If you’re talking about Manchester rap, you have to talk about the man on the throne Bugzy Malone. The self-proclaimed King of the North has pioneered the scene in Manchester and gave the town a credible status within the Uk rap scene for the longest of times. The 30-year-old rapstar released his most recent studio album ‘The Resurrection’ in May 2021 which was written after his near-fatal motorbike crash during the same year. The rapper defied all odds to survive his brutal injuries and the album, and this phenomenal tour, paid homage to this and showed you that you truly can’t count this man out. Bugzy has played multiple sold-out shows on The Resurrection tour across the UK but it was his Manchester homecoming show at the famous Manchester AO Arena that had everyone excited for and we we’re lucky enough to witness this legend as he made his grand return to the 0161. A jam-packed support line-up consisted of fellow rappers and DJ’s; Crystal Millz, Kwengface, Comfy, Miss Lafamilla, A1 X J1 and Back Road Gee.
With a packed-out arena full of adoring fans the night was already set to be a special one and Bugzy Malone more than delivered on this. After an emphatic speech from the man himself the curtain dropped to reveal Bugzy sat atop of his Lamborghini in the centre stage and it was like nothing I’ve ever seen before, he started the night with ‘The Resurrection’ and had news articles of his previously mentioned motorbike crash flash behind on giant LED screens. After this touching performance Bugzy turned the energy up a notch with songs like, ‘M.E.N III’ and ‘Aggy Wid It’ and these tracks were accompanied by flame cannons and smoke cannons which was a nice added touch. Everyone in the venue knew that they were witnessing something special and it truly was a homecoming show like no other, Bugzy Malone had even more surprises for the crowd with a rather unique Oasis ‘Wonderwall’ cover and he even brought out fellow Manchester rapstar Aitch and grime icon Chip to surprise the crowd and further solidify this already great night. With Bugzy Malone hinting that this tour would be his last this was certainly the best way to hang up his boots with such a memorable performance and it was more than a pleasure to be there.
BUGZY MALONE
Review + Photos by Lewis Roberts | Exclusively for @Music,Why Not!
