Punch Records Shows a New Side to Birmingham with ‘Legacy’ (Concert Review)
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Last Saturday saw a unique and different experience with Punch Records and Legacy coming together. Combining orchestras with rap music isn’t new with artists like Little Simz, Kano, and Nas having used them to amplify their music. However, grime is a different beast and I was interested to see how the two worlds combine. In my recent interview with RoxXxan, she spoke of how grime and orchestras both use violins. However, I went into the night not knowing what to expect.
This event was a celebration of Birmingham bringing together its biggest names as well as some underrated legends. Symphony Hall was the right venue for this event. Everyone from the stalls to the gods was able to hear and cheer what was on display. And the crowd was certainly up for it, saying the bars back to the MCs and getting on their feet. Someone was even blowing a horn or vuvuzela throughout like it was a carnival event.
The City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra led by Phil Meadows was not familiar with the sounds of 140 BPM. However, you wouldn’t have known that from being there. The way they brought the bass, the violins, or even the brass into the equation brought power to these songs. A particular highlight was their performance of ‘Woooo Riddim‘ which brought a real oomph to this classic instrumental.
As for the hometown performers, they did their thing too. RoxXxan kicked off the show in style before Lady Leshurr brought some familiar bars and a cameo from Vader. NODB (Deadly, Fiasqo, and FIST_RS) then came to the stage suited and booted, reminding the city why they are one of its most respected crews. Interestingly, Sox gave a variety of vibes with a more introspective number, before delivering ‘Brum to Ibiza‘.
Following this, the likes of Dapz on the Map, C4, and Trilla came through with 0121 classics, with the crowd hyped. Trilla would bring out Pressure 0121 and Bomma B’s son for ‘She Wants A Man From Brum‘, a great tribute to his father’s legacy. The night showcased the legends and the future legends with Big Dog Yogo and Mayhem mixing it up with Trappy, CreezOn, and T.Roadz. In particular, T.Roadz paid tribute to Depzman, by performing a song from the late rapper’s perspective.
After Brixx brought passion to her performance, Jaykae closed the show with ‘Moscow‘ and ‘Toothache‘. Arguably the biggest rapper to come out of the second city, it was a fitting close and had the crowd on their feet. RoxXxan then came back to the stage and brought most back out, as they took a bow and a round of applause.
This was certainly a historical event that showcased the power of orchestral music, and the legacy of Birmingham’s grime scene. Videos throughout the night were shown, highlighting its growth and legends. The scene still remains strong whether grime, rap, or otherwise, but this was a special event. If you missed out, then get down to the London date. If not, just know that grime and orchestral music is a match made in heaven and the 0121 ain’t going nowhere.
Legacy is on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Read more concert reviews here or buy tickets for the Southbank show on the 28th of April.
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