Dirtee Stankin' Tour: Dizzee Rascal with Newham Generals at the Plug, Sheffield, 2nd June
Tonight the Plug is attracting an audience a little different from the usual indie crowd. Each member of the audience is probed with a metal detector before entering the building and when you finally do the atmosphere is strange, mainly because people are dancing in the middle of the floor at half past eight. Tonight we are told Dizzee Rascal will be playing two sets, which sounds like great value for money, but of course there had to be a catch.
As a crowd forms for the support Newham Generals we unfortunately have to experience their ‘mixtape’ for 45 minutes. And while the talent itself is high, it’s the group’s subject matter which brings them down. With songs such as ‘She’s Curvy’ and ‘Bell Them Slags’ its hard not to snigger as one member of the group displays as little rhythm as a wooden spoon. Then as another song makes an appearance, this time dedicated to wet pussy it’s impossible to take them seriously.
With Dizzee Rascal emerging immediately however, you can tell the instant difference between these two artists. He knows how to pump up a crowd stating “I don’t care if you’ve come here feeling tired or lethargic, I’ve got the energy for you.” before launching into ‘Jus a Rascal’, as he moves naturally to the music, rarely pausing for a beat. Also it’s hard not to cringe as he dedicates ‘this one to the ladies’ within ten minutes onstage, proving that Rascal may stand out for his songs yet his persona is similar to any rap artist today. Also there is a reason he has the energy for his audience. Mainly because his set barely scrapes half an hour before we are joined, yet again by Newham Generals.
From now on the set becomes frustrating to watch as Rascal is clearly held back by the other artists sharing the stage. As we get a mix of songs by both artists, I’m sure the audience would’ve rather have seen another half hour of Dizzee Rascal, as set begins to drag. And then it all becomes clear, this is a record label tour, and unfortunately Dizzee is promoting a product. It’s just a shame it wasn’t his new album.
With Dizzee Rascal emerging immediately however, you can tell the instant difference between these two artists. He knows how to pump up a crowd stating “I don’t care if you’ve come here feeling tired or lethargic, I’ve got the energy for you.” before launching into ‘Jus a Rascal’, as he moves naturally to the music, rarely pausing for a beat. Also it’s hard not to cringe as he dedicates ‘this one to the ladies’ within ten minutes onstage, proving that Rascal may stand out for his songs yet his persona is similar to any rap artist today. Also there is a reason he has the energy for his audience. Mainly because his set barely scrapes half an hour before we are joined, yet again by Newham Generals.
From now on the set becomes frustrating to watch as Rascal is clearly held back by the other artists sharing the stage. As we get a mix of songs by both artists, I’m sure the audience would’ve rather have seen another half hour of Dizzee Rascal, as set begins to drag. And then it all becomes clear, this is a record label tour, and unfortunately Dizzee is promoting a product. It’s just a shame it wasn’t his new album.
No comments:
Post a Comment