O2 Academy Brixton has welcomed so many brilliant musicians onto its stage since its creation. On this particular Tuesday night, the entryway is heaving with excited fans flitting to and from the bar, making their preparations before M Huncho steps onto the stage to become the latest addition to this ever-growing list.
The rapper has shrouded himself in mystery throughout his career, performing all of his music from behind a mask. It’s definitely served him well during the past five years with a myriad of knockout features, a full-blown Nafe Smallz collab, and a quartet of solo mixtapes. After the opening acts have warmed up the crowd, the room breaks into a unified chant of “Huncho, Huncho, Huncho” in the hopes that this chorus will bring forth their idol. The stage lights up with projections of white doves and the fans around me lean over the balcony fencing in the hopes of catching a better glimpse of M Huncho. As he strides out onto the raised platform the fanfare is undeniable.
Opening his set with ‘Take Away The Pain’ the rapper rides a palpable emotional wave afforded by both his impactful visuals and the dedicated fans that relay every lyric with a clarity that could rival Huncho himself. The show is a compilation of the best of Huncho’s catalogue so far. A performance these fans have been waiting over two years to see. At the end of a powerful rendition of ‘Bando Ballads’ Huncho breaks into what can only be described as a hair-raising freestyle. If there’s ever been any doubt about the rapper's capability and connection to his musical output I would direct them to this chill-inducing freestyle.
Manifesting his iconic trap wave style, Huncho swaggers across the stage to heavy beats and intricate keys. The rapper has no shortage of guest artists to present to the crowd, bringing out Nafe Smallz, Potter Payper, Unknown T and Headie One in succession to bigger and bigger reactions. Each perform their musical collaborations with Huncho, being hugged and thanked by the rapper who clearly values each of them greatly.
Every time he introduces another guest there are mutters of Giggs all around, the two having just released ‘Lean’ four days before the show. Halfway through his rendition of ‘Lean’, shoulders are slightly slumped if still energetic. After an endless roster of guest artists being walked out on stage, it’s clear there were expectations of a Giggs appearance. However, M Huncho did not come to disappoint, as the song was cut halfway and restarted with Giggs jumping out into the spotlight to join the rapper. In a neat twist he’s welcomed by far more high-pitched screaming than one might expect from the typical M Huncho fan – comedically entertaining, it’s also a completely understandable reaction to the goliath of UK rap that is Giggs.
Surprisingly this isn’t even the biggest talking point of the performance: two-thirds of the way through Huncho reveals a new mask, ditching his previous one for a new darker Lucien Clarke design. Promising a fresh direction and the start of a new era, its unveiling is accompanied by a captivating short film directed by Joe Munro, teasing Huncho’s upcoming album ‘Chasing Euphoria’.
Closing out the show, Huncho takes a moment to connect with his audience, thanking them deeply for their dedication and patience in waiting for his return to the stage. He pauses, calling the two men – who decided the best time to start a fight would be three minutes before the end of his set – idiots, much to the amusement of the room. As he exits the stage the energy in the room is palpable as the people that surround me excitedly discuss their favourite parts of the show and buzz about what’s to come from this new Huncho era.
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M Huncho’s new album ‘Chasing Euphoria’ will be released on May 20th.
Words: Naima Sutton
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