Skinnyman @ The Owl Sanctuary
I was only half convinced of UK hip hop's power
Like many, most of the hip-hop I love hails from across the Atlantic. My Spotify playlist is filled with young, black rappers with American inflections. Thus, I was prepared to be dragged out of my comfort zone at Skinnyman's Owl Sanctuary gig.
A string of UK rappers warmed up the Owl. First up was solo Watts. Unluckily, Watts played to a sparse crowd; many hadn't arrived to hear his passionate, yet standard format grime. Then came Zarah Jones, Norwich singer/MC, with a self-assured string of tunes. For all her confidence and Aguilera-standard strength pipes, Jones’ performance veered on karaoke. Each song was sang over teeming backing tracks, which unfortunately eclipsed her voice. Nine-strong Music Lessons filled the penultimate slot, channelling Akala and the Beastie Boys, getting the crowd bouncing to their brand of UK hip hop.
Then came Skinnyman, his tiny, tiny frame doing his moniker full justice. By then the Owl Sanctuary was rammed with fans that had clearly been eager for a Skinnyman release since his last one in 2004. Council Estate of Mind pricked critics ears over a decade a go, and from his Owl gig, you could see why. Skinnyman rhymed deftly over a mixed set of beats: dub, grime, hip hop. If that wasn't enough to prove he was a jack of all trades, the MC freestyled about Norwich, hip-hop, and the "exotic cigarette" he'd received from a fan. The crowd danced and rapped along like Skinnyman was a young, chart-topping MC. I'll Be Surprised and Fuck The Hook were the new Started from the Bottom and Bitch Don't Kill My Vibe.
The atmosphere was brilliant, apart for some instances of major self-sabotage. Skinnyman stated that he wasn't there "just for the music", then proceeded to preach about social inequality between songs. Now, I'm always one for sticking it to the man, but when it means five minute, atmosphere-dampening rants and calling the Queen a dirty slag for no good reason, you kinda lose me. Even one of the hype men looked bored to the point of comatose.
On a brighter note, the other hype man was Skinnyman's son, who was clearly having the time of his life. I couldn't say the same. The gig was enjoyable, but had the potential to be much more engaging. I was only half convinced of UK hip hop's power. Skinnyman needs to know that fans aren't there "just for the music", but neither are they there for a self-indulgent soapbox session.
6/10
