Mos Def Support Tour

Thursday, April 29th, 2010. Filed under: events news

mosdef_200

Watch Lazy Habits at Shepherds Bush Empire

Shot and Edited by Jordan Grant

Home Review
You can always judge an act by their crowd and “the mighty Mos Def” is the thinking man’s hip hop star so Shepherd’s Bush Empire was packed with a discerning, well raised, mix people. However, an hour and a half of waiting can push even the best mannered Londoners to slow hand claps and booing. All was forgiven when Mos finally took to the stage but he can thank a savvy support DJ and the classy support for keeping the mood below boiling point. Lazy Habits were a smart warm up choice, with full live band, two able MC’s, slick arrangements and plenty of hooks. This is a band you can sway your hips to, they have cheek and charm and plenty of groove. This wasn’t their crowd but they won them over, even the moody looking teenager next to me was moved to take a quick snap on his iphone and everyone’s heads were nodding. When he finally appeared Mos himself seemed relaxed, treating us to some a cappella. It would have been great to see him match the ‘Habits with some brass but aside from his own drum break this was a pared down, two DJ set. Despite the predictable high of “Umi Says” and a loyal crowd somehow he failed to ignite. I was left underwhelmed – the energy and excitement just wasn’t there. There’s no denying he’s a fine rapper, and cute with it, but this was a complacent performance and I expected more.
Nicola Hannam
Official Reviews
http://www.winkball.com/walls/Entertainment_Reporters/mosdefatshepherdsbus/;jsessionid=07E17E1D3733B4AD0CC5CF8BF41BB9C2 –  Winkball
(WINKBALL!!!This is a mad, check these. Loads of interviews with punters at the gig)
http://www.comelime.com/reviews/april2010/mos-def.html – Lime (mentions us)
http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/130950/Mos-Def-at-o2-Sheperds-Bush-Empire-London/ – Daily Star
http://hookedonthat.blogspot.com/2010/04/mos-def-live-at-shepherds-bush-empire.html – Hooked on London
http://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Review-Mos-Def–Shepherds-Bush-Empire-London/5707/ – Skiddle
Some FB comments (Was thinking maybe a comment underneath each pic or something)
I’ve never seen you before, loved every second of your set! Great sound, totally polished performance which sounded AMAZING.
I can’t recall ANY gigs I’ve been to before this one where the support group sounds about a gazillion times better than the main act (yes dare I say it, not impressed sadly with Mos Def’s set – sounded poor to me)
Stefan
Just see u at mos def on Wednesday, u smacked it best act by far
Katie
Great Gig for you guys last night really enjoyed it, shame about MOS DEF being so very poor and very late! You should have headlined!
James
You were fucking brilliant man, you ripped The Empire apart!!! So glad I made the effort to come up early
Adam
Great gig guys, you made the night worthwhile!
Diane

You can always judge an act by their crowd and “the mighty Mos Def” is the thinking man’s hip hop star so Shepherd’s Bush Empire was packed with a discerning, well raised, mix people. However, an hour and a half of waiting can push even the best mannered Londoners to slow hand claps and booing. All was forgiven when Mos finally took to the stage but he can thank a savvy support DJ and the classy support for keeping the mood below boiling point. Lazy Habits were a smart warm up choice, with full live band, two able MC’s, slick arrangements and plenty of hooks. This is a band you can sway your hips to, they have cheek and charm and plenty of groove. This wasn’t their crowd but they won them over, even the moody looking teenager next to me was moved to take a quick snap on his iphone and everyone’s heads were nodding. When he finally appeared Mos himself seemed relaxed, treating us to some a cappella. It would have been great to see him match the ‘Habits with some brass but aside from his own drum break this was a pared down, two DJ set. Despite the predictable high of “Umi Says” and a loyal crowd somehow he failed to ignite. I was left underwhelmed – the energy and excitement just wasn’t there. There’s no denying he’s a fine rapper, and cute with it, but this was a complacent performance and I expected more - Nicola Hannam

Official Reviews

http://www.winkball.com

http://www.comelime.com/reviews/april2010/mos-def.html

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/playlist/view/130950/Mos-Def-at-o2-Sheperds-Bush-Empire-London

http://hookedonthat.blogspot.com/2010/04/mos-def-live-at-shepherds-bush-empire.html

http://www.skiddle.com/news/all/Review-Mos-Def–Shepherds-Bush-Empire-London/5707/

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Mos Def – Photography by Dannie Price

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Lazy Habits – Photography by Dannie Price

Facebook Feedback

I’ve never seen you before, loved every second of your set! Great sound, totally polished performance which sounded AMAZING.

I can’t recall ANY gigs I’ve been to before this one where the support group sounds about a gazillion times better than the main act (yes dare I say it, not impressed sadly with Mos Def’s set – sounded poor to me) - Stefan

Just see u at mos def on Wednesday, u smacked it best act by far - Katie

Great Gig for you guys last night really enjoyed it, shame about MOS DEF being so very poor and very late! You should have headlined! - James

You were fucking brilliant man, you ripped The Empire apart!!! So glad I made the effort to come up early. - Adam

Great gig guys, you made the night worthwhile! - Diane

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