Live Review: Action Bronson, DJ Sleepyhead, MC KNOE FM, Up & Up & Charlie Bucket

Still fairly new to the rap game, Queens rapper Action Bronson has a considerable following. Packing out The Bakery on a Thursday night is proof of this. But since the Albanian descendant and former chef (he still hosts his own online cooking show entitled Action In The Kitchen) is often compared to none other than Ghostface Killah, this really came as no surprise.

Up and coming DJ Sleepyhead opened the night with his brand of hip hop new school, followed closely by Perth MC KNOE FM. Playing from his latest release Fourth Move, FM engaged the small crowd with his clever lyrics and indefatigable stage presence. As the venue filled up, Up & Up took the stage, consisting of MCs Marksman and Coin Banks and backed by Charlie Bucket. Ever the entertainers, the standout performance from the duo had to be their rendition of D'Angelo's Brown Sugar during which they cleverly substituted the hook for the words 'Action Bronson'.

Rob Shaker played next, throwing down hip hop classics by the likes of M.O.B and Pharoahe Monch. Cloak & Dagger followed his short DJ set, performing original tracks with the highlight being The Circus during which they brought actual clowns up onto the stage. Leading into the main act, Charlie Bucket showed why he is undeniably one of the most reliable hip-hop DJ's in Perth. Playing from Black Moon, to Lords Of The Underground to classic A Tribe Called Quest, he hyped the crowd for the arrival of the main act.

As his DJ took the stage, Action Bronson came out in full force spitting acapella verses of his hit Pouches of Tuna. The rest of his set comprised of a nice selection from his back catalogue including Gateway to Wizadry, Eggs On The Third Floor and Bird On A Wire. During his one hour set, Bronsolino jumped into and walked through the crowd numerous times. During Barry Horowitz the crowd of avid fans recited every word. It was as if they were in a trance… Which lead to Bronson telling the crowd to 'stop clapping' and then 'clap for him'. Ending the night with a mesmerizing a Capella performance of The Symbol the crowd chanted his name as Bronson left the stage. Coming out for an encore performance of Bitch I Deserve You left his audience satisfied.

Big ups to the I.C.S.S.C crew who undoubtedly put together a killer of a hip hop show to kick of 2013.