LIVE REVIEW ::: CONVERSE BLOCK PARTY

IAmMusicTV discovered a haven of UK grime talent at The Converse Block Party, hidden below the depths of The Old Vic Tunnels last weekend. At a time when other’s would be resting and literally in bed on what was a grey Sunday, the IAmMusicTV team were in high spirits skanking to the biggest and most upcoming names in grime.

The day started off as relaxed as it was ever going to get with DJ sets from 1Xtra’s DJ Cameo & Urban Nerd’s Rattus Rattus. We had MC battles from Skolz, Bugzy Malone and Row D but it was obvious Row D was not taking his opponents lyrical bullsh*t and he took ‘their heads off’ as he had earlier tweeted he was going to do hours prior.

You may have thought the world of grime was a predominantly male one but Mz Bratt and Lady Leshurr showed the tunnels just how it can be done with an air of feisty femininity. Amongst the graffiti covered tunnels and mc’ing, there was skateboarding, jerk chicken and plantain worthy of the Notting Hill Carnival.

Later we marvelled at up and coming group Clement Marfo & The Frontline as they put on the performance of the day with their mix of rap, singing and a full urban yet rock band. The already moshing audience was catapulted into a frenzy as lead boys rapped, sung and coated the crowd in water. We were treated to quite literally ‘Mayhem’ which features Kano but sadly who was missing from the line- up. We don’t think the revellers cared too much about the lack of Kano and some dampness as the warehouse venue already flickered and dripped around them.

The dingy cave was the perfect place to unwind and celebrate 10 years of Grime and who better to end the day than the self-confessed King of Grime, Wiley. We also caught up with Skepta, Pepstar, P Money and Newham Generals who made my day with their rendition of ‘Bluku Bluku.’ You may or may not want to urban dictionary the definition but we can tell you the masses were going mad. Being a celebration of Converse and Grime music it was only right to dress up in our cons, snapbacks and something a little comfortable for a full day of raving and it has to be said that when the event finished at 9pm after seven hours, nobody wanted to go home.

If you’re banging your head that you missed this free party, you can luckily experience many of the same Grime artists on 11th May at Proud2 (The 02 Arena) for Eskimo Dance, which will feature Lethal B, Marcus Nasty, DJ Target as well as the Converse Block Party crew… All I can say is do not leeeeeeave it. Get your tickets online at https://www.facebook.com/proud2london before it’s too late.

Written by Vanessa Carby
https://twitter.com/#!/Oi_CARBY