Express & Star

MIST, O2 Academy, Birmingham - REVIEW

This was a show not to be MIST.

Published

Stepping out in his home-town for the most important date of his headline tour, Birmingham’s rap icon demonstrated exactly why he is SICKMADE.

Having sold-out the O2 Academy, MIST gave his local following one of the tour's most potent performances to date, with a little help from some of his friends.

Stepping out to a near-deafening crowd, MIST made his way through a field of imitation Marijuana plants to shell down from centre stage, and couldn’t have looked more at home doing so.

MIST at the O2 Academy. Credit: James Stride

The game-changer immediately set the tone for the evening starting the night off with his track Hot Property, an appropriate title for the man who is fresh off his MOBO Best Video Award win, and a shoot with British GQ Style magazine.

With good vibes, potent smells and drinks flowing from the moment the first bar dropped, the Birmingham artists unmistakable flow and undeniable confidence shone throughout the performance, and arguably none more so than in the opening track.

Named the Diamond in the Dirt Tour in honour of his latest work, a nine- track EP, MIST displayed exactly why he is soaring to the top of the British rap scene. Bringing energy, consistency and personality to his performance, as well as a host of Birmingham’s finest talent, the game-changing artist was on fine form at the O2 Academy.

MIST at the O2 Academy. Credit: James Stride

Fellow Birmingham shellers Mowgli and the Lotto Boyz were on the O2 Academy line-up too, helping to prove the Midlands has a healthy rap scene that looks set to continue growing.

Performing their latest hits, Headspin, and Birmingham, respectively, as well as other tracks from their repertoires, the local scene smashers helped add to the night’s energy whenever they entered the stage.

With the UK’s hottest producer right now, Steel Bangelz, on decks from the get go, a wealth of the finest Birmingham talent and a sold out crowd too, MISTS homecoming gig was something to be remembered.

Working the crowd from start to finish with a full journey through his Diamond in the Dirt EP, as well as a few nods to his older tracks, the ever growing artist that’s MIST certainly put on a show for the fans in attendance.

MIST at the O2 Academy. Credit: James Stride

Whether you’re new to the UK rap scene, you’ve been following it for a while or you’re an old school don that’s been around the scene for a lifetime, make sure you get down to the next MIST show. You’ll appreciate the artistry that Birmingham’s hottest property brings.

Review by James Stride.