Remi’s show at the Northcote Social Club didn’t look like your standard hip hop gig. Absent were the matching tracksuits and snazzy trainers of a typical urban show. Instead, the venue was full of clean hipster types ready for the fresh alternative style that the Triple J 2013 Unearthed Artist Of The Year brings to the genre.
Though a lot later than the advertised set time, first support slot Billy Hoyle and Cazeaux O.S.L.O provided a fun and energetic start to the night.
With Cazeaux’s head wrapped in a bright headscarf, the duo got the crowd – already half-filling the venue by the time the openers began – enthusiastic about the night ahead with a unique Afro/hip hop fusion.
Second support act – and the artist who turned out to be Remi’s right-hand man – was N’Fa Jones, a UK-born, Perth-raised artist who is possibly the best freestyle rapper you will ever hear. His speedy, witty rap, along with his quirky audience observations, was the perfect way to amp the crowd up for the impending headliner.
Bringing main man Remi on for his last song and new single ‘Money Better Come’, N’Fa Jones proved himself to be a true performer.
By the time Remi made it on stage for his first ever sold out set, bounding on with a great big grin on his face, the crowd was ready – though perhaps not prepared – for the amount of perspiration that was about to be thrown around in the confined space after a 37-degree day.
With N’Fa Jones staying on as hype man, resident ‘incredible freestyler’, and general backup rapper, the two artists – joined by Dutch on keys and Macbook and Sensible J on drums – brought an incredible energy.
Even though it wasn’t the kind of gig where you were expected to know the words, the audience was just as enthusiastic to hear new songs as they were to hear the Melbourne artist’s big singles.
Throwing in the track he did for Triple J’s Like A Version segment, Remi invited friend (and merch girl) Jelena on stage. His chilled-out rapping style complemented Jelena’s soulful, feminine voice – so much so that she ended up on stage for about four songs.
Being a hometown gig, Remi’s entire family could be found in the corner of the Northcote Social Club, grooving along like their lives depended on it.
An amusing yet awkward moment ensued when N’Fa Jones shared a story with the crowd – one that backfired just a little.
“We were at a club in Brisbane last night. There were about 800 people there, but it was so bad, so I said I’d rap for some weed.”
Remi quickly jumped in, with, “But I didn’t have any weed, no Mum! Just him,” and the two giggled and mumbled their way out of what was potentially a forthcoming episode of Family Feud.
Awkward parental-revelation moments aside, the energy didn’t drop once during the set. The 22-year-old has a youthful vibe that makes him so fresh and enjoyable to look at on stage.
Putting breakthrough single Sangria last was a risk that paid off. The audience started spouting out the lyrics, jumping and fist pumping harder than ever. Remi’s joy was evident by the huge grin that never left his face.
After two encores, a triumphant Remi left the stage and went straight to the merch desk to spend time with punters. The soaking wet audience filtered out of the room, still grooving from three hours of non-stop, catchy hip-hop. It’s these artists that really do set the bar high for the future of local urban music.
Setlist
Intro
Saggin
Apollo
One
Since I left you
Woman of the Ghetto
Twistin it up
Livin
Ape
Rockish
TBA
Sangria
ENCORE
UY // Hard
TBA
