G-Eazy, O2 Academy, Birmingham - review

It may have been a controversial decision to use the title of late author F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Beautiful and Damned for the Californian rapper's new drug-fuelled, sex-driven album, but it's certainly a record that has gone down well with fans.

Filled with references to his impassioned lifestyle, Gerald Gillum, known by his stage name G-Eazy, certainly didn’t shy away from sharing in his latest work.

The rapper is well established as a stalwart of the West Coast rap scene, and performances such as last nights demonstrate exactly why.

Taking to the stage in his signature brash style, unaffected by the long journey across the pond, the young rapper put on a brilliant performance of his fourth studio album.

Despite beginning slowly, the evening soon turned into a blur of ecstatic energy and peaceful reflection from the ever-entertaining artist, who also displayed a genuine and obvious connection with his fans in attendance.

Regardless of the at-times questionable lyrics which appear throughout his work, G-Eazy’s performance clearly demonstrated he is a man who is simply telling his story, unapologetically and boldly too.

New tracks such as Legend, The Plan and That’s a Lot proved precisely why his international fan base is so loyal, as the star performed what can only be described as a beautiful and polished set.

At times the rapper paused during the show to appreciate his position in the world, an act that was sure to leave a lasting impression on the audience - and certainly this music fan - for a while.

If you are on the fence about catching one of G-Eazy’s many tour dates across Europe or the US, do so. Don’t listen to the naysayers.

You will have no choice but to appreciate and enjoy his infectious energy and passion for his craft in a live setting. Plus the music is pretty great too.

By James Stride