Manchester wordsmith Bugzy Malone played a sold out show at the 02 Islington Academy on Tuesday 28th August. He’s had a fantastic week with the release of his EP ‘Walk With Me’ reaching No.6 in the national album charts, along with the sold out show.
Hosted by Charlie Sloth who has been supporting the artist on his BBC Radio 1 & 1Xtra show heavily, where Bugzy also hit the radio presenter’s infamous Fire In The Booth freestyle series. It was evident that Charlie along with other faces in the crowd such as Kiss 100 DJ Logan Sama and A&R Benny Scars also have faith in the 0161 artist.
Arriving at 9pm just as Bugzy hit the stage, I unfortunately had missed warm-up acts such as Potter Payper. The Mancunian Grime star brought a strong energy with him, bouncing around as he delivered his first lyrics to the captivated crowd.
Bugzy repeatedly got the crowd shouting “0161 Manny on the map”, as he moved from track to track such as ‘M.E.N’ a more personal track off the EP. He quickly began with one of his older tracks with an aggressive, delivery. He performed his Fire In The Booth which fans were eager to hear live and they spat the lyrics along with him.
As he moved to a track close to his heart about a family member passing, his storytelling technique in his rhymes really shone through, and his manner and attitude softened. He asked the crowd to put lights on their phones or with lighters and turned the stage lights off so he was barely seen and the audience was lit up as a mark of respect.
As he swiftly brought the energy back up, moving onto a track from his EP produced by Rude Kid ‘Watch Your Mouth’, which saw the MC return to his more passionate, powerful and lively state.
He controlled the crowd like only a true star can, getting them involved and bringing a quality stage presence. He truly had them walking with him as they knew every word to his lyrics and were like his soldiers. Bugzy Malone is the next Grime artist to blow so keep your eyes peeled on him!
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