chaos with raw political energy. The feature, financed with public funds via Screen Irelandcounts on Michael Fassbender in the cast and was featured in festivals such as the Sundancewhere it tore off applause and controversy. The surprising revenue generated a legal imbroglio that culminated in a process overdue by the trio against the United Kingdom – a victory that reinforces the insurgent character of its trajectory.
Recently, the group launched the track “Better Way to Live”in partnership with GRIAN CATTENvocalist of Fontaines DC – A collaboration that connects two of the most powerful voices of current Irish music, both in attitude and speech.
The presentation of Kneecap node Coachella 2025, during the second weekend of the festival, also generated great repercussions recently (including a fight with the Sharon Osbourne). The trio led to the stage of protest messages against genocide in Gaza, reinforcing his political position in the face of one of the largest audiences on the planet – and proving that even under international spotlight, they remain irreducible in their activism.
See this photo on InstagramA publication shared by Kneecap (@kneecap32)
Whether denouncing injustices, celebrating local culture or making fun of its own fame, the trio remains faithful to the spirit that launched it: challenging, irreverent and, above all, necessary. The future can be uncertain, but one thing is clear – the Kneecap It’s not just rap. Is writing history.
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Source: Rollingstone
Earl Johnson is a music writer at Gossipify, known for his in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the industry. A graduate of USC with a degree in Music, he brings years of experience and passion to his writing. He covers the latest releases and trends, always on the lookout for the next big thing in music.
