hiphop culture in Liège

identity and meaning in a post-industrial city

Liège is a relatively isolated city. Although it is one of the largest urban areas in Belgium it’s not oriented toward the capitol Brussels - the political, economical and cultural centre of the country. Situated close to the Dutch, German en French border, Liège has a lot of international influenced. Yet, due to the language spoken, its main focus is on France.

With nearly 600.000 people living in the city and its suburbs, Liège is a metropolitan area that used to be one of the main centers of the Belgium economy. Around 1870 it was one of the first industrial areas on the European mainland, attracting workers from all over Europe. The city became one the most important places for mining and steel industry world wide. Just before world war II Liège had become a very wealthy mondaine city where the industrial elite would stroll along the banks of the river Meuse (or Maas).

That changed after the second world war. Due to globalisation Liège lost its position as one of the leading mining and steel cities. Industries left the city or went bankrupt. Leaving the city behind with empty factory buildings…