London,

Dizzee hits fresh credibility heights

By André Paine, Evening Standard  24.11.08

When Dizzee Rascal debuted Dance Wiv Me on stage in February, I was dubious about the grime artist’s new, more mainstream direction. But it worked. Five years after the then teenage rapper won the Mercury Prize, he scored his first number one with Dance Wiv Me, which provided a hugely popular finale for this explosive hour-long set.

It would have been a killer club show but he was quite capable of handling a venue of this size in front of a fiercely supportive young crowd. Jonathan Ross was there, too, sporting the sort of expensive trainers that Dizzee himself might wear.

A hit record appeared to have given him an extra shot of confidence, proving that he can be popular and credible, too. He had a fellow rapper and DJ on stage but was obviously in charge, throwing his hands around and rolling his hips to the jabbing beats and imposing rhythms.
As well as familiar anthems such as Jus’ a Rascal, he was bold enough to cover the Ting Tings’ That’s Not My Name and try out new songs. Road Rage had Dizzee rapping about his intention to give another motorist a “slap”, while another was built around a sample of Dirty Cash (Money Talks) and could well be a hit when he gets around to finishing it.

There were a few references to the “laydeez” and some unnecessary terrace style chanting, at which point Dizzee’s recent encounter with Jeremy Paxman discussing Barack Obama seemed even more incongruous. But it was impossible to argue with smart singles such as Sirens, Flex and Fix Up, Look Sharp.

For the encore, he debuted an insane club tune, Bonkers. Based on the noisy reaction from his teenage fans, Dizzee could be back at number one in 2009.

Details are correct at the time of publication - please check with venue before booking.

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