Live Review: Kerser, Rates, Jay UF

As evidenced by tonight’s turn-out, where Hilltop have history, Kerser has an army of soldiers loyal to whatever "ABK 225" does next. Never has a homegrown rapper been such the puppet master as this Sydneysider. Tonight could very well be a recruitment drive.

Outside the event at Max Watt’s in West End (formerly Hi-Fi), loiterers amped for something hyped gather in clusters not far from police ready with the paddywagon just in case together with security bulked for a full house. Inside, Syntax Junkies warm up before Jay UF and Rates open up the evening’s ABK assault. By 10pm, the already-raucous audience ramps up their rabid reception for the self-proclaimed King Kerser dressed in matching tee and cap emblazoned with ‘Enjoy Codeine’. Shit just went from 0 to 100 real fucking quick.

Chants of "ABK 225" set the place into a frenzy as new joints off Tradition (2016) — God’s Gift and We The Type —trump out, bellowed word-for-word by most in attendance. So, when his classics from way back are introduced, it’s a patriotic war-cry like no other rapper has ever mustered (outside of a touring Wu-Tang or Nas set). Big brother Rates is coerced into the fastest freestyle performance, which doesn’t fail to register, and a fight in the front section is broken apart by Kers and Jay demanding they shake hands and enjoy the night peacefully. It doesn’t, however, stop a few scuffles in the back from jumping off. Put it down to the high-octane spirits of The Sickest being in the building. Crew-thick with 225 fully flexed and flanking Kers, Rates and Jay UF, the rappers prowl the stage and pull strings on their legion of ABK, even so far as leading a revolt against triple j before the anti-radio-play team pulls up for We The Bad Guys. 

Twenty minutes over his allotment, The King gives no fucks. All's well for an encore that concludes on an anthem-like big-hitter that sways everybody once again into the ABK formation. If there is a sign-up sheet for this shit, it’s a movement gaining at a fevered level sufficient for authorities to take notice. Who runs this shit? ABK 225, apparently!