No Fakin' bonus joint

27-10-00
No Fakin’ has been hailed in the national music press as one of the best Hip Hop clubs in the U.K. It stands to reason, then, that one of the best nights should attract the biggest stars, the phattest beats and the wisest raps. Friday the 27th of October confirmed for the city’s dedicated Hip Hop Heads that No Fakin’ means business, attracting one of Hip Hop’s godfathers of Rap, Jeru the Damaja and his turntabalist Tommy Hill, both of The Gangstarr Foundation, New York.

The Gangstarr crew were placed next to a line up of artists with a more home grown flava whose standard as always at No Fakin’ was impressive. DJ Pogo, playing superior British and American cuts warmed up for the New Yorkers. But it was obvious from the anticipation in the crowd that there really was only one focal point for the night.

Spinning tracks and freestyling lyrics that would be familiar to even the non Hip Hop tuned ear the Gangstarr Foundation duo were unadulterated crowd pleasers. On this multi – stop promotional tour of the U.K Jeru showed no signs of fatigue, with crowd participation being utilised to the max. Hey-ing and ho-ing was heard from both artist and crowd amid classics like "Revenge of The Prophet" and "The Bitches" (a reference to general bastards – not women or female dogs).

Hip Hop is a street-led culture that has revolutionised the American Music industry and now permeates much of the music made in the U.K. Essentially though, No Fakin’ isn’t about the aggressive arrogance of Puffy or even the semi- credible (is he or isn’t he?) Eminem. However much you despise or embrace the cliché, No Fakin’ perseveres to keep it real. To the dominantly British, white, student population that attended on the 27th this statement is really rather meaningless. Yet through the sheer slickness of Tommy Hill and the genial, intelligent banter of Jeru the Damaja us English are just about getting it.