Professor Green, Roundhouse, gig review: Hackney boy gives Camden raw passion
Emeli Sande and Rizzle Kicks join the rapper for an energetic night
“My sincerest apologies for taking two f*cking years to get to Camden, I don’t even live that far”, Hackney-born Professor Green tells the crowd at the Roundhouse, fizzing with raw energy.
The 31-year-old gives a passionate performance of his grime-meets-pop music, bursting onto the stage to open with his hit single “Lullaby” without even needing to warm up the crowd.
He turns the house lights up halfway through to talk to his fans, thanking his Nan in the audience for bringing him up, and waving to wife Millie Mackintosh in the VIP area.
The concept of celebrity crops up throughout his songs with hip hop duo Rizzle Kicks joining him for an energetic performance of “Name in Lights”. It could almost be a twee pop song if it weren’t for his angry rap about being born a bastard.
“I Wear Them Shoes” has a rockier edge with a guitar riff from his backing band - who at times seem to carry the rapper – while “I Need You Tonight” is infused with funk.
Emeli Sande joins at the end for “Read All About It”, bringing the night to a powerful crescendo that was spoiled only by some problems with the sound.
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