Asher Roth @ The Tabernacle [REVIEW]

Last night Asher Roth made his London debut at Notting Hill’s Tabernacle. A venue I had never previously heard of or, let alone been to. So, I was pleasantly surprised when I rolled up and saw the mini-Round House-esque type venue. It was a real nice, intimate spot. The stage was about 2 foot off the ground.

After seeing a few friendly faces*, it was time to go back to “college” with Mr. Asher Roth. This is the dude everyone has been talking about – for better or for worse. The guy who’s album Asleep in the Bread Aisle was closely watched and examined by Hip Hop heads on both sides of the fence. It was time to see what Roth was made of and for me, this gig was the make or break moment. I’ve heard his album, I get what he’s about, now I needed to know how he rocked a crowd. More specifically, a London crowd.

To say Asher Roth was hyped would be an understatement. The dude didn’t keep still and his energy levels remained elevated throughout the [rather short] gig. Supported by a DJ, drummer and hype man, Roth, in his white T and jeans dropped tracks off his debut album quick and fast. Opening the show with the much loved “Lark in My Go-Kart”, he progressed by performing tracks like “Blunt Cruisin”, “By Myself” and of course, the now (in)famous “I Love Collage”. Love it or hate it, it was “College” that made Asher Roth the artist he is now – that was the jam that everyone was talking about. And love it or hate it – it’s a hype tune still (so much so that it inspired Mr Londoner & GK to rush the stage! Ha! Video evidence coming soon). I  can’t lie though, I was peeved that he didn’t play “Lions Roar” – which is not only my favourite cut off the LP but is also the only track I really think displays his abilities as a rapper best. However, he made up for that with his throwback dance routine of Soul II Soul’s “Candy Rain” < Stupidly funny!

The gig was fun. Short, but fun. It wasn’t amazing, it wasn’t superb. I wasn’t blown away. BUT I had fun and I think, at the moment, that’s what Asher Roth represents. His album isn’t a deep, concious record and that’s cool. I always say music is about having a good time and I don’t believe you need to spit about world issues or political injustice to be taken serious as an emcee. Although Roth’s ‘freestyle’ about childhood obesity threw me a little – what was that about? There’s no doubt in my mind that this dude is talented or that he can rap, but I believe like all new artists he has room to grow and improve his art. I think Asleep in the Bread Aisle is a decent debut with some really great moments – is it a classic? I don’t think so. But, I’m excited to see Asher Roth develop and evolve because I really don’t think we’ve seen the best of him yet.

Peace, Love & Asher Roth

Speeakz

P.s I’m gonna post some footage of the gig in a bit too. Watch out for that. Update: Watch some PinBoard footage HERE

*Much love to Ma, Susan, Ginger Kid, Mr Londoner, Hattie, Shane, Erol & the Entire Island Family!