In Riga, in the VEF quarter, on November 23, an ambitious concert “Hood XXL Live” will take place, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of rapper Ozola’s store “Hoodshop”. At the concert, several well-known Latvian rappers – Wiesulis, Ansis, Prusax and Steps – will take the stage together with Ozola.
This anniversary concert will be a special event for hip-hop fans and a celebration for the entire Latvian hip-hop culture. “With this concert, Ozols continues its mission – to support and promote the growth of local talents, as well as to maintain a dynamic Latvian hip-hop community,” say the organizers.
“Hoodshop” anniversary celebrants will really have a name. Ansis (Ansis Kolmanis) was announced as the first artists in the list of the upcoming concert on November 23, who will celebrate the anniversary of the album “Melnezera Krūmta” of the beatmaker duo “Netīrās Cilpa” with his brother 181h (Kārlis Kolmanis) on this very date, as well as Wiesulis, who in recent years with for energetic concerts and the albums released together with beatmaker sangvn (“Fianchetto”, 2022 and “En Prise”, 2024) are rapidly rising to the forefront of Latvian hip-hop. Prusax and Steps were added to the list next – two more names that do not require further comments, while as the closing artist of the concert, the founder of “Hoodshop” Ozols (Ģirts Rozentāls) was announced – one of the most well-known and influential Latvian rappers, who has been creating a domestic scene for more than two decades. the hip-hop scene.
The store “Hoodshop” on Brīvības Street was opened to visitors at the beginning of 2014. Already in the first years of its existence, it not only popularized street fashion brands in Latvia, but also promoted the relevance of the hip-hop lifestyle and thus quickly gained a loyal clientele.
Ozols: “The path and direction of the store has been changing in the current decade, it continues to evolve even now. It all started with the fact that after 2010 I noticed and felt trends, which I also decided to stick to – hip-hop clothing brands were replaced by “street style” brands, silhouettes of certain big brand shoe models that have flashed before our eyes since the mid-90s. , obviously came back to us as consumers again and again, but this time with a completely different trend and volumes. I also internally felt a great hunger for those shoe silhouettes that I saw in front of my eyes when I was a child, walking around commission shops, but I could not buy. As a teenager, I was already quite obsessed with shoes and their innovative solutions. Hoodshop carries that little boy’s big dream to some extent, and these ten years have been quite interesting, contrasting and adventurous. I am happy to be a part of all that we are slowly building and creating here. Every moment I realize that we can also be part of the big galaxy of street fashion. I continue to be inspired and inspired.”
Riga’s Hood XXL Live Concert – A Celebration of Latvian Hip-Hop Culture
In the iconic VEF quarter of Riga, an electrifying event is set to take place on November 23rd: the “Hood XXL Live” concert! This spectacular gathering, dedicated to the 10th anniversary of rapper Ozola’s store “Hoodshop”, is bound to set the stage on fire (figuratively, mind you – we don’t need the fire brigade interrupting the vibes). Joining Ozola will be some of Latvians’ favorite rap icons – Wiesulis, Ansis, Prusax, and Steps. You didn’t think I was going to let you miss out on this, did you?
This anniversary concert is a special event for hip-hop fans and a celebration for the entire Latvian hip-hop culture. “With this concert, Ozols continues its mission – to support and promote the growth of local talents, as well as to maintain a dynamic Latvian hip-hop community,” say the organizers.
Now, let’s get down to brass tacks. Ansis Kolmanis was announced as the first artist hitting the stage. It’s a bit like announcing the main course at a buffet, isn’t it? He’ll be celebrating the anniversary of “Melnezera Krūmta” alongside his brother 181h (because why not keep it in the family?). And then there’s Wiesulis, who’s been sending shockwaves through the scene with his energetic performances and his albums like “Fianchetto” and “En Prise”. Seriously, the man’s got more energy than a Duracell bunny on a sugar rush!
Let’s not forget about Prusax and Steps, two heavyweights of the Latvian rap scene. These names are so legendary that they could probably retire now and still get standing ovations… but thankfully they won’t, because they’ll be at this concert! And of course, closing out the night is none other than Ozols himself, the founder of “Hoodshop” and a trailblazer in the Latvian hip-hop scene for over two decades. Imagine the energy of being in a room with hip-hop greatness – it’s like the Avengers but in sneakers!
Started back in 2014 on Brīvības Street, “Hoodshop” isn’t just a store; it’s a cultural phenomenon that has popularized street fashion while elevating the hip-hop lifestyle in Latvia. You could say it’s the epicenter of cool – the place where fashion and rap collide like a brilliantly choreographed dance number!
Ozols shared a perspective on the evolution of the store, saying, “The path and direction of the store has been changing in the current decade, it continues to evolve even now.” It’s like watching your favorite band go from playing in a garage to headlining festivals!
Ozols expressed, “I also felt a great hunger for those shoe silhouettes that I saw in front of my eyes when I was a child.” Ah, nostalgia and shoes – a powerful combo! Every shoe purchase at Hoodshop is like a little piece of that childhood dream. And let’s be honest, we all have that one shoe that makes us feel like we can conquer the world—even if it’s just to grab a cup of coffee!
So, mark your calendars, folks! If you’re in or near Riga come November 23rd, get ready for an unforgettable night celebrating the beat, the rhythm, and the heart of Latvian hip-hop culture. Who knows, you might even get to join in and show off those dance moves you’ve been practicing in your living room. Just wear comfortable shoes – trust me on that one.
On November 23, the VEF quarter of Riga will host an extravagant concert titled “Hood XXL Live,” commemorating the 10th anniversary of rapper Ozola’s renowned store “Hoodshop.” The event will showcase a lineup of celebrated Latvian rappers including Wiesulis, Ansis, Prusax, and Steps, who will take the stage alongside Ozola himself, promising an electrifying night for hip-hop enthusiasts.
This anniversary concert represents a landmark celebration for hip-hop fans and a tribute to the vibrant Latvian hip-hop culture. “Ozols continues its dedication to support and elevate local talents with this concert, reinforcing a dynamic community within Latvian hip-hop,” remarked the event organizers.
“Hoodshop” anniversary spectators are in for an exceptional treat. Ansis (Ansis Kolmanis) will be among the first artists performing at the concert, marking the anniversary of the iconic album “Melnezera Krūmta” by the talented beatmaker duo “Netīrās Cilpa,” alongside his brother 181h (Kārlis Kolmanis). Additionally, Wiesulis, who has surged to fame with energetic performances and successful collaborations with beatmaker sangvn—such as his albums “Fianchetto” (2022) and “En Prise” (2024)—will contribute to the event’s exhilarating atmosphere. Prusax and Steps, two highly regarded names in the scene, will also make their appearance, while Ozols (Ģirts Rozentāls), the celebrated founder of “Hoodshop,” is set to close the show. As one of the foremost and influential figures in the Latvian rap scene for over two decades, Ozols’s presence underscores the significance of this milestone event.
The “Hoodshop” store, strategically located on Brīvības Street, first opened its doors to customers at the beginning of 2014. In its formative years, it did not just promote street fashion brands within Latvia but played a pivotal role in articulating the essence of the hip-hop lifestyle, quickly amassing a devoted customer base.
Ozols reflects: “The path and direction of the store has been changing in the current decade; it continues to evolve even now. It all started with the trends I noticed and felt after 2010—hip-hop clothing brands have transitioned to ‘street style’ brands, with iconic shoe silhouettes from the mid-90s making a significant comeback. I felt a profound nostalgia for those shoe designs I admired as a child but couldn’t afford. My teenage years were dominated by an obsession with innovative footwear. Hoodshop embodies that childhood dream, and the past decade has been both fascinating and adventurous. I take pride in being part of the community we’re continuously building. Each moment reinforces my belief that we contribute to the broader galaxy of street fashion. My inspiration remains unwavering.”
How has the “Hoodshop” influenced the growth of street fashion and hip-hop culture in Latvia since its opening?
Lmanis) on that very date. Joining them will be Wiesulis, who has gained traction in the Latvian hip-hop scene with his vibrant performances and collaborative albums such as “Fianchetto” (2022) and “En Prise” (2024). As the lineup grows, two more notable names, Prusax and Steps, are also set to appear. Closing the night will be Ozols (Ģirts Rozentāls) himself, a revered figure in the Latvian rap world, who has contributed significantly to the scene for over twenty years.
The “Hoodshop” storefront, located on Brīvības Street, opened its doors in early 2014. In its short history, it has not only championed local street fashion brands but also elevated the hip-hop lifestyle in Latvia, quickly establishing a dedicated customer base.
Ozols reflected on the evolution of “Hoodshop,” noting, “The path and direction of the store has been changing in the last decade, and it continues to evolve.” He observed trends after 2010 that influenced the shift from hip-hop-specific brands to a broad “street style” influence, inspired by nostalgic footwear that had caught his eye in his youth.
In his remarks, Ozols articulated a deep connection to the world of street fashion, stating that the past ten years have been an exciting journey. “Every moment reminds me that we’re also part of the larger galaxy of street fashion,” he said, affirming his commitment to the culture he loves.
The “Hood XXL Live” concert is billed as not just an anniversary event but a vibrant celebration of local hip-hop culture, set in a community that continues to thrive and inspire. Hip-hop fans are encouraged to mark their calendars for this landmark event on November 23rd in Riga, where they’ll experience a night filled with rhythm, nostalgia, and unparalleled energy in the heart of Latvian hip-hop.