A legend with a silver tongue, Pusha T treated fans to a master class in hip hop at London’s Eventim Apollo on Tuesday night. From start to finish, the It’s Almost Dry tour was an electrifying journey through his illustrious career, showcasing his lyrical prowess and commanding stage presence. To be a Pusha T fan in 2023 means the rejection of certain mainstream rappers. As a result, fans filled gaps between songs with explicit chants charged with an unmistakable sense of camaraderie.
Pusha T’s blend of spaghetti western beats, smooth delivery and razor-sharp lyrics were impressive throughout. The show opener, Let The Smokers Shine The Coupes, left super fans in awe as they attempted to mirror the rapper’s infamous cadence.
Throughout the show, Pusha T’s visuals were the perfect pairing to the music. Clips of the life of the infamous drug-pin Pablo Escobar were coupled with graphics of luxury cars and Pyrex jugs. The show set list was comprised of songs from Pusha T’s 2022 album, It’s Almost Dry, but he made plenty of time for fan-favourites as he performed DAYTONA and My Name Is My Name.
The rapper also performed classics from his collabs with G.O.O.D. Music like Runaway and Don’t Like. Fans were transported to Virginia Beach when the heavy drum beat of Grindin bellowed across the venue. Crowds gathered to mosh as Pusha T stood like a proud villain orchestrating two hours of musical chaos. The nostalgia and command of his performance was a testament to his legacy.
photography. Isha Shah
words. Thandie Sibanda
