KANO
Great Hall, Cardiff University Students Union
Sat 1 Feb
London-born rapper Kano burst into the grime scene in 2004 with P’s And Q’s, a striking debut single which laid the foundation for much of the genre’s present-day mainstream. Becoming an instant underground hit, Kano – aka Kane Brett Robinson – is widely considered one of the pioneers of grime and music culture – and it’s easy to see why. Setting himself apart from Wiley and Dizzee Rascal, other gumptious grime artists who helped conventionalise the genre, Kano has released a series of albums which showcase his versatile style.
The eclectic ensemble of personal yet poignant topics featured throughout his music is arguably what made his fifth album Made In The Manor such a success, charting at number eight in the UK. Years later, and Robinson has remained the poster boy for embodying British culture. Alongside having a leading role in popular Netflix show Top Boy, which offers a satirical look at society through a crime-infested fictional London estate, Kano’s also making thought-provoking comments on modern civilisation through his music.
His latest album Hoodies All Summer, songs from which will be heavily featured in his tour, not only show how he has matured as an artist, but also highlights why grime has remained socially relevant – for enabling artists to address hard-hitting topics, such as knife crime, with catchy and memorable music.
Tickets: £30. Info: 029 2078 1458 / www.cardiffstudents.com (TB)