Kano & Ghetts - UK Hip Hop Superstars

Tuesday 28th September 2010. I walk into Club Academy in the basement of the Student Union to be greeted by a more varied crowd than I initially expected to see. This is testament to tonights headliner Kano, a UK rapper who, despite living in the shadow of a certain Mr Rascal, has transcended the underground to have a string of hits with mainstream appeal.

Supporting for Kano is another East London MC by the name of Ghetts. A man who raps with incredible force and aggression, well suited to the dark beats he spits over. He warms the crowd up nicely for his long-time friend and once he finishes, everybody is ready for the main event.

Now on his third album, Kano has built up an impressive catalogue, with his latest offering featuring collaborations with Chase & Status, Boys Noize and Hot Chip. All pointing to the fact that this is one MC not to be pigeonholed as a one trick pony. His performance keeps the crowd bouncing from start to finish, save for a  breather during the slow-paced Nite Nite. From early hits like Ps & Qs through to his latest big single Rock n Rollerand, every song is met with a rapturous reception.

All in all, a great show from a very underrated MC. In these times, when US Hip Hop has reached pathetic new lows, maybe we should look closer to home to remind ourselves of true hip hop talent.