It can’t be stressed enough just how good 2014 was for the local hip hop scene. Many of the big names came out with national tours; groups and artists that were knocking on the door of fame released breakthrough albums; and a lot of emerging artists gained the airplay they deserved. At the top of the pile was Remi, who alongside collaborator Sensible J, deservedly snagged the Australian Music Prize. Now, after a string of successful shows across UK/Europe and the release of their Call it What You Want mixtape, the boys are back for an Australian tour.
After a speaker malfunction that sounded like a bomb going off, the full house at the Northcote Social Club was treated to an almost sensual support set from Hau Latukefu (of Koolism/ triple j hip hop show fame). Armed with two microphones and some ‘90s R&B/ dance beats, Hau got everyone in the room feeling the funk and shaking their hips.
Then it was time for the man of the hour. Remi crept on stage in darkness, busting out rhymes from the title track to 2014’s Raw X Infinity. This is one of the best intro tracks you’re ever likely to hear; a very clever piece of lyricism that introduces you to Remi and what his collective is all about. The set exploded from there, with Sensible J supplying simple, yet perfectly crafted beats as Remi worked the crowd. F.O.H had loyal fans singing along, and the newer friends jumping around and losing their shit. In amongst the mixtape and album tracks, Remi included a killer cover of Ghostface Killah’s Ghetto and a mid-set freestyle session with the support acts, which was another highlight. Seeing N’fa Jones get involved was a particular treat – this guy is more watchable than Game of Thrones, and he threw down some dope rhymes with style.
But let’s be clear, in the main, this night was about Remi. His visceral raps on identity, politics and life in Australia struck a clear chord with the Northcote crowd. The performance of Ode to Ignorance – and song about Remi’s personal experience of issues of race in Australia – was enough to send shivers down your spine. The crowd then got super pumped when he followed this up with his single Tyson, an illustration that this guy isn’t disappearing from the scene any time soon.
BY EBEN ROJTER
Loved: The hair that was on display at this gig.
Hated: The patterns on the bandroom carpet. Get in an interior designer already.
Drank: Lemon, lime and bitters.
