Review: High Focus Records’ 8th Birthday Party

Tonight being the eighth birthday party for High Focus Records, expectations were running high (especially as some of the crowd had a six-hour round trip just to be here!).

And, as soon as we entered SWX, you could already tell that the night was going to be full of quality real hip-hop as DJ Molotov was in full swing dropping classics from Gangstarr, Das FX and classic old Redman. That set the scene for a night that would show that High Focus Records is a force to be reckoned with (not just for the UK but for the hip-hop scene worldwide).

High Focus Party by Vikesh Jobanputra

Smellington Piff comes to the stage along with Sean Peng as the first MCs and you could tell that he was giving 110% to the mic; controlling the crowd and showcasing his new album, No further Action, Smellington Piff hit the mic like a veteran, gaining massive reactions with both No Comment and Piff Land.

A massive cheer welcomed home-grown talent in the form of Bristol’s own Split Prophets, RES One and Upfront MC – along with DatKid who came to the stage greeting the crowd like they were long lost friends. Clearly this crew have the right idea when it comes to interaction as they hammered out the bars but when they dropped Bristol B***shit the crowd lifted and all you could see was a sea of hands up high in appreciation, along with a mass of heads nodding in clear approval. Weed Masons Anthem dropped as their final tune and it garnered an unbelievable reaction from the crowd, making the whole club jump.

High Focus Party by Vikesh Jobanputra

Coops was the next MC, appearing on his own and gripping the crowd with his early NYC influenced beats and smooth delivery.  It was like being back in 1993 listening to early Nas and Gangstarr, which is one of the highest compliments that can be given to a modern-day MC.

Ramson Badbonez then came on stage saying how every single promoter mis-spells his name – dropping the classic Taking Medication, almost forcing the crowd into a rowdy frenzy ensuring that the whole place was suitably hyped for the main act of the night, The Four Owls…

High Focus Party by Vikesh Jobanputra

Now The Four Owls are arguably High Focus Records’ shining stars consisting of Mr High Focus himself, Fliptrix, along with BVA MC, Leaf Dog and the veteran of the crew, Verb T. They came out showing every single person exactly how it’s done, delivering Life in the Balance, Silent Flight and Much Too Much with addictive energy and heart (the crowd at this point were eating out of their hand).

As usual, profound words from Leaf Dog as he reminded the room that “Your actions will affect every single person around you” before Verb T took the Mic, spitting out Getaway Car with a style that reminds everyone exactly why he has so many years in the game.

Dirty Dike was up next and got the entire place pumped up to a level probably never experienced in SWX, the crowd whipped into a frenzy by Pork Pie and Ten Commandments.

High Focus Party by Vikesh Jobanputra

Stumbling out at around 4am, the night was a clear winner with a sea of tired, drunk and happy faces leaving with ears ringing from this fantastic sound rig at SWX.  The atmosphere proving once again that for hip-hop in the UK, there is no other city than Bristol that can provide a willing, dedicated crowd who are always up to nod heads to the real sound offered by this now heavy weight record label.

FlipTrix, we salute you for all your hard work in getting this label to where it is today, pushing the way forward for UK hip-hop like no other before you and as the man says: “Make Music, Get high, Stay Focused!”

High Focus Records’ 8th Birthday Party SWX, Thursday, March 29.

Pics: Vikesh Jobanputra