WUTANG CLAN & NAS // OVO HYDRO, GLASGOW
Hip-Hop royalty ain’t nothing to fuck with…
★★★★★ (5/5)
WUTANG CLAN & NAS PERFORMING AT GLASGOW’S OVO HYDRO
PHOTOCREDIT: MARC CAMPBELL
Wu-Tang Clan and Nas deliver a flawless show on their co-headlining NY state of mind tour. Two legendary acts rolling into Glasgow at the nearly sold-out Hydro playing shorter alternating sets. Far from a legacy showcase, Nas continues to realise acclaimed new albums at an impressive rate and reflecting this plays a career spanning set. While Wu-Tang with their ongoing reality show, set wise focus more on their classic album Enter The Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) and renowned crowd pleasers.
Pre-set the DJ spins out classic Hip-hop influencing grooves such as Parliament to warm up the crowd. Then RZA leads the proceedings for Wu-Tang Clan, kicking off with a cover of Bang, Bang My Baby Shot Me Down, immediately the crowd are signing along and with W hand signs aloft. RZA introduces the rest of the MCs as they gradually fill the stage while the opening set progresses. GZA is first to join a picture of pure laidback chill in a wonderful tracksuit. Together they fire through Clan In Da Front and Liquid Swords at break neck speed. As the rest of the Clan filters on to the stage the audience really responds to the magnificent 1-2 punch of firebrand Bring da Ruckus and Da Mystery of Chessboxin’. The first set flies by and without a pause, it is time for Nas to enter the fray.
Is Nas from New York? Yes. Anyone aware of Nas presumably knows his imagery and image often reflect this, tonight is no different. The stage is adorned with visuals highlighting local neighbourhood Queens. But more importantly his words paint a vivid picture of New York life. And even more importantly he is probably the greatest rapper of all time (in this humble amateur music writer opinion and perhaps of more value other paid music critics opinions). Nas holds the crowd just as a well as the gaggle of MCs from the Clan, relying on his immense delivery and lyrical flow. Backed by just a DJ and occasional drummer rather than full band supporting Wu-Tang. The machine gun racket of Got Ur Self a Gun keeps the momentum. Then Nas powers through Illmatic classics such as One Love and N.Y State of Mind, briefly changed to Glasgow State of Mind to cheers from the locals.
The alternating sets work well keeping the show fresh and the energy high. Wu-Tangs second set consists of further hits including the career defining C.R.E.A.M and more demands for energy matched by an enthusiastic crowd. While Nas second set focus more on the second half of his career. A fierce What Goes Around being a highlight while songs from his recent King Disease Trilogy are well received. The final set by Wu Tang features Old Dirty Bastard hits Simmy Ya and Got Ya Money. While a surprise appearance from hometown hero Sharleen Spiteri to give her local crowd a Wu-Tang backed version of Say What You Want. Though the clear outstanding moment is an electrifying Gravel Pit. With a final encore of One Mic from Nas the hip-hop legends are out of here having delivered a spell binding set showing Glasgow they still operate at the peak of there considerable powers.
