Live Review: OC, DJ Boogie Blind & Brad Strut, Mau Power, DJ Peril

As doors open, punters trundle out of the Sunday humidity and into a cooling, US-influenced hip hop set from DJ King Excel.

Fittingly, there’s an inherent New York element to DJ Peril‘s set that follows, with classic cuts from A Tribe Called Quest (Award Tour), Mobb Deep’s Shook Ones (Part II), Eric B Is President by Eric B & Rakim and Return Of The Crooklyn Dodgers (featuring tonight’s own headliner) providing a mouth-watering smorgasbord of the hard-hitting US boom bap to come. The tone is set, our standards are met and our appetites whet.

Newcastle MC Mitus admirably battles through a throat infection to deliver a reasonable performance although, on a night where the Big Apple is key to proceedings, his strong Aussie accent feels a little out of place. There’s no such problem for Torres Strait Islander Mau Power however who kicks off a great, thought-provoking show from behind the enchanting performance of an Indigenous dancer clad in straw and feathers. Brilliantly combining with the smooth, soulful tones contributed by his talented sister, Power’s positive, progressive socio-political messages, like a Pacific-based Zulu Nation, demand and placate every inch of our attention. Though not many in the room are familiar with the history of the TSI people his lyrics address, his endearing dedication and stage presence help to educate the room.

With his buzzcut, baseball cap and baggy shorts, Brad Strut aesthetically mirrors much of tonight’s male-dominated crowd, although it’s unlikely many could match the local MC’s rapping ability. His diverse, relaxed flow punctuates rugged, futuristic, G-funk-style beats (think Company Flow and The Chronic-era Dr Dre on a Bondi holiday), whipping the crowd into a frenzy.

Amid an eruption of heavy hi-hats, deep kicks and crisp snares, a now-43-year-old OC emerges from behind the curtain, sounding as invigorated and fresh as ever. It’s 2015 and we’re located by Brunswick Street’s many artisan cafes and clothes stores, but that doesn’t stop the legendary MC from taking us on an allegorical trip down Nas’ Memory Lane to one of his native NYC park jams. Starting with tracks from recent efforts Ray’s Café and Trophies before bringing us back to 1994 debut Word…Life, the inimitable, lyrical interplay that made OC one of the most revered figures in underground hip hop history is in full effect. DJ Boogie Blind of The X-Ecutioners is astounding behind the decks, scratching and spinning to help the Brooklynite seize control of the room. O-Zone, Jewelz, Prove Me Wrong, Yes Sir and Big L tribute Dangerous are executed to typical nonchalant perfection, providing just some of the many highlights from what is a wholesome, uncut and extremely gratifying set for all in attendance.

Concluding a dazzling show full of energy and smiles, OC fittingly closes with classic single Time’s Up. It’s back to work tomorrow for most of us, but after witnessing an astounding performance from one of the world’s most underrated MCs, the coming week might just be that bit more tolerable. “Thanks y’all for coming out tonight!” he graciously expresses before departing the stage following his first-ever Melbourne show. You’re very welcome, OC. Please come back soon.