Showing @ Voodoo Rooms, Edinburgh until Sun 24 Aug @ 21:00
Mr B ‘dreamed the dream of making hip-hop gentlemanly’, and in the process created something which goes against the very foundations on which it is based. The main problem lies with the show’s premise to disregard “real” hip-hop and provide a “posh” alternative. The audience is thus required to have a good knowledge of the genre in order to get its many references, yet the songs Mr B performs are so far from the subtlety, passion and craft of hip-hop, it’s difficult to imagine anyone with a real appreciation of the genre appreciating his show. The show’s self-awareness of this fact is not enough to bring any depth to it.
Although there is some comic value in watching a moustached man play the banjolele and sing about penises, the songs are repetitive and boring. Mr B places himself in between the genre of hip-hop and that acoustic variety of witty musical ballads, yet lacks the verbal virtuosity of both, falling short of the cosmic genius of Chester P and appearing as a pale imitation of Flight of the Conchords.
I see TV Bomb are still using the work experience kids to write their reviews. …’sing about penises’? Clueless.
Im not quite sure if the author here fully understood the content. Mr B is far from an alternative to Hip Hop it is parody done in a unique way. The rhymes are cleverly constructed and performed in a delightful way. Listeners can easily make connections to the comedic lyrics without even having to set foot in a record store whilst its performance offers more than simple parody amd comedic verse.
The reviewer’s lack of knowledge regarding Mr B’s references has obviously annoyed her. In fact, her lack of knowledge of anything to do with rap is obvious too (“subtlety of hip-hop!”). A pity TVBomb were short of real reviewers on this night.
Dear Madeleine
As a Fan of “hip hop” and artists like Mr B. I can not help feel that your review has missed the point of the sub-genera.
You have done well as a critic to criticise Mr B while at the same time forgetting to put yourself in to the perspective of fans of this sub-genera.
I feel that this music is a small movement with in the larger “hip hop” gener,that is slowly gathering momentum with popular culture.
We are all intilted to our opinions while embracing our differences, that is what I believe makes the world an amazing wonderful place.
I do not really enjoy classical music. I would not however go on to say that it’s lack of a “phat” bass and slow drum tempo lacks the energy for a good Friday night out.
Kind regards.
Ms Dunnigan I think you may have missed the subtle nuance of Mr B performance or your sense of humour by pass was a compelete success.
Antony, I fully appreaciate your comment. You’re right, everyone is entitled to their opinion – I know that Mr B has a relatively large fan base and those who like him are completely justified. Sadly I’m not part of it. I think that Mr B’s motivations are in the right place, but I don’t think that the execution of these is musically or dramatically great.
Pete and Paul I don’t think that the rhymes or songs are particularly nuanced or delightful. Mr B has hit upon a relatively funny theme but not developed it much. The songs say the same thing, or point to the same thing – they are all a parody either or both of hip-hop and the upper class. Yes, I realise that his work is parodic and full of self-aware irony, but I don’t think that this necessarily makes the songs or performance artistically good. Coupled with this I thought there was little musical variation.
The problem with reviews is that they are always subjective and I just didn’t find Chap-Hop Superstar funny.
I have been quite amused by Mr B myself in the past, but whatever my thoughts, I think Madeleine is perfectly within her rights as a reviewer to take the stance she has!
I have seen Mr. B several times and it’s always been packed out with people having a great time.