Shadez the misfit performs his heart out

Before I even get started I Luv Live is pretty much the best live music night in London each and every week showcasing the best in established and emerging urban talent so if you haven't been there yet make sure you get down to the next event – no excuses.


This week saw a new beginning for I Luv Live with a change of venue moving from Proud in Camden to The Queen of Hoxton in the hub of East London a place renown for live music talent. The venue change was definitely a good look the more intimate venue built a better atmosphere which caused the crowd to warm up to get pretty much rowdy towards the end of the night.

First up was Mr Man last week’s open mic winner who managed to warm up the crowd who were a little quiet at first which was a shame but the rapper did well to keep his flow on point and bounced of the energy of the band smoothly through his neo hip hop set telling his tales about the trials and tribulations of everyday life.

Things definitely warmed up for the second act of the night lyricist Shades the Misfit, who managed to get his supporters down to the venue to make a stupid amount of noise along with his own natural energy which helped to showcase his urban take on indie/electro tinged tracks that were definite crowd pleasers. Shades was also the reason Channel 4 were in the house as they were filming his set as part of Fiat Evo Music Rooms the programme following 6 unsigned acts. His outro, a Jay Electronica cover clearly got him excited, Shades is one to watch a true talent and someone that you can see clearly is in love with music.

Rinse FM’s Scratcha as always sometimes makes you forget you’re here for a live music show as he spins everything from D Double’s Bad to the Bone to Dennis Ferrer’s Hey Hey to J2K and Roses Gabor’s current anthem Don’t Let go to keep the crowd lively.

Big Dutty Stinkin Big Fris stepped to the stage with vigour as he spat track after track back to back but things really got crazy when his BBK boy Jammer who had been edging closer and closer to the stage from the beginning of Frisco’s set eventually jumped on stage. How could he resist when S-X’s Woo Riddim possibly still the biggest track out in the grime scene now was being played by a live band for the first time and the producer himself was looking on from the crowd. Jammer as ever brought mad energy to the stage as him and Frisco had the crowd reciting alongside to notorious BBK bars.

Brixton songstress Selah was due to perform next but having car trouble so Ras Kwame not one to put people on the spot propositioned artist after artist in the venue to take to the stage alongside the house band to fill the small gap I performances. After getting nowhere with Master Shortie although I’m sure he embarrassed him a little he succeeded to get MC Styla on stage for a quick accapella. In which time Selah had arrived apologising for being late and also for the fact Sadie Ama and Mz Bratt were unable to be there to sing along to the DaVinChe produced Woman’s World her upcoming single; despite the girls not being alongside her she stood her ground. Selah has been described as the little woman with the big voice and it’s no lie, the next independent ladies style track showed even more strength. But it was the final track, a ballad that she said she normally had to warm up for (please what was she talking about there wasn’t a sideways note in sight) from start to finish Selah displayed her vocal range and control to an absolute tee. To describe Selah in terms of other artists isn't really fair but if pushed I would say she has the rasp of Jazmine Sullivan the soul of Chrisette Michelle, she’s one to keep on the radar.

Jamie George the final act of the night bounced on to stage bringing his Big Hair Big Beats and Big Heart with the first reggae tinged track Heart Tump and the second afro beat influenced In My Arms were pulled of with little effort by the understated soulful singer. But it was definitely the Roska track Wonderful Day (if u don't know about this song you’ve not been under a rock you must have been chilling in a cave with Osama as it’s been played everywhere from Kiss to Choice to 1xtra) which people were waiting for. He explained the track was about the day after getting some (he adds it doesn't happen that often which without doubt makes it a wonderful day right?) anyway with funk and soul in equal measures with a shot of indie vibes made Jamie’s voice so familiar and easy to take on no doubt you'll be hearing this guy on your radio a lot more.

The final segment as usual was the open mic section with a few contenders impressing the crowd who were by now less than shy, Charmaine sang her way into the crowd’s hearts whilst another singer caught out host Ras Kwame when she sang Lil Wayne’s Drop the World making him question where the lyrics came from and why she needed to read them off of her BlackBerry. Lyricist Coda came with some conscious lyrics with the band joining in with ease as if it had been pre-rehearsed - the house band is definitely a talented group of musician’s week in week out without fail. The second dread full of enthusiasm to take to the stage that night was an MC called Irate who simply said to the band just give me something grimy which they did getting the crowd a little hype, just a shame things were a little weak on the lyric side of things.

In the end Coda and Jessica whose rendition of Nina Simone’s Feeling Good was serious won the open mic set so you can catch them both next week opening up the show at the now new and intimate venue Queen of Hoxton. (for £5 guest list please Email info@iluvlive.co.uk)



Words by Nardene Scott