Live in LDN Review: J Cole’s Debut UK Show at KOKO

If Drake had his own gig in The Comeback Season/So Far Gone days, J Cole at Koko last night would of been everything it could of been. As far as debut concerts go, J Cole had it all. An electrifying crowd, a packed out-filled to the roof venue and a shockingly good back catalogue based off nothing more than the internet and some mixtapes.

I felt like I was apart of history as I excitedly entered the ram packed London venue. Roc Nation’s first signing, J Cole’s first ever solo gig in the UK and London was playing the proud host. No affiliation to Jay-Z. No attachment to Drake. Everyone in the place was there to see him.

As I made my way through the mob of twenty somethings, there was a palpable buzz in the air, everyone was waiting to enter Cole’s World. Discussions of favourite tracks and first discoveries of Cole filled the room, whilst Semtex braced the crowd for what was to come, dutifully dropping the bangers.

The crowd became slightly hesitant whilst grime act, Maxsta opened the show. There were mixed reactions, some were duly bopping their head, others were becoming even more impatient from the waiting. Personally, I don’t think it was the best decision to bring on such an act for this type of crowd, but Maxsta and his boys held it down.

Before anyone got any more weary, Cole came out and ignited the stage. The three balconies up top plus the standing area downstairs came alive as he went through the best of his (mixtape) discography.

Songs which I guess we can now call ‘classic’ like ‘Lights Please’ (watch his piano introduction – dude is talented!), ‘Dead Presidents II’, ‘I Get Up’ and ‘Dollar and a Dream’ from his second mixtape The Warm Up were easy hype vehicles, each one sending the crowed into even more frenzy.

When he mixed up the set with tracks from the recently released Friday Night Lights and debut mixtape The Come Up, it was clear to see that a lot of people, especially during this time in our generation, understood and related to what he has been saying. Highlights for me included ‘Enchanted’, ‘Blow Up’, and ‘Higher’. There is something about Cole that is constantly positive and intriguing to watch. Each lyric came through with heavy passion and a real sense of modesty. He stood appreciative and was grinning throughout. No hype man required, he just brought himself entirely.

A small part of me wished that Drake or Wale came out to join Cole on their respective tracks (‘In The Morning’ and ‘You Got It’), I realised the very request at such a strong night was out of pure greed.

Grateful for the opportunity and amazed at the sold out show, on numerous occasions Cole thanked London for coming out to see him. Astounded at the epic nature of the show, Cole complimented us all for jumping on him (pause) early, whilst he assured that others will catch up soon. Showing his gratitude even more, he jumped into the crowd during his last song ‘Villematic’, making sure he high five’d as many people as possible.

Overall it was nothing less than an impressive inauguration into the game. Full on, non stop and totally kept 100 throughout. This is hip hop 2011.

Cole World.

*Peep some footage here, courtesy of The Hip Hop Chronicle*