Live Review: Remi, L-Fresh The Lion, Tigerilla

If you don’t class yourself as an Australian hip hop lover, then you need to tune those ears of yours to Melbourne rapper REMI. This wee 22-year-old is changing the game Down Under, flexing talent that not only tops local competition but, in no time, will be competing strongly on a global scale, especially with the release of his much hyped new album.

The support acts for the evening included local lad Matthew Khabbaz, aka Tigerilla, and Sydneysider-cum-Melbourne resident L-FRESH The LION. A slow start at Rocket for Tigerilla, especially for a sold out show, but he offered up a good balance of rap and electronica. L-FRESH The LION’s performance, meanwhile, was uplifting, with socially conscious verses delivered without force or arrogance. Teamed with Mirrah, a pocket rocket of energy, they bought 110 per cent.

Opening with album title track Raw X Infinity, it was easy to tell that REMI – backed by co-writers Sensible J and Dutch – was pumped to bring it and show off his debut record, and the fact that Adelaide provided the first sold out show of the tour was obviously filling the crew with good vibes. Smooth lyrical work, catchy hooks, samples and live drums were a great combo. What was obvious though, and truly a pleasure to witness, was REMI’s assured stage presence. The MC is a fresh, talented performer who seems to genuinely enjoy interacting with the crowd, and his friendly banter quickly won the room over. How long has he been doing this again?

Although there were a few standout crowd pleasers getting everyone in the club jumping, the most impressive reaction was for not-so-old school track Ape. Everybody was bouncing as high and hard as they possibly could, including REMI, who was just a couple of centimetres short off touching the roof with his top cut ‘fro.

A break in between songs to touch on the racial unbalance still prevalent in Australia wasn’t a standalone political point if you were quick enough to pick out some of his lyrics, but, as he added, “You guys are cool ‘cause you came out to see a black guy do music.” Not bothering to leave the crowd hanging and wait to be called out for an encore, however, REMI pushed over set time and launched straight into summer-laced radio fav Sangria. Punters went mental and then stayed mental for the powerful finale Tyson, topping the night off with a punch.