Truly claiming his title – King of the North – Bugzy Malone dominated at the O2 Academy, delivering a performance that only solidified his place within grime royalty. An expert in crowd control he was able to unite sweaty complexions across the floor space as he rolled out hit after hit from his ever-growing repertoire. A true rock star without instruments, wholly in his element, as he demanded the attention of all in the room beginning his Be Inspired tour…and how inspired we were.
Getting into the set came recognizable song ‘Die by the Gun’ which triggered explosive booms from the crowd as his performance escalated. A whirlpool of people churning around gave the space a fluidity that seemed to move to whatever beat Malone contributed. In many ways the gig became paradoxical as Malone fed off the crowd’s enjoyment, but without his influence we would be silent.
At first listen the songs seem harsh, with the strobing lights controlling your vision it was easy to be swept away into the raw sound. But upon closer inspection it is a release of emotion that was all emotion being channeled through a gritty genre often mistaken for aggression. I passed people with blurred faces knowing that they were lost in intensity and honest lyricism that we all appreciated in the short hour we had to escape in this sound.
Malone’s genuine cries of happiness explaining that he couldn’t “believe everyone turned up tonight” – told a tale of purity that his songs only mirrored. He beamed with contentment and in many moments, he seemed in a world beyond gratitude, as his artistry had touched everyone in the room.
There was no encore, instead he finished with his new single ‘Warning’ and words that told of never giving up, a mantra he clearly followed.
Jessica McCarrick 