Reviewed onThursday December 15
Few can say they’ve had as much of a whirlwind year as B Wise. Having been given a healthy boost onto the Australian hip hop stage in 2016 under the extended wing of Elefant Traks, he’s gone from strength to strength, including the official release of his debut EP Semi Pro, supporting the likes of ScHoolboy Q, and now headlining his own show in Newtown. It’s a dream come true for the boy from Liverpool in Sydney’s south-west, and the passion that’s driven him all the way here just oozes out of his live show.
The night is opened by Left., the progressive electronic duo from the Inner West. Vocalist Sarah Corry is captivating in her tone, controlling the crowd from bouncy high points to lower, more gentle moments. Guitar and key duties are handled by Jonathan Graham – a maestro in his own right who has the group’s sound emanating through the venue and packing bodies in early.
Left. and the next support in line, Manu Crook$, complement each other brilliantly. We’re reminded that we’re at a hip hop show when Crook$ drops tracks like ‘Blowin’ Up’ and ‘Assumptions’, and the room ignites into a sea of bodies trying to get airtime in front of the stage.
10pm rolls around and Wise is front and centre. As a pre-set ritual, he asks everybody in the crowd to turn to somebody they don’t know and say, “What up?” This doesn’t sound like a very complicated request, and it isn’t, but the effect it has on the morale in the room is undeniable. People huddle in close and shake hands, setting up a room full of eager listeners who are now comfortable in each other’s company.
Riding with some of his newer tunes like the feel-good ‘Smile’ – matching Wise’s humble and inviting grin – makes for a good time. Elsewhere, the punters chant along to one of his older, more jazz-hop-inspired tunes as Wise sings: “Longneck, brown paper bag / Pouring out some liquor for the things we never had”.
The incredibly lively ‘Prince Akeem’ closes out the night, reminding us of Wise’s humble beginnings and leaving us excited for all the things he’s going to accomplish in the future. One of our very best prospects.
Image:Mclean Stephenson
