For a number of years now, Melbourne MC Illy’s been regarded by his peers as being one of the hardest working rappers in the game. However, even by his lofty standards this past year has been massive. Since releasing his 4th studio album Cinematic – the 1st album off his own record label OneTwo – at the end of 2013, he has spent more time on the road than Danny Ricciardo, smashing out gigs seemingly every second day.
The hometown show is always the big one, and the fact that he was able to pack out the iconic Forum theatre speaks volumes for just how far this Frankston local has come over these past five years. Illy rewarded both old fans and new, busting out tracks from his entire discography, as well as a few newbies. Fittingly, he hit the stage with the opening track from Cinematic, Opening Night,launching into a pumped up, fist-banging 90 minute set. Young Bloods, also off Cinematic, had the house absolutely bouncing, before he slowed it up a little with older tracks Pictures, Cigarette, and the more recent I Am Yours,a tribute to his mother, a cancer survivor. You could hear the emotion in his voice after this song as he paid tribute to his friends and family in the house for his hometown show, before kicking back into some of his more banging tunes.
The highlight of the night was the reviving of his Like A Version for triple j’s Aus Music Month earlier this year: a medley of Silverchair, Hilltop Hoods, Paul Kelly, and Flume. It sent everyone in the Forum batshit crazy.
Illy’s always been one of the more likeable characters in the local scene, and over the past couple of years he has certainly become more self-assured in his live shows. Whilst this current run of dates marks the end to a year spent under the lights, by no means is Illy slowing down. In the encore he gave us a preview of one of his Friday Flips, a series of popular songs collaborated upon by Illy and music producer M-Phazes. This flip of High by Peking Duk’s reason enough to add this guy on Facebook and tune in each Friday for the next release. You won’t regret it.
BY EBEN ROJTER
Photo by Emily Day
Loved: Pretty much everything about this gig.
Hated: The dude nearby who kept getting his grope on, and would then retreat to stand next to me as if we were mates.
Drank: Mountain Goat Summer Ale.
