Illy’s return to Adelaide saw him armed with a fresh new album. The Melbourne artist’s fourth release in as many years has prompted a massive spate of shows over the last six months, including two national tours.
Along with the album, hip hop friends and Triple J Unearthed finalists Remi and Jackie Onassis were brought along for the ride at The Gov. The gig had sold out well in advance and the anticipation was reflected by the massive early turnout.
Remi has been no stranger to Adelaide, playing his fourth show in the city within six weeks. Every time he hits the stage, the pattern is the same. The Melbourne artist arrives in front of an early smallish crowd, but within two or three songs he has the majority of the dwellers at the back pushing forwards and getting in on the dangerously contagious vibes that he emanates from the stage.
Not only do his beats have you nodding, tapping, and bouncing every body part, but the cheeky lyrical prowess puts everyone in the mood for a party. Huge radio hits ‘Sangria’ and ‘Saggin’ were the hype tracks to accompany the chill out sounds of his latest single ‘Livin’, a song that’s set to appear on the musician’s forthcoming release.
The second support act were Western Sydney, One Day crewmembers Jackie Onassis. Their appreciation for playing in front of such a large enthusiastic crowd was written all over their faces as they jumped around with beaming grins.
The musical variety that the two dudes have to offer from across their two EP releases is incredible, with all the silky smooth sounds of tracks ‘Smoke Trails’ and ‘I’ve Got You’ to the beat banging tunes ‘Crystal Balling’ and ‘Special Occasion’.
The build-up to Illy’s set starter ‘Opening Night’ had the crowd at fever pitch. The tune induced one of the most synchronised ‘pogo’ sessions when the artist burst onto the stage. The show was going to be a test to see if Illy would follow through on his promise of playing every single track from Cinematic. To his credit, the man delivered.
The hip hop artist recited every one of his verses from the album as well as past classics ‘It Can Wait’ and ‘Cigarettes’. On stage, the performer received a bit of flak for including a few pop tunes off his latest LP, which caused angst amongst the hip hop community. But the respect this man has in the Australian rap scene is unquestionable. This was supported by the presence of more than a few notable artists making the effort to get down and support him.
Although it was his massive banger tracks ‘Coming Down’ and ‘YoYo’ that really got the crowd throwing rap hands every which way, it was surprisingly the pop songs ‘Talk’ and ‘Tightrope’ that drew the most animated responses. Another surprise was Illy’s decision to play the very personal and emotional song ‘Am Yours’. The eeriness of the venue was special as he rolled out the first verse in near pitch-black.
Having a live band on stage accompanying the headliner has been a growing trend amongst hip hop artists, and it is definitely an element that should be employed from here on in. By keeping the music raw and the bond between the emcee and band alive, it is taking the 90s rap slogan of “keeping it real” to the next level.
Illy is one of Australia’s most loved and respected artists, and his ability to spit out pure rap while intertwining more pop-like tunes is the reason he is consistently selling out venues all over the nation. If the audience reaction was anything to go by, then the majority of punters will no doubt be back for another round of tunes when he returns, best heard live and direct into the earholes.
