Mos Def – The Review

December 4, 2009 by Reg

Written by Yemi Bamiro, Photography – Danny Wood

It’s the sort of stuff a backpackers wet dream is made of – no, not quite a 15 minute super-group collaboration featuring Tribe, Pharcyde, The Roots, Slum Village, Jay Electronica and a pre Illmatic Nas all on one track produced jointly by J Dilla and Q Tip – (I’m going to sleep now folks – good-night!) – although that would be pretty damn amazing, the sticky, dirty dreams I’m referring to have nothing to do with that but instead everything to do with Mos Def live in London town on Sunday night.

Yep that’s right, Black Dante, aka Mr Ecstatic put on a rare one man spectacle at the newly named HMV Forum or Kentish Town Forum to those of you, who like me has seen many a legendary hip hop gig there over the years. It was the hottest ticket in town and I’m not just saying that to make those who missed the show green with envy (jealousy’s a weak emotion- be strong) I’m saying it because its gospel and one look at the queue outside the venue confirmed this on all accounts.

It was mammoth, epic and quite frankly a joy to see. Hundreds of people waiting patiently in the cold and rain to see one of the dopest, most refreshing and talented wordsmiths put it down live on stage. The DNA of the revellers was also equally refreshing – yes the backpackers were there in full affect, as were the afro-centrics, the b boys and girls, the thugs, the trendy style types, ‘industry’ people – it was a diverse get together that even Barack would’ve applauded.

Like Wu Tang is for the children, Mos Def is for the people.

Scheduled to hit the stage at 930pm, 10pm came and went and still no sign of our man. DJ Shortee Blitz did well on the ones and twos to appease the increasingly restless Kentish Town faithful, but for our 25 quid we demanded more. We demanded Mos, At about 10:10pm our demand was met. The house lights dimmed and 1500 odd Mos def loyalists pepped up in anticipation. The stage was set. To rapturous applause the mighty Mos stepped into the spotlight and took residence at his gleaming see through drum set, getting straight into it, performing gems off the incredible and solely underrated, criminally not acknowledged “The Ecstatic” album.

Think ‘Casa Bey’, ‘Supermagic’, ‘Priority’ amazing songs from an amazing album.

Sporting a pair of black loafers, a shirt and high waisted trousers that left his ankles on show – the swag that Mos perpetuated was confident and effortless, bearing an uncanny resemblance to an excited MJ impersonator. Pretty strange I thought too, until he leaped into a full MJ tribute half way through his – pretty much standard at most shows these days. Mos ethered ‘Billie Jean’ complete with dance moves and yes he did the moon walk – twice to the crowds delight.

The show became tad abstract following the MJ nod, with Mos performing more songs off “The Ecstatic” but then playing the original samples afterwards. Mos seemed to be enjoying himself, but for most folk it was over their heads like a bulimic on a see saw (Nas,GK). Even the backpackers and purists were in limbo.

Regular programming resumed soon after with Blackstar anthem “Definition”. The good shit continued with “Ms Fat Booty” – a song that sounds better and better with time. Just over an hour in, Mos declared that he had run over time. Panic engulfed me. WHAT!! No “Sunshine”, no “Sex, Love & Money”, no “Umi Says”, no “Oh No” – the show couldn’t end! It was at that point that the subtle drums of ‘Umi Says’ rang out. Panic surpassed and content eased in.

It was a show of true artistry, not for everyone, but for those that can appreciate. A standing ovation and cries for an encore later – Mos was gone. Just as enigmatic as he was before he graced us with his brilliance – gone until the next time.

A good fucking show. And it wasn’t a wet dream.