Qulture Magazine

Words: Madi Briggs

Hip-hop and rap legend Obie Trice touched down in Glasgow for the first time since 2018 and what a night it was. Organised by Hip-Hop Scotland, there was something for everyone at the iconic venue SLAY, with seven brilliant up-and-coming artists getting the place warmed up before the main man came on. Kicking us off was rap artist Rose Chrissy. Rocking the stage with her presence, I was immediately in awe of her fast flow and quick wit. Hyping up the crowd, there were moments of tenderness within her set, with a reminder to be yourself and not to let anyone else define you. A rather important message that we sometimes forget in this chaotic world. Following along was Jackal Trades, a true embodiment of Scotland with his humorous rhymes and nods to getting on the drink (as heard by his biggest hit ‘On It Again’), he was certainly one to remember. Having been nominated for the “best hip-hop” act at the SAY awards in the past, it only furthers the idea that Jackal is arguably, one of the best in the scene currently. The audience also deserves a special mention, raucous and chaotic, they were on top form. Shouting and cheering for all those who got on stage, there was an easy energy going through the air, no one taking themselves too seriously with multiple people at the front attempting to get fist-bumps from everyone – even those on stage!

The next three were superb. Danny Kelly’s heartfelt words regarding addiction and grief managed to touch the hearts of everyone in the room while managing to make those who may be going through similar things, feel seen.
Remark played a couple of unreleased tunes and what bangers they’re set to be alongside getting the crowd raring to go for the biggest act of the night. Everyone was dancing like they didn’t have a care in the world which was a beautiful sight to witness. Tunde capitalised on this by getting the crowd to form a mosh-pit where people really let loose. Performing some of his discography alongside a couple of freestyles, he was one of my favorites of the night. AJFORTY7 and Respek Ba & Jinx were the last supports of the night and if you weren’t already melting from the other five, you were definitely on fire with those guys. Joking with the room, it was my first time seeing them but it certainly won’t be the last.

After much anticipation, Obie Trice finally came on to a deafeningly loud room and an atmosphere which many artists would struggle to replicate. He walked around confident and care-free, the stage was his and no one else could touch it. Performing songs like ‘Pistol Pistol’ and ‘Go To Sleep’ alongside the newest of his releases ‘TBH’ the place went mental
for everything that he had to offer.

Despite his fame, it’s obvious that he’s grateful for every one of his fans for getting him to where he is. Reflecting on where he is now and his life, he took the time to interact with the front-row from fist-bumps to telling an ecstatic fan that he indeed “loves her too”, it was amazing to watch. Recounting various anecdotes of his time in Glasgow like his earlier experience of a staff member telling him that he couldn’t smoke while in the venue, he got the whole room erupting with chants of “f*ck the police” and laughter at the absurdity of the whole thing before diving into more of his discography from tracks from ‘Cheers’ to ‘Bottoms Up’ which really helped to build a genuine connection in the room.

Obie has a real knack for balancing the crazy with the more grounded version of himself, which is what I think makes him stand out from the rest of those in the game and why so many look up to him. Offering touching tributes to friends that he’s lost and his family that he has now, it was beautiful to see. Having his wife up on the stage alongside him, nodding along and smiling at what Obie has created in the room, it’s clear that the man’s doing what
he loves, for no other reason, than the fact that he loves it. Running way over schedule, I left a sweaty mess (in a good way) with a hoarse voice from the night of cheering ringing in my ears, all of these being true signs of a brilliant night and looking around me, I wasn’t the only one who had left like this!

From some one who had never attended that many rap/hip-hop gigs before, Obie Trice certainly made my first proper one a night to never forget and has left me itching to return for more.