Express & Star

Yxng Bane, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review with pictures

If you haven’t already been won over by his effortlessly debonair style, Yxng Bane’s stage presence will certainly have you convinced; just get down to a gig.

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Yxng Bane. Pictures by: James Stride

Performing to a sold-out O2 Academy the 21-year-old rapper from East London proved exactly why he’s already tasted chart success, and why he’s set to be even bigger in the very near future.

He worked the energy in the room like a seasoned vet from the very first beat.

A self-proclaimed 'genre-less' artist, Bane lived up to his own words, working through his discography encapsulating the talents of some three men as he seamlessly moved between classic rap vibes, grittier numbers and tunes with an irresistibly-suave R 'n' B smoothness.

With this Birmingham show being the first stop on his sold-out tour, Yxng Bane certainly left a lot to live up to going into the next few nights; having already packed out a fantastic venue, entertained a loyal crowd and brought out special guests - the likes of which included Birmingham stars Lotto Boyz and Jaykae.

Yxng Bane. Pictures by: James Stride

As if Yxng Bane in his absolute prime was not enough for the Birmingham crowd, the audience was also treated to a spectacular performance by one of their own. Jaykae performed tracks from his sensational EP Where Have You Been and showed exactly how awesome a loyal Brummie fanbase can be.

Also playing in their hometown were Lotto Boyz, proving the Midlands to be a hotbed for up-and-coming musical talent right now, as they gave a great performance working through their hits with endearing Brummie charm and charisma.

In short, if you can get down to a Yxng Bane gig whilst he’s touring, do. There’s absolutely every chance you’ll forget you can’t dance and every possibility of a fantastic night ahead.

By James Stride