Wiz Khalifa - O2 Academy, Glasgow. 2/11/11

(Top quality image used with generous permission by Alexander Whittington.)

It was time for my second visit to the Academy within a month.Yelawolf had already started his supporting set when we entered the impressively full venue, his unmistakable quick fire nasal delivery floating to the back of the room. The Alabama MC's performative experience shone through as he whipped up the crowd in a way rarely achieved by those second on the bill. Lead album single 'Hard White (Up in the Club)' received a warm reception, as did a timely A capella rendition of his recent BET cypher appearance. Removing his vest to reveal a heavily tatooed torso (an action that was going to become somewhat of a theme as the evening progressed), Yela provided a menacing performance of personal favourite 'Pop Tha Trunk'. This was preceded by a bizarre interlude in which his DJ played a medley of The Doors, some Johnny Cash and then wrapped it up with some Eazy E. That aside, Catfish Billy left the crowd feeling strong anticipation for Radioactive (November 21st for those of you that are interested) Clocking in at nearly 45 minutes, the MC leaped from the stage for some crowd interaction for his final song. The future is looking bright for Shady Records signee.

An impressively short 20 minutes later, Khalifa took to the stage. Sharply attired in a fitted plaid shirt, Wiz launched into a selection of the weed induced mixtape material that propelled him to internet stardom. A nod to his British audience resulted in a sample of Tinie Tempah's 'Till I'm Gone', along with a performance of new track 'Young, Wild and Free'. The rapper pranced spasmodically across the stage, contorting his body playfully into an all manner of interesting shapes. The crowd was treated to a demonstration of Khalifa's karate skills, and an unnecessarily enthusiastic sensual self-rubdown of his tiny frame as the Pittsburgh native energetically clowned his way through the performance. As a result, the backing track was often employed to provide musical support, filling in the gaps when Wiz was otherwise engaged.
An uncharacteristically mundane interlude followed, Khalifa hammering home the point that we were all part of his 'Taylor Gang'. Members of his crew then flooded the stage, swathed in Taylor Gang memorabilia as a stomping performance of the song of the same name was performed. The track ended with the Wiz being 'shot down' by his light show, the rapper jerking his body in time with the gunfire.
The second half of the gig was devoted to gold selling album 'Rolling Papers'. The more chilled out pop oriented tracks required less exuberance, so Khalifa took the opportunity to use the microphone stand to showcase his vocal range. Favourites such as 'No Sleep', 'Fly Solo' and drug ode 'On My Level' were performed with aplomb, the rapper stumbling across the stage in accordance with his lyrics.
Single 'Roll Up' entered the set list as the performance wound towards the inevitable last song. The lights took on an appropriate hue as Wiz performed 'Black and Yellow', the song that propelled him to global stardom. He then ran off stage, his DJ coaxing him back for one last effort. 'Cameras' proved to be a suitable anthemic encore track, the crowd leaving the Academy with a definite buzz. In short, Wiz Khalifa showed Glasgow exactly why he is regarded as one of hip hop's most charismatic new stars.

Xzibit - The Garage, Glasgow. 19/10/11

For the second time in a fortnight I traveled to Glasgow to experience the unbridled joy that is provided by G2 (Not the main venue, just round the back!) Fortunately, there were no fights outside this time. The entrance, though, was surrounded by a litany of unsavoury characters, someone helpfully shouting "RUFF RYDERS!" at me as I entered. Though it is always nice to see appreciation of DMX, The LOX and the work of Swizz Beatz, we were all here to see Xzibit (perhaps he was a Drag-On fan?). There was a VIP package offering 3 CD's, a t-shirt and 15 minutes backstage with X, but I respectfully declined, preferring to take my chances in the crowd.
After keeping us waiting just a tiny bit too long (after Snoop Dogg arrived an hour late I'm prepared to forgive more minor tardiness), X took to the stage, sparking the set off with new single 'Xzibit v. The State of Hip Hop'. Aided by hype man Young De, the West Coast veteran bounced across the stage, regularly flashing his cheesy grin as the more familiar fare took over the set list. 'Front 2 Back' and 'Get Your Walk On' were highlights of a Restless heavy focus, with 'Alkaholic' predictably sending the crowd into a frenzy. The rapper outlined his credentials, asserting that he could drink more than "any motherfucker in this room!" Any hopes of witnessing him down a pint of Tennent's were swiftly dispelled, but the song was played twice during the performance to a typically rowdy response.
A medley of standout verses from his association with Aftermath Records followed, hits such as 'Bitch Please', 'Bitch Please II' and 'What's the Difference' were merged to give a strong West Coast flavour to the evening. In a similar vein, 'California Vacation' was played to a rousing reception.
The gig took a sombre turn with a tribute to Nate Dogg, followed by a return to first album material with 'Paparazzi'. Though the song matched the tone of the tribute, it seemed strange that he rapper chose not to perform one of the many songs he has recorded with the late soul singer. The set list continued with the theme of 90's hits, 'What You See is What You Get' from 40 Dayz and 40 Nightz being performed with typical enthusiasm. More recent fare was thin on the ground, 'Muthafucker' from Weapons of Mass Destruction and 'Multiply' proving popular, the gig finishing with 'Thank You', a heartfelt tribute to the fans who have supported the rapper through thick and thin. The performance ended abruptly just over the hour mark, with the rapper finishing mid song and walking off the stage. His DJ carried on playing, raising hopes for an encore ('Hey Now' and 'Heart of Man' were sorely missed), but after 5 minutes it became apparent he was not to return. The crowd left puzzled, but generally satisfied by an evening with one of the West Coast's most enduring voices.

Skepta - The Garage, Glasgow. 7/10/11

After dodging the burly man fighting a weedy chav (this was Glasgow, after all), we made our way round the back of the Garage to G2, the smaller venue playing host to Skepta on his second U.K tour of the year. Attempts to purchase a Fosters proved unsuccessful, apparently we were meant to ask for a wristband while being charmingly frisked by the door staff.
These minor issues overcome, it was time to watch support act Krept and Konan, buoyed by their recent youtube remix of 'Otis' (5 million hits and counting). Their brief set was enlivened by a competition between two members of the crowd, the principle object being to recite Skepta lyrics in order to win £10. Both contestants were, somewhat predictably, atrocious, and the lesser of the two evils won the day. Krept and Konan, for their part, delivered a nervous, inexperienced performance that betrayed their novice status on the U.K Grime scene.

The preliminary acts over, it was time for the main event. Skepta kept us waiting an impressively short 15 minutes, strutting onto the stage with his ubiquitous mantra of "Fuck Skepta". His band was strikingly attired in crisp white dinner jackets, the Grime legend donning a similar outfit. Bunches of red roses adorned the stage, contributing to the strange dinner party theme. Introductions over, he launched into 'Rescue Me', the anthemic chorus serving as an appropriate opening number. For the next hour the enthusiastic crowd was treated to a myriad of hits spanning his 5 years at the forefront of the British rap scene, including 'Bad Boy', 'All Over the House' (thankfully promising there would be no stage show) and, of course, 'Too Many Man'. Memories were refreshed with a medley of older material, Skepta bouncing irrepressibly across the stage as his energy fed into the crowd. New single 'Hold On' also proved a hit. At the conclusion, the London MC sincerely thanked his audience for their support, before engaging in what can only be described as the least convincing stage walk off I have ever seen. Within 30 seconds he was back for the encore, not being heartless enough to deprive his fans of hit single 'Amnesia'. He did however, neglect to perform 'Rolex Sweep', something the group was all looking forward to having practiced the dance all week.
In summary the gig was short, sweet, and well worth the entry fee. On this evidence there is plenty more life in the Grime stalwart yet, and I'm sure Glasgow will be welcoming back in the near future.