Spring is in the air in Montreal and I can think of no better way to celebrate than live music. The sun was setting on a beautiful Sunday as a modest crowd poured into the Belmont for the bad boy of Canadian hip hop.
I’d say the crowd was comfortably under 100, but they showed up early for a lineup of 7 local acts that performed with DJ Blaster. Each was given about 10 minutes to show what they had, and the small crowd made their presence felt and showed the local talent some love.
Next up was Robbie G with DJ Dow Jones. Another short set, but it served well to hype up the crowd. He got some crowd participation going with “You Know This.”
DJ Dow Jones stayed onstage for the main event as Madchild took the stage surrounded by massive bodyguards. You could sense that the crowd was appreciative to see the rapper looking in good spirits, considering his previous struggles with addiction and depression. He was also happy to see the crowd, high-fiving and fist-bumping with everyone he could. Over the course of the set, I’m pretty sure he got everyone.
He was very open about his struggles and discussed his road to recovery. He talked about how getting back out to the fans was a big motivation to getting his life back in order. It was as honest and vulnerable as I’ve seen a man covered in face and neck tattoos be. For a man that raps about drugs, violence and demons, he put out an amazingly positive vibe.
He paid homage to his brothers in Swollen Members by playing a few classics like “Fuel Injected” and “Lady Venom.” The crowd responded to these in a big way. He sounded like he did back in the 90s, like despite his issues, he hasn’t missed a beat, figuratively and literally. His unique rasp sounds just as good live. A lot of rappers with his style are overproduced, but he reproduces songs like “Monster” and “Last Emperor” live flawlessly.
He sent the crowd home with his biggest solo hit, “The Jackal.” If there was something to reproach about the set was its length. It was over much sooner than you’d expect for a headlining performance. I guess you gotta leave ‘em wanting more.
Madchild, lovely to see you again! Here’s to your health, physical and mental. Keep up your positive vibes and we hope to see you gracing our city for years to come.
Review – Richard Brunette
Photos – Kieron Yates
