Giggs, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review
Following another stellar year of incredible releases and sold out tour shenanigans it was time for Birmingham to welcome the Landlord, as Giggs stepped through to shake the O2 Academy to it’s very foundation.
The veteran artist visited the city mob handed as he rolled through with a host of warm up acts, including Ambush, the young energetic and unapologetic beat basher from Camden Town, Sneakbo, a scene smasher in his own right and another artist who refuses to compromise his authentic style, and the audio enigma that is Charlie Sloth MC’ing on the ones and twos last night.
With each and every warm-up act bringing their own unique style, as well as an obvious unwavering support for a man that has carried the scene on his back through thick and thin, the stage was set for the arrival of the big man himself, Mr Big and Bad.
Rolling out on stage, on time, charged up, and ready to put on a damning performance, Giggs showed exactly why there is little to no one who can question his authenticity, passion for the game, or his ability to make any venue he graces erupt like a volcano driven on BMP.
Performing tracks from throughout his remarkably long and somewhat battled career, Giggs wasn’t shy about messing up the crowd quickly, performing The Essence almost instantaneously. A song that not only re-cemented Giggs as one of the greatest purebred rappers in the UK, but also a track that elevated his career even further last year once it received a Colors rendition, drawing even more music fans to the Landlord’s seemingly impossible-to-ignore style.
Working the stage like the veteran of the scene that he is, it was easy to forget most rappers usually rely on flashy stage antics and overworked and elaborate backdrops to draw the eye and keep the crowd entertained. Giggs, on the other hand, worked over every single soul in the crowd with his talent alone, and a very understated backdrop that replicated scenes from his 2019 released album, Big Bad.
Treating his adoring fans to almost every one of his skank worthy tracks, and some surprising songs he’s supplied features for, those in attendance were witness to an energetic and uplifting performance of 3 Wheels Up. One of the scenes new instant classics that came about from Kane Robinson’s, better known as Kano, seminal 2016 album Made in the Manor.
With an evening full of undying passion, adoring fans and incredible music, Gigs at the O2 Academy just never feel the same after seeing Giggs at the O2 Academy.
By James Stride
