Hip-Hop icons bounce up a storm as Ice Cube, Cypress Hill and late call-ins D12 turn it out in Glasgow’s Hydro.

★★★★★ (5/5)

ICE CUBE PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO
PHOTOCREDIT: MARC CAMPBELL

Glasgow’s music scene is often regarded as the best in Scotland. There is something for everyone with the city’s alleyway, cool cat stages like The Old Hairdressers and Stereo; on to vintage stomping grounds like Barrowlands Ballroom and King Tut’s Wah Wah Hunt. Glasgow’s Hydro Arena has had no shortage of performers this past year and it’s been a pretty standout time for hip-hop fans. With Snoop, Wu Tang, and 50 Cent all playing huge shows at the venue, Ice Cube’s ‘High Rollers’ had something to live up to.

Starting off the day with news that The Game was off the bill was disappointing and left for the great question of who could fill the space beside the masters of Ice Cube and Cypress Hill. Finding the right act for the job was no small task but when the news broke that it was D12 many felt that they had come off better from the change up.

As word buzz around about D12, excitement was clear for the fans in the already bustling venue. D12 burst out in 2001 and showcased their talent for combining energetic rap with provocative themes and limitless satire. Though Eminem has long grown too huge for his origins, MCs Swifty McVay and Kuniva still push it hard. Playing tribute to beloved Big Proof, the crew were joined by his son Nasaan for a few songs including Purple Pills. After a few hiccups as their set begun, they were soon into their stride and played a fantastic set.

It was no surprise that night levelled up as Cypress Hill’s set drew closer and when the group took to the stage it was although you were thrown into new section of the trip. Known for their distinctive fusion of rap and Latin influences, the group were hugely successful right out of the gates with their debut album in 1991. There were clearly a lot of worshippers of the group in the house and, playing everything they could squeeze into their 50 minute set, they sent the place partying.

The arena felt jam packed as the night’s headliner Ice Cube came out looking every bit the star. The majority of the crowd had com to enjoy the music that sparked up something within them and many were waiting for the moment that N.W.A rapper would take the stage. Immediately things looked good as the rapper springs up and shares his love for the musical city.

Ice Cube commented on Glasgow and his love for the attitude of the people. He had plenty to say throughout the night which was nice to see a brief snapshot of the inner workings of man who is juggling his high-profile acting career and a history as one of the most influential rappers of all time.

Connection between the artists and fans is ripe and all acts share in gratitude for one another as well as attendees. Ice Cube reminds the crowd of his appreciation to D12 for coming to join the tour last minute. He plays a charging setlist where old school hits are played like the treasures they are while modern fans rejoice in the rare sound of authenticity and origination.

The Hydro was a merry disgrace as the night finished. Like a scene from great battle, some fans sat outside entrance doors on the floor, looking like they had just been hit with a tidal wave. Others danced out as they had danced in. Seeing icons can lead to extreme highs and in some cases extreme lows but for most the night left them with memories greater in value than the hangover the night warranted.