Hip-hop’s biggest names and sharpest up-and-comers make regular stops across Upstate New York, from arena shows at KeyBank Center in Buffalo to club nights at Empire Live in Albany and stages throughout Syracuse, Rochester, and the Capital Region. Rap headliners, R&B crossover bills, and homegrown talent all share the calendar.
This page collects every hip-hop and rap concert we’re tracking across the region, with the next show always at the top. Marquee tours, festival appearances, and local showcases land here as soon as they’re confirmed.
From the arenas of Western NY to the clubs of the Capital Region, we cover the whole state. On-sales for the big rap tours move fast — we keep this guide current as new dates drop and include presale and ticket links so you can secure your spot before it sells out.
More guides: Rock Concerts in Upstate New York · Country Concerts in Upstate New York · Comedy Shows in Upstate New York
By region: Hip-Hop Concerts in Albany & the Capital Region · Hip-Hop Concerts in Buffalo & Western NY · Hip-Hop Concerts in Syracuse & Central NY
Dropout Kings at Montage Music Hall | May 3, 2026
Dropout Kings bring their emotionally charged rap-metal to Montage Music Hall in Rochester on May 3, 2026, touring behind their tribute album Yokai dedicated to late frontman Adam Ramey.
Danny Brown at Electric City | April 30, 2026
Danny Brown brings his 2026 touring run to Electric City in downtown Buffalo on Thursday, April 30. Support from midwxst. Doors at 7 PM, show at 8 PM. All ages.
Hippie Sabotage at Electric City | April 29, 2026
Hippie Sabotage is rolling through Electric City in Schenectady on a Wednesday night, and this is one of those bookings that makes you…
CupcakKe at Empire Live | April 26, 2026
CupcakKe brings The Bakkery Tour to Empire Live in Albany on Sunday, April 26 — the final date on a reportedly sold-out North American run. Doors at 7:00 PM, show at 8:00 PM. 18+. Tickets $30–$50.
Hippie Sabotage at Higher Ground | April 26, 2026
Hippie Sabotage — the Sacramento duo behind “Your Soul” — brings their chill trap and electronic hip-hop sound to Higher Ground in South Burlington on April 26. Tickets on sale now.
Kottonmouth Kings – A Killers Confession at Montage Music Hall | May 15, 2026
Southern California hip-hop/punk veterans Kottonmouth Kings co-headline with metal act A Killers Confession at Montage Music Hall in Rochester on May 15, 2026.
Shwayze at Buffalo Iron Works | June 9, 2026
California surf-hop artist Shwayze plays Buffalo Iron Works in Buffalo on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, with opener Beach Fly. Tickets from $25.
Fetty Wap at Sherman Theater | April 17, 2026
Fetty Wap plays his Official Welcome Home Concert at Sherman Theater in Stroudsburg on April 17 — “Trap Queen” live, 8 PM. Tickets from $50.
Post Malone
Austin Richard Post was born on July 4, 1995, in Syracuse, New York — a detail that tends to surprise fans who associate him with Texas or Los Angeles. Post Malone, as the world knows him, spent his first nine years in Central New York before his family relocated to Grapevine, Texas, where his father […]
Gym Class Heroes
Gym Class Heroes emerged from Geneva, New York — a small Finger Lakes town that became an unlikely incubator for one of the 2000s’ most successful rap-rock crossover acts. The band formed in 1997 when frontman Travis “Travie” McCoy met drummer Matt McGinley in their high school gym class at Geneva High School. Guitarist later […]