Rizzle Kicks finish off the BT Infinity project on a high at the BT Tower

Following Justin Bieber copycat Conor Maynard and X-Factor judge Tulisa, Brighton hip-hop duo Rizzle Kicks performed as the last act of the Live From the 34^th Floor project.

Opting for an acoustic set, Rizzle Kicks show their ability as entertainers as well as performers during a 30-minute set. They open with Prophet (Better Watch It), showing off Harley Alexander-Sule’s ability as a singer, which on record is usually over-shadowed by Jordan Stephens but is really a vital part of the set.

It is obvious how strong the relationship between Harley and Jordan is. The rapport between them is incredible, neither one slips up or tries to outperform the other. During their brilliant cover of Ed Sheeran’s You Need Me, I Don’t Need You,Jordan seamlessly inserts his own lyrics around Harley’s beautiful, if not improved, version of the chorus. The backing band is also at a very high standard, their instruments being able to bring each song along. Especially the trumpet player who seems to be the ‘third’ member of the group, with each of the songs played featuring his impressive skills at the trumpet.

Rizzle Kicks is an act made for the stage. The energy they give off is overwhelming, and the frequency of Jordan’s movements is surprising. He even has to continually wipe his face with a black towel due to the amount of sweat gathered on it. However, the rapper struggles to engage with the audience; in between each song he throws in a few jokes mainly involving him abusing his partner. Unfortunately, this seems too much for the small audience consisting of a handful of lucky competition winners who don’t react to Rizzle Kicks’ jokes or engagement. Only with their biggest singles, Down with the Trumpets and Mama Do the Hump,do the audience start to react to the music, many trying to recreate the famous ‘hump’ dance the two have invented.  

The Live from the 34^th Floor project has definitely saved the best for last. Rizzle Kicks have successfully created an energetic experience. With a second album in the works hopefully this gig is a sign of how entertaining as performers Rizzle Kicks could become.

James Alder

For further information and future events visit Rizzle Kicks’ website here.

Watch the video for Prophet (Better Watch It) here: