Ice T Rawganics, Cambridge
East Anglia’s premier hip-hop monthly reaches its second anniversary and what a way to celebrate with OG hustler Ice-T topping the bill (but more on him later).
The night was a sell out and the place was heaving when your intrepid reviewer stumbled in around 10. The Rawganics’ crowd is always a mixed and friendly one and tonight was no exception, everyone was there to have a good time with a high bounce factor, especially whenever a Roots Manuva or Black Twang cut dropped. A shame the Junction’s security didn’t have a dose of the same good spirit… my cap, strides, bag, wallet and patience were ruffled. But I suppose it’s par for the course nowadays at this type of show.
Opening proceedings on the live tip were local crew Word Association, who put on a fine show with their four emcees bouncing around the stage, obviously having fun. WA performed tracks from their current EP as well as some new material. I especially enjoyed their Grange Hill cut up ‘Playground’ which crackles along live. Word to my man Loftie and make sure you keep an eye out for these guys,
Next up was Itch FM regular and break-tape don DJ MK who kept up the momentum with a mixture (if you’ll pardon the pun) of crowd pleasers and turntable skills. Due to everything running a touch late, MK had barely left the fader before the second Cambridge act of the night, The Delegates of Culture, hit the stage. Introducing the crew gradually with some solo material from Ing and Skuff (from their respective forthcoming EPs) the Delegates hit the stage mob handed with five emcees and two DJs. Now, I really rate the Delegates; they have energy, strong lyrics and real presence. So get out there and support ya own! Highlight of their set? A blistering performance of ‘Dragon Beef’, the attitude filled title cut from their current EP.
Following a short but confident set from DJ Crispy (UK young DMC finalist and proof that The Dirty Stop Outs are committed to showcasing new British talent), DJ Evil E took to the decks. Perhaps not the most technically complex DJ, he still entertained a hungry crowd until Mr OG pimp Ice ‘Muther-fooking’ T made his appearance aided by his new crew SMG (Sex, Money, Guns), including heavyweights Smooth Da Hustler and Trigger Tha Gambler. Mixing up those old school classics such as ‘You Played Yourself’ and ‘High Rollers’ with his new internet-only cuts, like the head-nodder ‘Bang, Bang’, the Iceberg put on a great show. Still filled with charisma after 20 years of performing Ice even rode some minor technical problems like the old hand he is. Bloody class.
Anyway, a top night was had by all with everyone concerned turning it out in large fashion. Rawganics continues to grow and improve and carve its niche as one of the must-see hip-hop monthly’s in the UK.
Just as a foot note, I’d love to tell you about the ‘nicked food from Ice-T’s rider’ throwing events that went on during a drunken walk through Cambridge with The Delegate’s B-109 to the after party. But I’m out of room. Shame.
- Hoodee
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