The careers of Sage Francis and B. Dolan seem to be intertwined. They are both independent hip hop artists who experiment in spoken word, different musical genres and poetry. They also release their music on Strange Famous Records in America and Speech Development Records in the UK (the names of the record labels give the subtitle to the show) and they are frequent tour buddies. Although Francis and Dolan are no strangers to stages in Scotland (Glasgow and Edinburgh have hosted both performers over the years), this is the first time they have appeared at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Sage Francis kicks things off by releasing an orange helium balloon into the tent at St. Andrews Square and then launches into one of his best known and best loved tracks The Best of Times. Sweat pours from Sage’s brow as he injects passion and heart into every word. The poetry in his lyrics is explicitly intense and the power in the performance is captivating.

The format of the show see’s the poets take turns performing their work. The content of B. Dolan’s poetry varies from his fellow performer in style and delivery and they both truly complement one another. Francis edges towards emotion and reflection, while Dolan delivers his own take on the biographies on Evel Knievel, Joan of Arc and Ol’ Dirty Bastard. Dolan wears an Evel Knievel costume at one point, but this actually distract from his words, which speak for themselves.  The content of all the poetry onstage is wide and deep and doesn’t need any props or costume changes.

As both artists are used to performing in clubs, bars and basements it seems slightly out of place to have the performers take to the stage at 13:40, in a tent in the middle of the hustle and bustle of central Edinburgh. A dark and dingy venue and a later time slot may have added to the atmosphere and created a more intimate and raw spoken word event. Never the less both performers appear relaxed and at ease on stage, despite the stifling heat and early time of day.