Liverpool’s Echo Arena turned urban last Wednesday as Radio 1Xtra Live came to town.
Performances from Nelly, Iggy Azalea, and special guest Tinie Tempah had thousands of music fans on their feet celebrating all things urban.
Now into its sixth year, and broadcast live on the BBC’s red button, this was the third night of the four date UK tour which had already stopped off at London’s Hammersmith Apollo and Bournemouth International Centre before landing in Liverpool.
1Xtra DJ’s MistaJam, Charlie Sloth and DJ Edu were all on hand to fill the room with excitement and trademark Afro-beats before the main acts took to the stage.
Opening the show was John Newman with a sparkly version of Gold Dust taken from his upcoming album Tribute. His energetic stage presence and husky vocals made for an impressive five song set which included ‘Cheating’ and ‘Love Me Again’
Australian born Iggy Azalea took to the stage in a silver lace up thigh boots and a white basque.
Not only did she silence the audience with her statement outfit and famous ‘twerking’ dance moves but her rapping skills throughout proved she can stand alongside other female rappers like Nicki Minaj. Her set included her recent single ‘Work’ and new track ‘Change Your Life’
The crowd erupted once MistaJam and DJ Trevor Nelson announced that the special guest was Tinie Tempah.
Bouncing on to the stage Tinie began with hit single ‘Earthquake’, then asked the crowd to “lose their minds” over new single ‘Trampoline’. With futuristic graphics and strobe lighting alongside Tinie’s lyrical rhymes this made for one of the best performances of the evening.
American hip hop artist Nelly performed a medley of his past chart toppers including ‘Ride With Me’, ‘Tail Feather’, and ‘Just a Dream’.
Draped in his infamous gold jewellery and black shades Nelly showed the crowd that he hasn’t lost his touch despite taking a career break. His new single ‘Get Like Me’ received a great response from his fans.
Closing the show was ‘Blurred Lines’ star Robin Thicke. With a more bluesy feel to his opening few tracks Robin showed a more subdued side of himself.
He ended the evening with his Beats advert summer smash single ‘Blurred Lines’ which has now been banned for use on television in the UK before 7.30pm.