In spite of its tagline, the iconic Jazz Café in Camden, London, has hosted much more than just Jazz music, serving as a regular backdrop for the UK Hip Hop scene over the last two decades. Last week was no exception with the culmination of artists Rodney P, Ty and Blak Twang, all coming together to perform as part of the newly formed Kingdem crew; an all stars line up of heavyweight ninjas, honouring the heritage of the UKHH scene over the years as well as progressing with this fresh new project.
Ty
Each artist got their own solo spotlight before performing together at the end, with the first rapper up being Ty. Performing plenty of songs from his seminal album Upwards, it was a heartening experience to revisit this timeless collection of music, in exactly the same venue where he promoted this album all the way back in 2004. A reflection on the wealth of graceful soul that he brings with his music, that has never aged with the expressive soundtrack inciting a feverish atmosphere up in the spot.
Far from being nostalgic, Ty was galvanised as if he was performing fresh new music all the way throughout, regularly throwing in some boogie down moves in the process. Ty thrived off the crowd’s energy, showcasing a lively spirit as he engaged with the fans more like it was a dance festival rather than a rap gig. A special moment was the euphoric vibes during the performance of ‘Ha Ha’ where he launched his way into masses of music heads all squashed up in the place. ‘Sophisticated and Course’ gave the opportunity to DJ Big Ted to showcase a nice little scratch up on the decks. Ty also brought out special guests Breis and Isatta Sheriff who owned it as she rapped some serious bars of conviction whilst performing a verse on ‘Oh You Want More’.
Blak Twang
As Ty concluded his set, Blak Twang was next up to rock the stage. One of the foundation champions of UK Hip Hop, he maintained a strong stage presence, effortlessly rolling through his epic discography with a hardcore rap performance. This was brought home in momentous style whilst he played ‘Help Dem Lord’, which was delivered like a sermon with the complementing searing beats and meticulous with the rap craftmanship on show.
Recalling one of his earliest performances at Borderline back in 1994, Blak Twang surveyed his journey that sees him now playing at Jazz Café to this date, offering a timely insight on the amazing and turbulent journey the scene has come through. Breakthrough hits like ‘GSCE’ and ‘Kick Off’ were crowd favourites. His ultimate anthem ‘Dettwork Southeast’, sparked off rowdy vibes that was intensified as the DJ mixed in Mobb Deep ‘Shook Ones’ for Blak Twang to spit a verse on. And then Blak Twang signed out with ‘So Rotten’ – a proficient spectacle to see the entire Jazz Cafe embracing the infamous chorus line in unison, visibly revelling in the legacy this joint had created.
Rodney P
Rodney P then made a mighty statement as his stage entrance was soundtracked to ‘Welcome To Jamrock’. Rocking a hoodie emblazoned with the message ‘Humanity Over Everything’, the Riddim Killa took his turn to shine, working through his solo classics as well as London Posse material. The 80’s inspired fast paced break that introduces ‘How’s Life in London’, brought out Blak Twang & Ty to bust out some entertaining and impressive dance shuffles; rap artists showing they can boogie down as well as spit bars, with some decent moves! Also endearing himself to the crowd was the Jack Daniels bottle that Rodney P was carrying around on stage, sharing the drink with many at the stage front, in a mini crunked up session.
Rodney P also paid tribute to the pioneering rap duo Cookie Crew, hailing the group as the inspiration to him becoming a rapper, a clear reminder about paying tribute to the contribution of female artists in Hip Hop amongst a male dominated craft. The gig briefly turned into an atmospheric reggae jam with the performance of ‘Nice Up’, gracing the Jazz venue with bouncy dubbed out sounds that Rodney P mesmerized the crowd with.
Kingdem Gig Review – Jazz Café London
The end of the night saw all three rappers perform together underneath the Kingdem moniker. The lively vibes of the single ‘Conversation (We Ain’t Done Yet)’, was performed with musical passion, all three personalities vibing off each other over the melodic beat.
They also performed elements from their recently much acclaimed Fire in the Booth feature, which was a chance to break out the levels, shotting some pure fire rap. Rodney P took the opportunity to launch a lyrical attack on Tim Westwood, in the backdrop of comments of mockery from him, which incited a rallying call of defiant support from the crowd. Jumping Jack Frost also surged on stage to offer salutes too. And then Kingdem finished up the concert with the new single ‘Kingstep’, featuring a surprise Drum & Bass ending that ensured the night finished on a proper rave note.
A jammed packed Jazz Café was witness to a buzzing spectacle of UK Hip Hop, with a range of generations in attendance. The whole energy from the crowd on top of the inspiring artistic disciplines from each of the foundation artists, was a much embraced coming together of the UKHH champions. While the moody lit venue was chronicled by the historic music of each artist, the gig also served up the prospect of continuing fresh new music, which was a fitting sign out to a compelling, memorable gig.
Courtesy of Kishmiester