20 Jul Writer's Block ft. Luc Skyz, Cynthia Erivo, AKS, Clement Marfo & The Frontline, Hip Hop Shakespeare x Tanya Auclair | Event Review

Ever since hearing about Writer's Block I’ve wanted to get down to one of their nights, and so when Sunday July 17th’s talent-filled line up was announced, that was all it took to convince me. Upon entering East London's CAMP I was struck by the intimacy and comfort of the venue; chairs and sofas all facing the stage. The glass mirrored exterior reflected what was, and would soon become even more obvious… art comes first here. The night’s first act, Luc Skyz takes to the stage, taking pains to explain the concept behind each of his songs. This honesty manifested itself in the lyrics too, easily relateable themes brought to life by an audible rapping style, making each word ring loud and true. Citing Jack Bauer in his second track ‘Never Lay Down’ the rapper half sings, half raps catchy lyrics the likes of “every day a star is born, I’m a shooting star ‘cuz I shoot right past ‘em” before dipping in to Busta Rhymes' ‘Look At Me Now.” The most powerful song of his set, however, was the one he saved for last, ‘What’s the meaning.’ “A lot of people have related to this, and its helped them on their journey” he introduces, and no more than a few lines in, its easy to see why. Beseeching life questions the likes of “is life just an interlude to death” Luc’s passion and anguish transmit well over the mic, giving life and a voice to questions everyone at one point or another has asked themselves.