The chorus of fans repeatedly chanting Azealia Banks’ name threatened the very foundations of Camden’s Koko club last Friday, as they eagerly awaited the appearance of the 27-year-old New York rapper.
Anticipation turned to fever-pitch excitement upon Banks’ arrival, yet the screams quickly hushed to an awed silence as she opened a capella, her soaring, powerful voice showing just why her debut mixtape sent the music world spinning. “We made it!” she enthused, after a blistering opening that included Luxury, L8R and F*** Up The Fun.
Making it to this point perhaps seemed impossible mid-week: fans of Banks are well used to high-profile social media spats but nothing could quite prepare them for a week that began with Banks labelling a flight attendant an “ugly Irish b****” after an incident involving Aer Lingus. A furore ensued triggering a speedy apology and a triumphant Dublin gig only for the controversy to reignite soon after, Banks posting more offensive comments online.
Her actions offstage are often at complete odds with the talent she exhibits on stage: her supreme skill and stagecraft shines. She raps with devastating, speed-of-light accuracy and her voice soars during multiple, show-stopping moments such as those on Anna Wintour, The Big Big Beat and the brilliantly frenetic 212.
She coolly croons during a Carnegie Hall-inspired jazz moment and roars through snatches of soul; her energetic freestyling frequently wows. Backed by only a single drummer and DJ (with occasional dancers), Banks engages the audience with fierce eye-contact and audacious, focused song deliveries alongside snatches of quiet, endearing charm.
She is one of the most talented rappers of her generation at the same time as being one of the most divisive. For Friday evening at least, the music momentarily unified, even if the midweek issues rumble on.
