Live Review: P Money, David Dallas, I AM D, Knovell Capote, Noah Slee, DJ Gavin Boyd

Heavy beats courtesy of DJ Gavin Boyd call out from the bricked lounge as New Zealand hip hop supporters and long weekend partiers line up early. I AM D breaks the mic with his baritone flow and long verses as his friends and supporters crowd the foot of the stage starting the night with high energy and even singing along to his tracks for his short set. Local lyricist and wake up show host for newly launched Full Clip Radio, Knovell Capote, fills the opening silence with his some spoken word with Dollar Circulate. He continues to educate with the Free West Papua inspired The Problem then calls for friend Noah Slee who commands attention with his mesmeric vocals for an Even When I collaboration.

After a half-smoke break, the original half for Frontline has smart phones up and the floor packed and  swaying to the positive vibes of Til' Tomorrow. Despite continuously reminding everyone that he's only had a few hours sleep before his last show of the tour, David Dallas maximises the small stage space and ensures that the crowds is continuously moving with him. From the funky sweetness of Don't Want the World to the laid back sound and crispy samples of Caught in a Daze, his casual energy, mixed in with his honest stories and that clear delivery preserves his appeal as a striking MC.

Tonight's guest of honour and regular visitor was one of the original pioneer producers of the New Zealand Hip Hop at the time when it boomed in our shores almost a decade ago. P-Money starts his headlining set scratching out on his ones and twos.

As he drops his selection, the floor immediately moves from all eyes on stage to a communal dance floor. From vintage, high energy tracks by M.O.P and Jay-Z, everyone shares his taste for heavy East Coast jams. He then cleanly drops 'Not Many' which has his countrymen (and ladies) in a patriotic high. Feeding off this he starts his classic productions showcase which has everyone singing along to Keep on Calling and Dreaming as he maintains the nostalgia all the way to Scribe 2001.

He then showcases from fourth solo release, Gratitude introducing with Celebration Flow featuring the honey-like vocals of fellow pioneer Aaradhna and conscious hero Talib Kweli. Then it's back to party time with the Game, Birdman and Busta Rhymes mixes finishing off new school with Drake, A$AP and Kendrick.

As he dances around throwing in the occasional shout out on his mic and taking sips from a beer handed to by David Dallas, his perfectly blended and tastefully selected set leaves no room for stillness or impatiently waiting for the next track.