On Saturday 31 July, the sold-out inaugural HANG conference, focusing exclusively on hip hop and grime in Scotland, took to the internet and Glasgow's SWG3. The hybrid programme of online discussion and live performance celebrated a genre which, so far, has received very little funding or attention, despite living at the centre of many Scottish communities for over 30 years.

The conference began with a series of expertly curated panel discussions and interviews featuring leading movers and shakers in the Scottish scene, and veterans of the wider UK music industry. Spanning radio DJs, youth workers and musical artists, the programme was packed with insight, inspiration and educational content around Scottish hip hop for both fans of the genre and, perhaps more importantly, those who are unfamiliar with it.

Highlights included Scotland: The Story So Far led by journalist and author Arusa Qureshi. Edinburgh-based rapper Nova, Aberdonian rapper Ransom FA and Glaswegian rapper and author Darren McGarvey all stressed the importance of diversifying as artists, staying true to their Scottish sound and encouraging collaboration to amplify the Scottish scene to international audiences. They also discussed their varying experiences in the industry, what advice they would give to upcoming talent and reflected on the Scottish scene as it stands today.

In a more industry-focused discussion, BBC Radio Scotland host Vic Galloway, Radio 1Xtra producer Kieran Soraghan, Scottish artist, DJ and host K4CIE and Delaina Sepko, presenter on Sunny Govan and Beats & Breaks, gave independent artists practical tips and insight into how best to submit their music to radio stations and what producers look for when deciding what to play on air.

Finally, a charming interview by BBC Scotland Introducing host Shereen Cutkelvin with BBC Radio 1 Xtra host Tiffany Calver explored Calver's journey to become the first female presenter on The Rap Show and highlighted some of the London-centric perceptions of Scottish rap and grime.

The extensive programme culminated in a live performance at SWG3 where the line-up delivered a diverse range of Scottish talent. Performers represented Scottish cities spanning Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen, with highlights including sets by Ayrshire rapper Bemz, Mistah Bohze and Scottish Album of the Year winner Nova. But it was the north-east Aberdeen rapper Chef who won over the crowd with his stage presence and tightly packed rhymes.

For many, this was the first time returning to a stage since the beginning of the pandemic so understandably nerves were high and some cobwebs were in need of dusting. Thankfully, audiences were also re-familiarising themselves with seeing live music again, and despite being sat down in socially distanced rows, brought great energy and were audibly enjoying the array of performers taking the stage.

Although Scottish rap and hip hop as a whole still feels like it is in search of its own distinct identity, HANG showed that the scene is more than worthy of national attention and support. Even in its first year, the conference serves as a vital source of inspiration and education for artists and makes the future of the genre in Scotland look far brighter.

The online portion of the event is now available to view at officialsama.com.