AJ Tracey, O2 Institute, Birmingham - review
Following the release of his self-titled debut album AJ Tracey made sure to demonstrate his evolution when his tour stopped off in Birmingham.
The O2 Institute hosted AJ’s 12th tour stop last night and the West-London native certainly seemed as if he’d been putting in a shift this year.
Starting slowly and picking up gradually, the pace of the evening was a developing one.
Performing tracks off his self-titled debut album, as well classics from his lengthy discography, the crowd were treated to a clearly evolved yet somewhat bedraggled AJ Tracey.
Fourteen consecutive tour stops certainly is a lot of work and any artist, young or old, can be forgiven for showing some signs of fatigue.
Regardless of the somewhat subdued atmosphere from the headliner, Birmingham’s trusty locals gave everything they had to help boost the Ladbroke Grove lad's energy.
With the crowd singing along to every word off his debut album, it was equally encouraging to see that they gave the biggest reaction to AJ’s earlier works.
Such as the sensational online freestyle titled, Packages, as well as some of his grimier output.
This change in rhythm was reciprocated by a growing energy from the crowd which helped propel the atmosphere of the night into a different realm, yet it was the night’s special guests who really brought the show together.
A warm up performance from Croydon’s own Young Fumes helped boost the crowd too, serving up his trademark infectious energy in bundles, yet it was a surprise appearance from AJ’s collaborator Not3s that ended the night on a high note.
Sharing the stage for their hit single Butterflies, AJ demonstrated in his last outing of the night that he truly is the multi-faceted artist we know him to be, and that any performer can and should be sympathised with when putting on show after show across the country.
Development and self-preservation are the most important things for any artist and we as fans need to appreciate and respect that whenever possible.
Here’s hoping the next time AJ Tracey’s tour roles through the West Midlands, and if you’re in the crowd through some support his way.
By James Stride
