Date: 6th October 2006

Venue: Carling Academy”

Oh man, oh man, oh man, WHAT A SHOW!! I am still on a high after seeing it (I am writing this review 2 days after the gig FYI).

This was my second time seeing the band, last time was 2 years ago at The Corn Exchange in Ediburgh as part of the Fringe that year, they were good then, but this performance made them look like rank amatuers last time.

Was myself and Marc at this one, but the Moose Squad were out in force as KFK was there as well, but as the place was packed our paths did not cross, but from all accounts, she enjoyed the show as well.

No idea who, or what the support act was as we arrived just as Charli 2Na, Akil, Marc-7, Zaakir and DJ Nu-Marc took the stage and imediately launched into “Back 4 You” from their latest album “Feedback”. Sadly Cut-Chemist was not with the boys this time, but the band soldiered on without him.

Few bands can get the amount of crowd participation that J5 can. The self proclaimed lyrical Herman Munster, Charli 2Na had the crowd yell at a deafening volue everytime he said “Scotland”. Hands were waved in time, fists were pumped into the air and the songs were sung by most folk in the venue that night.

Myself and Marc went into the crowd and managed to get down the front, spent the whole gig boogien’ on down. Tracks were played from all their releases The J5 LP, Quality Control, Power in Numbers and Feedback. I loved hearing “Concrete Schoolyard”, “Radio” and “Work It Out”, but for me was when Charli 2Na had us pretending to start up a motorbike before everyone (me included) started pogoing as “A Day at the Races” came thundering through the speakers.

Nu-Marc gave us a 10 minute scratch session much to the crowds delight. The band had everyone united as they dedicated “Freedom” to everyone being oppressed and had as cheering as they shouted a big “Fuck You” to Geroge Bush.

Few in the hip hop biz do it better than J5, with good reason. I have said it before and again and again, and I will keep saying it. You can take your Eminems, your Fiddy Cents, your D12’s and all that crap masquerading as Hip Hop and shove it. All you need it original beats and live MC’s.

Keep J5 Rockin on your radio!!