When British rapper Dave’s studio debut Psychodrama came out in March it was almost instantly crowned a classic. Its thoughtful lyrics on overcoming mental health issues and having wealth that’s “Kenyan, cos’ it’s in it for the long run” forced listeners to push the rewind button.
One song in particular, Black, ruffled a lot of feathers. BBC Radio 1 listeners asked for it to be banned after its bold lyrics were misconstrued as being anti-white. But when Dave rapped the powerful track last night at the O2 Brixton Academy in front of a giant psychedelic skull, people of all races enthusiastically yelled back bars including, “Being black is working twice as hard as people you know you’re better than”.
It showed that Dave’s message about institutional racism, and the very different opportunities afforded to black and white youth, had at least filtered through to some.
Watching him command the slanted stage, his booming voice and versatile flow captivating the crowd, it’s easy to forget Dave is only 20.
It was very much a homecoming gig — Dave grew up in Streatham and told us one of his teachers was in the crowd. He played dizzy grime bangers such as Thiago Silva while bringing out UK rap royalty including AJ Tracey and Fredo, who rapped his Rambo-referencing verse on the pair’s energetic number one single Funky Friday.
During a stirring rendition of the atmospheric Psycho, Dave pondered: “What’s the point in me being the best if no one knows it?” — but you sense everyone will soon be aware of his talent, with this local lad looking like he’s ready to start playing arenas.
