Curtisy’s headline show at The Workman’s Club feels like the gig he’s been working towards. The young rapper from Tallaght released his debut album ‘What Was The Question’ in May of this year through which he brazenly reflects on the raw reality of life. In his honesty and sheer wit, Curtisy has amassed a faithful following, who showed up to the Workman’s main stage in their droves.
Opening the show was Enniscorthy rapper Lil Skag, sporting a Celtic top and a fur hat. The wordsmith has been making waves in the rap scene, collaborating with Curtisy on their track ‘Usually’, and performing across Dublin, Limerick and his hometown in Wexford. The tight-knit Irish rap scene breeds collaboration, with many of the night’s guests having worked together on words or beats. Ahead of his Other Voices debut in Dingle next weekend, Ahmed, With Love took to the stage as the second opening act of the night. Bringing the energy in Workman’s to the next level, frontman Karim mixes groovy bossanova beats with clever rhyme. A natural showman, he drew a crowd of lyric spitting fans.
The Workman’s Club felt like the place to be – principally for those involved in the Dublin rap scene. Forming a tight and mighty community, the room was packed with friends, acquaintances and fans alike whose purpose for the night was to act as an uplifting crowd of support. Taking to the stage, Curtisy aka Gavin Curtis has as much charisma as he has talent. The Tallaght man stood in disbelief at the volume of people in the room, but maintained humour and his ever so cool persona throughout.
His lyrics equally clever and vulnerable, he opens with “I had a long face like I’m Bojack miserable.” A blend of old-school hip-hop and words of modern woes, Curtisy embodies the word chill to the core. In contrast, his words are vulnerable and raw, speaking honestly on his wrestles with mental health, drug use and insecurity. Clearly topics which resonate, the set was peppered with lyrics rapped back to him from an impassioned crowd.
Bringing support act Ahmed, With Love back on stage for a rendition of ‘Wok to Blackrock’, phone lights and lighters illuminating the air – the tune stood out as a high point of the night. “They shoulda called this Curtisy and Friends” the rapper said, as he brought collaborator after collaborator on stage with him. From Lonely Chap, to Ahmed, With Love, Lil Skag and Solo Lui, the set concluded with the stage almost as full as the crowd itself. Producer Rory Sweeney remained a spectator but featured as a creator of beats throughout Curtisy’s set.
Curtisy’s notability is only on the up. A rising star, and a voice for the people of Tallaght and beyond, he is a wordsmith who brings talent along with him, his endearing persona only adding to the charm.