GALLERY + REVIEW: Pusha T - Birmingham, UK (8/7/23)

Aug 15

Pusha T
O2 Institute - Birmingham, UK - August 7th, 2023
Photos by Robert Barrett (@robertbarrett_photography)

The first track on Pusha T’s 2018 album DAYTONA, “If You Know You Know,” perfectly summarises his career. Never requiring mainstream pop success like some of his peers, he’s kept the reputation as your favourite rapper’s favourite rapper. With the It’s Almost Dry Tour, Pusha aims to show the world exactly why he should be selling out arenas.

As with the rest of the EU tour the shows in the UK run were rescheduled three times, with the last May attempt pushed back so that Pusha could bring the full tour experience to the EU. From the bass hits and bars of “Let the Smokers Shine the Coupe” he was in full flow, an artist at the top of his game. Nothing was said by Pusha about the recent diss from Drake on Travis Scott’s Utopia, but he didn’t need to say anything. A crowd born chant of ‘f**k Drake” rose up, Pusha just smiled. No distractions tonight as he ran through cuts from the last two records without stopping for breath. The double shot of “Diet Coke” and “Call My Bluff” heralded in the mosh pit, that only doubled in size for a covers of Kanye’s “Mercy” and “Runaway.” “This is for those that have been with me since day one,” he shouted before the unforgettable stomping beat of Clipse’s “Grindin” kicked into gear.

Ending on his verse from “I Don’t Like” he left the crowd sweaty and eager for more. With this tour finally coming to a close, years after it was first announced its finally time for Pusha to move into the next stage of his career. Beefs and drama aside, Pusha can put on one hell of a show, worthy of much bigger rooms than the Institute.