Azealia Banks Concert Review

Azealia Banks Concert Review by Emma Johnston

Note: The author's views are entirely his or her own and may not reflect the views of RetoxMagazine.com

Azealia Banks Concert Review

1991 – Where You Even Born?

I very rarely buy tickets to a concert or a "gig" if you may. But a good few months back I was told by a work colleague to go onto YouTube and give 212 a search. I found myself in a similar position to millions of other people in the universe; obsessed! So when I saw she was touring and visiting Glasgow I purchased a ticket. I left the house and my pyjama's behind with a decent pair of jeans on, I ventured out to the City Centre. Only to be greeted by not early twentysomethings like myself... just thousands of teenagers.

Enough story telling (or rambling) let's do a review.

Zebra Cometh!

The opening act for Ms Banks was a New York rapper by the name of Zebra Katz. I have to be honest, I was sceptical when he swaggered onto stage with a whip and a gimp mask but quickly as he and his duetting partner Redd Foxx began their own performance I was lost in their lyrics. The meaning behind the rapping may not have been significantly deep and/or meaningful but my word they were catchy! The enthusiasm oozed from them and it certainly captivated those in the front row.

I wished I had the energy to fight for a space at the front but instead chose a sensible place slightly raised, with a leaning spot which is near the bar.

Zebra Kantz's performance of his breakthrough song “Ima Read” was particularly energetic, clearly the most rehearsed of the collection. After all it was picked as the official song of Paris Fashion Week and is racking up quite a few hits on the world wide web. For a support act, I was pleasantly surprised. I was not left bored or begging for mercy. In case you are not aware, this is always a positive outcome.

Us and the Music

There was a short DJ set in the interim between Zebra and Azealia from DJ Cosmo. This was a gratifying half hour of nineties style house music. Not that the majority of the audience would necessarily be aware of house music or any music from the nineties. Nonetheless, I was incredibly pumped up for the main event!

Out of Space, Out of This World

It was finally time for the main event! The audience went crazy; realistically children high on sugar or ones that snuck booze in. I did witness some bouncers rejecting some youths after they were caught with many pints of cider and blackcurrant.

Azealia came out in a FLASHING BRA! Other impressive props in her show were the detailed video projections, her hair and her awesome backing dancers! What was refreshing to see was how down to earth she was in regards to acknowledging her dancers, production team and fans. Aside from her antics, Azealia's performance was dead on. She hit every beat and every word was received positively, despite how awesomely vulgar they were!

Salute Banks!

The whole evening was an enjoyable night for me, despite being one of the oldest people in the room. I got caught up in the music and the atmosphere as well. The only problem was that the show itself was too short. There was no encore, just a sudden stop after her biggest hit 212. Which did not disappoint, even the chanting of hormonal teenagers could not discourage me from enjoying that belter of a song! I thought I was pumped before she came on, and to be honest, I lost it a bit. My arms were wailing all over the place and my hips were thrusting uncontrollably. So in short, next time Azealia, do it the same but longer!