Review: Heatwave Festival
Words: Bon Hlaing
Brisbane is sometimes unfortunate when it comes to getting the big names to tour here. Bitter disappointment was the overall feeling when Brissy was told they would be missing out on Eminem. D12 would’ve been the next best thing had they not had a mix-up for the flights, which resulted in them cancelling their appearance in Brisbane, but hey, these things happen. And besides, with Em on tour, and Kon Artis on hype man duties for him, it would’ve been closer to D8 anyway. And now, onto the bands that did make it!
Prepped with a full band set-up, enter: Crazytown. Returning from almost a decade long hiatus, the band that unleashed the international hit ‘Butterfly’ showed no signs of stage-rust with frontman Shifty Switchblade rapping over distorted guitars and hectic drumming to prove to the public that rock-rap can still be relevant in today’s age. Old school fans were appeased by songs like ‘Toxic’, whilst those new to it all were treated to an eclectic mix of hip-hop and hard rock, with a couple of dubstep breakdowns interspersed throughout to ‘modernise’ the sound. And of course, the guns were on display for the ladies to woo at, once Shifty took off his top.
Next up was Obie Trice, who quashed any rumoured bitterness since his split from Eminem’s Shady Records by opening the set with the crowd favourite ‘Go to Sleep’ which featured none other than Slim Shady himself on the chorus. Obie showed he wasn’t all about downing Hennessy (whilst his hype man downed Grey Goose) on stage by paying a loving tribute to his mother who had recently succumbed to breast cancer, as well as paying respects to legendary rap artists who had lost their lives prematurely, before diving straight back into the hits. Obie’s latest single ‘Battle Cry’ closed off a set which proved him as a rapper with both impeccable flow, and the rare ability to switch between the personas of gangster, class-clown, and just your everyday bloke who likes to chill and have a drink.
Hailing all the way from Houston, Chamillionare brought along some of that infamous southern swagger, getting the enthusiastic crowd to dance like “how they do it up in Texas”. Complete with black cap and jacket, Chamillionaire looked at ease in the Brisbane heat as he spat lyrics with his usual brand of laid-back rapping, reminiscent Fiddy-Cent’s drawl. A full-force Chamilllitary was needed at the Entertainment Centre however, as the sing-along section to his biggest hit Ridin’ ended in an embarrassing revelation that the majority of people don’t know/can’t remember the hook as everyone sang “They see me rollin’, they hatin’, mumble mumble RIDIN’ DIRTY!” Please come back Chamillionaire. We promise we’ll do better next time!
What was even more unexpected was the crowd support for independent rapper Tech 9ne. Wowing the crowd with the rapid spitfire rap technique that his name is famed for, the spectacle was further made surreal with both Tech and hype man both gowned, looking like escaped patients from a futuristic asylum. Combining the lunatic attire with what many consider the fastest rapping alive, fans were also treated to displays of mechanised popping and robotic dancing to add to the energy of the live performance. Although Tech was forced to cut his routine short due time constraints, he vowed to return to play material that was missed out on by way of an impromptu a cappella teaser.
The contrast between Tech and main headlining act Kid Cudi was ‘Day ‘n’Nite’ (yes, that just happened). Showcasing more pop and dance sensibilities with the support of a live band, the whole experience felt far more organic than what was hinted when listening to Kid’s recordings. Crowd participation was encouraged by dividing all in attendance into a 3-section choir, which each section tasked with singing different parts. The crowd could not help dancing to the beat and swaying to the rhythm when Cudi laid out his smooth vocals on the mic. Both mellow yet invigorating at the same time, Kid Cudi wrapped up a list of acts that have been in the game for quite some time, but perhaps have not been getting the recognition or exposure they deserve. And to be able to gather all this talent together for one massive show in Brisbane, there is only one word to say to the Heatwave Festival: Cheers.