Festival Review: Big Smoke Festival
You had to be there.
Skepta is never doing just one thing. Endlessly fuelled with creative drive, the multifaceted artist can often be found painting; putting on a MAINS fashion show; working on his Más Tiempo house music project; or in this instance, Big Smoke Festival. Claiming over 20 years of experience on the scene, Skepta’s unshakeable relevance is what makes him so incomparable, with his cross-genre curiosity only contributing to his music’s infinite evolution.
Described by the Tottenham-born rapper as ‘a festival in London, for London…’ Big Smoke Festival brought together some of the city’s top artists alongside fresher finds; holding space for Amapiano, House, and of course, Grime. Carefully curating a lineup of exceptional artists, we were treated to high-octane performances from Central Cee, Chip, and a rare The Den B2B Grime MC FM moment amongst others.
Acclaimed ‘Grime scene saviour’ Chip played an unreal set. Capable of switching up his flow at any given moment, he quickly captured Big Smoke’s undivided attention; with School of Grime and 10 commandments being particularly special to hear live.
Hot on his heels, The Den B2B Grime MC FM ( with DJ Maximum ) presented by Frisco and Jme really took things to the next level. Opening up affairs, Frisco rolled on stage like it was nothing, his style and offhand flow utterly untouchable. Followed by inconceivable offerings from Strandz, Lady Leshurr and Novelist most notably. Jme closed out this segment with venomous intent and eloquence; unapologetically executing Man Don’t Care, the mosh pits were serious.
This all built up to a mad cypher; with the entire crew on stage, the spontaneity and community of grime radiated. Both Kibo and P-Money landed some heavy freestyles, keeping it super fast and always super fly, the collective energy was beautifully singular to watch unfurl.
This was also a tremendous outing for Jme’s Boy Better Know. Linking up as part of the B2B arrangement, every performance of their’s seems to be a step up from the last. Celebrating 20 years, the label and collective continue to push forwards as grime’s most successful, innovative crew.
Emerging on stage with boundless style and elegance, Less is More was a cleverly understated way for Skepta to open his headline set. Greeting the crowd, Cops and robbers shortly followed; rapping with full force and fluidity, the garage-inspired track was instantly well-received. Promptly joined by Jme for That’s not me, their shared sharpness and confidence was mesmerising to watch; riling up the crowd with such irrefutable ease.
Performing singles Alpha Omega and Gas me up ( diligent ), Skepta kept things rolling with razor blade accuracy. Welcoming surprise guest Finessekid to perform some unreleased material, the microphone champion generously gave the up and comer a two track slot before returning with Pure water. Geared up in a ridiculously suave outfit; his accuracy and aggression was igniting quietly reminding us that his lyricism is a cut above ‘they say a girl is a gun, see a man walking with his wife and I disarm him.’
Far from short sighted when it comes to seeing the full potential of grime; Skepta’s understanding that there is a softer, subtle side to the genre is incessantly powerful. Turning to the audience he says ‘there comes a time in the set where I get emotional, and I gotta spit my bane, my truth…’ having just performed Going thru it, he remains visible only by silhouette; standing in complete stillness on a raised platform, his hood up and mic in hand. It was so special to be invited to feel something by the rapper, to join him in that headspace for a moment and tap in to something deeper.
Rapidly reloading, he brought out K-Trap to perform Warm, the crowd screeching in delight at the surprise appearance. Acing Park Chinois, K-trap’s segment was spectacular, revving the energy
up all the way. Returning in yet another fresh outfit, Skepta united with Shorty and Jme to perform Family tree, it’s bass line rumbling across the entire festival.
More than just a showcasing of discography, Skepta’s performance was one of pain, tenderness, ambition, and beyond. Shutting it down with Too many man and Praise the Lord ( Da shine ) Skepta did the righteous thing, ending his set with Victory lap. The result of a supercharged collaboration between PlaqueBoyMax and FredAgain, his eminent bars, intelligent hooks, and ferocious demeanour erupted amongst the crowd; manifesting the biggest and most incredibly chaotic mosh of the event.
A true celebration of grime and everything it stands for, Big Smoke Festival put community and expression at the forefront. Affirming himself as an artist of pure integrity, Skepta remains completely unparalleled. GREAZE!