Grime and UK rap have been making major waves in North America over the past few years. The scene’s biggest driving force is megastar in the making Skepta. With cosigns from Drake and every major music publication and outlet out, the emcee is bringing forth a new age British invasion. This past week Skepta slid through the 6 to shutdown Rebel nightclub. The night was a testament to Skepta’s massive and committed fan base as he sold out one of the biggest venues in the city with ease.
I arrived just before 10:00pm. By the time I checked my coat and grabbed a Corona at the back bar, I heard the familiar and entrancing opening of his latest album’s title track. The club erupted as Skepta took the stage kicking the first verse off ‘Konnichiwa’ with a ferocity that screamed “motherfucker I’m here”. The place was absolutely packed and it took some serious squishing and squeezing to find yourself into a decent spot. From the jump there was an intense electricity in the air but it was super-charged by the icy synths on ‘That’s Not Me’. Skepta had the whole club jumping while the anthem rang through the powerful system. From there he took some time to break it down and talk to fans before taking it back to Blacklisted with ‘Ace Hood Flow’. With ‘Crime Riddim’ the venue’s incredible visual capabilities were showcased as police inspired blue and white visuals encompassed the entire stage.
Giving fans the true grime experience, the show packed some massive rewinds and a raw back-to-back grime cypher between Skepta and Shorty. The former was felt hardest with ‘It Aint’ Safe’. Bringing it back for the second time incited mosh pits and fierce sing alongs. On the other side, the cypher saw Skepta and Shorty trading verses as DJ Maximum swapped in rugged beats. Adding in some surprises, Skepta brought out Lethal Bizzle for ‘I Win’ and truly surprised us with Riff Raff coming out for ‘Back From The Dead’. As Riff exited the stage he gave Skepta a major shout out telling fans that Skepta is the future. I’m not one to agree with Riff Raff on the regular but there is no disputing the fact, especially after this tour.
Considering he was in the 6, it was only right that he performed his More Life interlude. As expected Skepta saved his two biggest records for the night’s conclusion. ‘Shutdown’ took the energy from 10 to 11 and ‘Man (Gang)’ served as the perfect turnt conclusion (see video below). Skepta’s stage presence, crowd control and energy proved his talent is well beyond just making great records. He’s an incredible performer and a true artist. The infectiousness of his music and swag was felt long after the show with ‘It Ain’t Safe’ chants filling the exits, to gang, fam and bruv being dropped in every conversation outside. Grime has officially arrived in North American and Skepta is the ambassador.
Photos by Eryn McCarthy.
