Slowthai, O2 Institute, Birmingham - review with pictures

The outspoken and always entertaining punk-inspired rapper has built up an impressive fan base in a short space of time. Effortlessly mashing up the hardened anti-establishment essences of both genres to produce an instantly recognisable sound that resonates with today’s young generation.

Playing the city centre venue as part of his 11-stop European tour, Northampton’s answer to The Prodigy’s grime cousin certainly didn’t disappoint.

Setting the stage ablaze from the first beat, the ever-energetic performer opened the night to rapturous applause and admiration from his fans.

Leaving little to the imagination, Slowthai’s stripped back stage layout and in-your-face presence forced his fans to feel the energy from the outset.

The artist egged the crowd on from the very beginning, expecting more and demanding it. And those in attendance replied on mass, serving up reciprocal waves of energy in the form of hefty mosh pits and shouting his lyrics back to him.

As if that wasn’t enough, mid-way through the evening the overly excited artist took to flinging an inflatable dingy into the crowd in a passionate attempt to crowd cruise.

It may not have worked as well as he may have initially planned, but the desired affect was met. He mixed with his fans on a human level and everyone had a laugh.

Playing through an incredible set list that included the 24 year-olds biggest bangers and long-standing fan favourites, everyone in attendance got exactly what they came for.

Following the likes of Ladies, Drug Dealer and Rainbow there was a special surprise in store for the Birmingham crowd. Local icon and grime sensation Jaykae stormed the stage for a powerful rendition of his crowd favourite, Moscow.

After a performance from East London-based rapper Jeshi, Slowthai continued the evening with his own brand of righteous self-confidence, gritty lyrics and passionate - if not somewhat eccentric - delivery, keeping the crowd on tenterhooks the whole way through the night.

I'd like to add a special mention to the security staff in attendance during the evening who kept an extremely raucous crowd at bay throughout the event. The T n Biscuits star is a lively and unpredictable character and one that’s certainly worth a watch.

His charismatic sense of self-worth and unquestionable talent serves him well in a scene full of over confident, and more often than not, underwhelming artists.

Fortunately for those lucky enough to be in attendance at the Institute, Slowthai is not in the latter category. He is a well-crafted, yet extremely rough representation of the misguided and over frustrated youth of today, channelling their angst through their art form.

A must see for any British music fan.

By James Stride