PinBoard

If you use any of the following pictures online please credit www.pinboardblog.com

As we waited for the show to begin at the Roundhouse in Camden Town last night, the homie James asked “what’s been your favourite Hip Hop gig to date?”, after mentally deliberating for a second, some said The Roots, others Nas, I said Jay-Z last year.

…That answer, for us all, completely changed after Q-Tip left the stage. 

Having not performed on these  shores for over 14 years, Q-Tip returned to LDN with full force. High energy, an electric atmosphere and the fact that the One we (Hip Hop lovers) look up to was right there, in front of us performing the soundtracks to our lives. My man was on point (Phife?). Q-Tip satisfied everyone with a solid set consisting of tracks from the new album The Renaissance including “We Fight/We Love”, “You”, “Move”, “Getting Up”, “Life is Better” – the latter resulting him ending up, literally, right in front of me/us AND moreover passing.the.mic.over.to.the.homie Pal Mal! W-H-A-T? LOL! One of the most surrealist moments I think I’ve ever experienced (another included Erykah Badu holding my hand while singing “Appletree” at Summerset House.). Q-Tip, in front of me? Singing “Life is Better”? Taking the piss bruvs! haha! 

Before that grand finale though, Q-Tip made everyone ecstatically happy by performing claaaaaasic A Tribe Called Quest material including “Bonita Applebum”, “Electric Relaxation”, “Scenario” and “Award Tour” to name but a few. Witnessing Q-Tip performing these songs, for me, is something I really didn’t think I’d get to experience. As I said at the top, 14 years it’s taken him to get over here, so when my dude jumps pon the speakers in front of us and performs “Award Tour” it was completely necessary for someone to slap me the fu*k up haha! 

“Vibrant Thing” went down crazy too. The only track I was waiting for that didn’t come up was “Breathe and Stop” but honestly, in the grand scheme of things – who the heck cares? The Roundhouse was the perfect location for last night. It’s a stunning venue with amazing acoustics. I have eternal gratitude to Giles Peterson (super safe dude) for putting it all together. He explained during the intro that it’s taken him a “very long time” to make this happen. So, from US to you: Thank You Mr Peterson. 

Q-Tip only spoke briefly throughout the gig and at one point had some words to share about the very last conversation he had with Jay Dee aka J Dilla. He explained how the late, great producer urged him, after he took a break from beat making to “study music”, to begin producing again. Yet another reason we should be thankful for Dilla, huh? R.I.P Dilla Dawg. 

I could really go one for another 2000 words on how amazingly brilliant last night was, but I won’t. Oh, but before I do end, lemme just say: the official Q-Tip After party in deep, dark Shoreditch killed it. It was “so Shoreditch” (lmao those who know, know!), but it was a jam – cannot be denied. Then Q-Tip got on the decks lol that “jam” turned into a straight up rave – killed.it.again. Damn man! 

Easily the best Hip Hop gig I’ve ever attended and generally, one of the dopest nights I’ve had in London Town (that’s a big, but true statement). Respect to everyone who was there, was great to catch up with some ol’ peeps and meet those I’ve been chattin’ to on the Tinternets for a minute now! Sorry for those who I didn’t connect with, I was…’somewhere else’ lol!

Oh and also, big up to the other acts who were on before Q-Tip including Dorian Concept, Little Dragon, DJ Semtex (who suppled that ‘crack’ haha) and Benji B. Sorry for anyone I’ve forgotten. 

Peace, Love & Q-Tip

Speeakz

If you use any of the following pictures online please credit www.pinboardblog.com