skin mask the slump god live at manchester’s o2 ritz

★★★☆☆ (3.5/5)

SKI MASK THE SLUMP GOD PERFORMING AT MANCHESTER’S O2 RITZ
PHOTOCREDIT: CHARLIE MORLEY

Before Ski Mask the Slump God took the stage at The O2 Ritz in Manchester, DJ Scheme delivered an electric set that got the crowd fully amped and ready for a night of unfiltered energy. Known as one of the key players behind the scenes of Florida's hip-hop explosion, DJ Scheme showed why he’s not just a producer but a force in live performance, seamlessly blending genres, hyping the crowd, and setting the perfect tone for Ski Mask’s chaotic, high-octane headlining set.

From the moment DJ Scheme stepped behind the decks, there was an undeniable energy in the air. Kicking off his set with a mix of trap, hip-hop, and bass-heavy tracks, Scheme’s mastery of building momentum was clear. He knew exactly how to read the crowd, transitioning between hits from Playboi Carti, Lil Uzi Vert, and Juice WRLD, as well as a few deep cuts for the day-one fans. The atmosphere shifted from excited anticipation to full-blown mosh-pit chaos as soon as the beat dropped on iconic tracks like “Look At Me!” by the late XXXTentacion, a close friend and collaborator of both DJ Scheme and Ski Mask.

The transitions between songs were flawless, and the crowd responded to each drop with unbridled enthusiasm, pushing and bouncing in unison. DJ Scheme didn’t just spin tracks—he fully engaged with the audience, grabbing the mic to hype up the crowd and call for hands in the air, circle pits, and “wall of death” moments that you’d typically see at rock or metal shows. This ability to turn a DJ set into an interactive experience is where Scheme really shines. He’s not just playing music; he’s orchestrating the vibe of the entire room.

DJ Scheme's set also carried an emotional undertone, paying tribute to fallen friends like XXXTentacion and Juice WRLD, both of whom had a profound influence on the Florida rap scene. When he dropped “Sad!” by XXXTentacion, there was a palpable shift in the crowd, with fans raising their phones in tribute, creating a bittersweet moment in an otherwise explosive set. Scheme’s ability to balance these emotional highs with his rowdy, turn-up tracks made the set dynamic and emotionally resoncant.

From the moment Towers stormed the stage, the crowd knew they were in for something special. His booming voice cut through the air as he launched into “How You Feel?,” one of his biggest tracks, and the room erupted into chaos. The heavy bass and hard-hitting beats had fans jumping from the start, with mosh pits breaking out within minutes. It was clear that many in the crowd were just as excited to see Towers as they were for Ski Mask. His reputation for high-energy performances preceded him, and he delivered from the very first track.

Towers’ charisma was evident as he moved across the stage, engaging with the audience and hyping them up between songs. He had the crowd in the palm of his hand, his deep, commanding voice booming over the relentless basslines. When he performed his verse from “What’s the Move,” the collaboration with Ski Mask and DJ Scheme, the crowd lost it, rapping along word for word. Towers’ mix of aggression and swagger made his set feel like a full-scale assault on the senses in the best way possible.

Ski Mask the Slump God’s performance at the O2 Ritz, Manchester was nothing short of an all-out adrenaline rush, packed with ferocious energy, chaotic mosh pits, and rapid-fire bars. Known for his hyperkinetic flow and explosive stage presence, Ski Mask delivered a set that felt more like a high-octane rollercoaster than a traditional hip-hop concert, leaving the crowd breathless and buzzing with energy by the end.

As soon as Ski Mask hit the stage, it was clear this was going to be an unforgettable night. He wasted no time diving into his first song, the bass-heavy “Catch Me Outside,” which immediately sent the crowd into a frenzy. From that moment on, it was non-stop chaos, with fans bouncing, moshing, and screaming along to every word. Ski’s energy was electric—he darted across the stage, jumping and headbanging with the same intensity as the fans on the floor, feeding off the crowd's energy and giving it back tenfold.

Ski Mask’s setlist was a perfect blend of his biggest hits and deep cuts, offering something for both casual fans and die-hard supporters. Tracks like “Nuketown” and “Faucet Failure” were clear highlights, igniting mosh pits that took over the entire floor. The crowd knew every word, turning the venue into a singalong one minute and a war zone the next, as Ski pushed the energy higher and higher. His rapid-fire flow and clever wordplay were on full display, and despite the high-energy chaos, his bars were sharp and perfectly delivered.

One of Ski Mask’s biggest strengths as a performer is his ability to command the stage. His charisma is undeniable, and between songs, he kept the energy alive with jokes, shoutouts to his fans, and his infectious sense of humor. He took moments to connect with the crowd, expressing his gratitude for their support and sharing personal stories. This balance between the chaos of his music and the moments of genuine connection made the performance feel intimate despite the explosive atmosphere.

The emotional peak of the night came when Ski Mask paid tribute to his late friends XXXTentacion and Juice WRLD, two artists who were instrumental in shaping the SoundCloud rap movement alongside him. When the beat for XXXTentacion’s “Look At Me!” dropped, the entire venue erupted into one of the wildest moments of the night, with a mosh pit so intense it felt like the floor was shaking. Later, as Juice WRLD’s “Lucid Dreams” played, fans raised their phones in a sea of lights, creating a poignant, bittersweet moment amidst the chaos. Ski’s tributes were heartfelt and raw, reminding everyone of the deep connections within the Florida rap scene.

Visually, the show was just as intense as the music. The lighting and effects added to the sensory overload, with flashing strobes and neon lights enhancing the wild atmosphere. Ski’s presence alone was magnetic, but the visual elements helped transform the venue into a living, breathing extension of his music.

As the show neared its end, Ski Mask dropped his massive hit “Take A Step Back,” and it felt like the crowd reached a new level of intensity. It was pure chaos—fans screamed the lyrics with every ounce of energy they had left, and Ski, despite having already given his all, matched their intensity, making sure the night ended on the highest note possible.

Final Thoughts: Ski Mask the Slump God’s live show is not for the faint of heart—it’s a whirlwind of energy, mosh pits, and relentless beats that keep you on your feet the entire time. His ability to seamlessly blend humor, raw emotion, and sheer chaos makes him a truly unique performer, and his connection with his fans is palpable. Whether he’s hyping up the crowd with rapid-fire bangers or paying emotional tribute to his fallen friends, Ski Mask knows how to create a concert experience that sticks with you long after the last song ends.

For anyone who craves high-energy shows and loves to be part of the action, Ski Mask’s live performance is a must-see. It’s a full-throttle experience that perfectly encapsulates his place as one of the most exciting and dynamic artists in the current hip-hop landscape