Words: Anna Loxley
Last night on Tramlines’ T’Other Stage, Rizzle Kicks proved that even after a decade’s hiatus, they haven’t lost their touch nor ability to pull a crowd.
Announcing their reunion in May last year, the iconic hip-hop duo marked their return to stage at KOKO London in November. Fast-forward to valentine’s day and the Brighton rappers dropped their third studio album, ‘Competition is for Losers’. Comprising 14 tracks, the album masterfully blends the reality of their personal and artistic evolution with a sense of nostalgic playfulness – two key elements that are also clearly present in their live performance.
Opening their set with 2013 hit ‘Lost Generation’, the crowd was immediately gripped by its ever-relevant lyrics. Touching on themes like the vapid nature of reality TV, the duo speaks to that very lost generation, one lacking heart and soul. The track connected effortlessly with those in the crowd who were teenagers when it was first released, as well as those currently living through those pivotal years. The perfect introduction for a diverse crowd like Tramlines.
The halfway point of their set was marked by the ever-fun ‘Mama Do The Hump’. Introducing it as a pre-TikTok era anthem, Rizzle Kicks emphasised the song’s ability to get people dancing, a subtle instruction that wasn’t really needed. The track spoke for itself, having the same effect on the crowd as it surely did nearly 14 years ago upon its release.
Obviously, the crowd hoped for the duo to play their latest release, ‘Follow Excitement!’, a collaboration with the exceptional Rachel Chinouriri who, unfortunately, couldn’t be there. However, this didn’t stop Rizzle Kicks bringing it out the locker, with a buzzed T’Other Stage picking up the pieces for the missing Chinouriri’s chorus.
Once festival season wraps, Rizzle Kicks won’t be off stage for long, with a string of six UK shows lined up in November. It’s clear they’re back and, if we’re lucky, here to stay.
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