UK grime and rap sensation, Dizzee Rascal, recently graced Australia with multiple sold out shows all over the country with his We Want Bass tour. Dizzee was a pioneer who paved the way for the grime scene in the UK, bursting into the scene in 2004 with his debut album Boy In Da Corner. The album itself would go on to win the Mercury Prize, further solidifying his place in the UK’s rap scene. Dizzee Rascal is best known for his quick yet sharp lyricism, funky genre-blending beats, and energetic stage presence. Over the years, Dizzee focussed on crafting a sound unlike anything else from its time, which influenced the creation of his biggest hits such as Bonkers and Dance Wiv Me, in the process cementing his place as one of the UK’s most influential rap figures of all time. I had the exciting opportunity to photograph the show through Dizzee Rascals PR team, who I thank graciously for having me at the show!
The energy at Dizzee’s sold-out Brisbane show started far before anyone had even entered the venue. Enthusiastic fans had Bluetooth speakers pumping his music throughout the line, building up hype for the night ahead. Fans adorned items such as glowsticks, football jerseys and rave-like sunglasses, all adding to the upbeat vibe. As the doors open, everyone flooded in to get a spot close up to the front, holding things from handwritten signs in hopes to be noticed by Dizzee himself, to phones with friends on FaceTime who couldn’t attend the show watching from afar, showing how dedicated and tight-knit the Dizzee Rascal fan community is.
The moment that 9pm hit, a familiar voice boomed over the PA exclaiming ‘Brisbane… What the f**k is going on?!’ In an instant, Dizzee Rascal stormed onto the stage, launching into his opening track, Bad Behaviour. Dressed in signature Dizzee Rascal fashion, a baggy t-shirt and Bape shorts, he electrified the venue with a commanding energy, darting from one side of the stage to the other without missing a single one of his lyrics. The lighting went crazy as lasers projected out from the top of the stage into the mezzanine above. As he slid into the second song of the night, Jus' A Rascal, Dizzee was accompanied on stage by rapper friend and longtime collaborator, Aaron Williams, better known as Bigman Scope. The two fired bars at each other effortlessly with 100% precision, causing the crowd to become insatiable for their contagious energy and already left wanting more by only the second song of the night. After the track, they took a few moments to banter with the crowd, splitting the room into two sides for a battle of volume, urging each half to out-scream the other. The crowd roared back, determined to win the rappers’ approval. The playful rivalry escalated as Dizzee and Bigman Scope encouraged fans to throw their middle fingers up at the opposing side, shouting “F**k you!” in unison, a moment the audience happily indulged in, adding to the high energy atmosphere.
Soon after, we heard a loud ‘ooooiiiii’ coming from over the loudspeakers before Dizzee jumped into a teaser of one of his largest tracks Bonkers, which surprised fans to hear so soon within the set. However, the track was short-lived before abruptly stopping and jumping into his collaborative song with Chase & Status titled Heavy, creating a rave-like setting for the crowd who jumped and screamed along to the lyrics as if their lives depended on it. Getting through the song was a feat in itself as Dizzee’s earpiece was seen hanging out of his ear, however both rappers pulled it off without incident making it doubtful that the audience noticed, likely too busy jumping around and enjoying the show.
In between songs, the crowd would chant ‘we want bass!’ over and over, likely an allusion to the tour name. Dizzee and Bigman Scope would smirk at each other before teasing the crowd to get ready for the next song, which would be Dirtee Cash. I was upstairs in the mezzanine for this song as well as the following tracks, and I can certainly say that the experience was unlike anything else. From high up, you could see the laser show from a different angle as well as get a better view of the pictures being projected onto the screen behind the performers. Dizzee and his team absolutely outdid themselves with the lighting, making it one of the most visually stunning shows I’ve attended as each song had its own unique colours, light patterns, and laser show. The venue was packed like a tin of sardines, which makes sense for a sold out show, but it made it hard to manoeuvre throughout and get the best shots from outside of the pit due to the way it’s set up. However the visual experience I had at the show made all the hard to get shots completely worthwhile.
Dizzee’s show continued as he played hit after hit, including Bassline Junkie and Dance Wiv Me. But the track he closed out with titled Bonkers had the audience screaming along to lyrics louder than anything I have ever heard. The energy was a mix of excitement for the final song and frustration that the show was over already, truly feeling like it had only just begun. However, Dizzee made sure that Bonkers would be the most energetic and fun song of the night, which I genuinely didn’t think would be possible, however Dizzee was true to his word and made it the most flashy, loud, and climactic ending to a show.
Despite it being a very long time in between visits to our beautiful country, Dizzee and his friends made the show more than worth it. Before attending the event, I had no idea what to expect but I can safely say that the show blew my expectations out of the water. The stage presence and crowd interaction were unlike anything I’ve seen. Even as someone who doesn’t typically follow the grime or UK rap scene as a whole, I couldn’t help but admire the sheer talent it takes to deliver rapid-fire lyrics while engaging with the crowd and maintaining non-stop movement. Dizzee Rascal’s performance in Brisbane proved once again why he remains one of the UK’s most incredible live performers.
All photos: © Jaz Wilkins