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Lime gig review:
Mos Def, O2 Empire in Shepherds Bush
Words: Nicke Adebowale
I love Mos Def, I really do but last night at the O2 Empire in Shepherds Bush he tested that love. Fortunately it’s still there but only just.
The night started with Shorty Blitz entertaining the early birds with classic hip-hop to get them in the mood. The support act, Lazy Habits, went down well with their lively mix of jazz fused hip-hop delivered via a live band. After a short 30 minute set Shorty got back on the decks to spin more tunes and the capacity crown eagerly awaited the headline act.
And we waited and waited until eventually Mos def shuffled on stage, just after 10pm and almost an hour late. By this point I sat silently with my arms firmly crossed as the rest of the audience cheered.
He got the night off to a belated start with The Tournament. A song that was new to me but which has since been added to various playlists. The seductive Godfather sample along with Mos’ powerful vocals had me heading towards forgiveness in seconds. He then burst into life with Supermagic and the three hour wait was forgotten.
There are no rappers out there like Mos Def. He can seamlessly switch from rapping to singing and does both faultlessly. He has real stage presence and can rock the oddest ensemble I’ve ever seen (loafers, white socks, ankle swinging faded black jeans, white shirt, braces, and tie) and still be effortlessly cool.
He has the back catalogue and the loyal fan base used to his eclectic (or should that be eccentric) ways that are willing to follow as he veers off on musical tangents - first to sing happy birthday to London and then to perform a cover version of Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.
He was on for a little under an hour, and I loved every minute of it. I was so grateful that he ended the night with his seminal track Umi Says but I left feeling unsatisfied.
Mos Def, O2 Empire in Shepherds Bush
Words: Nicke Adebowale
I love Mos Def, I really do but last night at the O2 Empire in Shepherds Bush he tested that love. Fortunately it’s still there but only just.
The night started with Shorty Blitz entertaining the early birds with classic hip-hop to get them in the mood. The support act, Lazy Habits, went down well with their lively mix of jazz fused hip-hop delivered via a live band. After a short 30 minute set Shorty got back on the decks to spin more tunes and the capacity crown eagerly awaited the headline act.
And we waited and waited until eventually Mos def shuffled on stage, just after 10pm and almost an hour late. By this point I sat silently with my arms firmly crossed as the rest of the audience cheered.
He got the night off to a belated start with The Tournament. A song that was new to me but which has since been added to various playlists. The seductive Godfather sample along with Mos’ powerful vocals had me heading towards forgiveness in seconds. He then burst into life with Supermagic and the three hour wait was forgotten.
There are no rappers out there like Mos Def. He can seamlessly switch from rapping to singing and does both faultlessly. He has real stage presence and can rock the oddest ensemble I’ve ever seen (loafers, white socks, ankle swinging faded black jeans, white shirt, braces, and tie) and still be effortlessly cool.
He has the back catalogue and the loyal fan base used to his eclectic (or should that be eccentric) ways that are willing to follow as he veers off on musical tangents - first to sing happy birthday to London and then to perform a cover version of Ain’t No Stopping Us Now.
He was on for a little under an hour, and I loved every minute of it. I was so grateful that he ended the night with his seminal track Umi Says but I left feeling unsatisfied.