This show was a consummate show of solidarity in UK hiphop, the kind that the scene needs if it is ever to break in the way that many are praying for it to.
The promoters were billing it as the best hiphop line-up ever to be assembled on one stage outside of London. They probably have a good point, but it was a far from smooth process for them to pull the show together.
This event was originally scheduled to happen at a different venue in Nottingham back in February. Unfortunately, it was pulled by police at the time amid fears of gang violence (gunshots had been fired at a Ludacris gig in the city the week before.)
Promoters Sureshot worked tirelessly to get it back on track and it was rescheduled two months later. After hearing what happened two of the UK's finest, Root Manuva and Blade, expressed their sympathy about what had happened and were added to a bill already bursting with talent.
DJ Scully started the evening off with some quick but decisive spins. His emcee Seventy played the crowd and his set ended with the suitably arrogant but relevant "Fuck the Police" by NWA.
They were followed by Inna' Nuttin', the latest project from Outdaville founder Trevor Rose. Three teenagers walked on stage (quite obviously not old enough to be officially allowed in the venue) and blew the crowd's preconceptions about kid-rappers away. MC Doogie Howser and his crew are being touted for big things and from this brief display it's easy to see why.
After a brief hiatus and some crowd pleasing antics from Master of Ceremonies Mista Jam (who has carved an alternative career as an actor and most recently played Minty the Chef in ill-fated TV soap Crossroads), Chester P and Farmer G took to the stage.
The Task Force brothers (pictured above) are probably the brightest stars shining in UK hiphop today. The chemistry between them is electric and with their new found political ambitions whose to say how far they can go. Chester P showcased his freestyling skills, whilst Farma G played the crowd. They played tunes from their whole collection, including a few new ones from Music From The Corner 3.
They ended on `Fuck You', which is rapidly becoming their live anthem. This time the honour of being told where to go went to the likes of Tony Blair, George W and Michael Jackson.
Following the brothers were former Outdaville singer Tempa and her live partner Frisco. Tempa raps in a Nottingham accent so thick that even those from the city may find it hard to understand. She ended her set with her new single, a cover of the Mr 45 classic `Ya Get Me?'
After this the stage was set for Terrafirma. The supergroup consisting of Ricochet Klashnekoff, Kysa and Smirnoff to took over and put in a respectable performance. It's a pity that, at this stage, time was becoming stretched as many in the crowd felt that their set was cut a little prematurely.
Rodney P and Skitz then took over and did what they do best. They dimmed the lights, cranked up the beats and for half an hour or so turned the nightclub into less of a live venue and more of an... erm nightclub. The crowd gave them a great reception as they played a selection including the new Freestyle frenzy tune produced by local legend Joe Buddha.
By the time Roots Manuva took the stage the crowd were fully warmed up and prepared for the presence of biggest star in the UK scene. The man himself took to the stage in an odd-looking riding hat and a pair of Ray Charles glasses and pleased the crowd with a half hour set of his usual mix of hiphop and dope dub. He played out to his anthem `Witness the Fitness'.
All that was left was for Blade to take the stage and try and start a riot. The Iran-born Mark Thomas of hiphop was not in a mood to be messed with and spat vitriol firstly at his former label Virgin and then at the venue hosts who were trying to call time on the show. Mention must also go to his DJ First Rate who was unbelievable scratching with one of the decks on his back. Blade and his crew ended their performance with a display of stagediving, which gets a little risky when you get to their age.
Skinny Man didn't get time to play and Jehst didn't even turn up. The fact that this happened, without too many complaints is a mark of quite how big this line-up was.
This show was a consummate show of solidarity in UK hiphop, the kind that the scene needs if it is ever to break in the way that many are praying for it to. The UK Takeover starts here...
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