Dizzee Rascal puts T in the Park in a spin

Jul 13 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

T in the Park: Dizzee Rascal review

MUSIC fans went Bonkers for Dizzee Rascal during his Sunday set on T in the Park’s main stage.

The 24-year-old Londoner – pictured – has developed an extensive back-catalogue since cementing a place in music’s mainstream following the release of his Boy In Da Corner album in 2003.

His debut offering secured a prestigious Mercury Music Prize and a springboard to future, crowd-pleasing, stardom.

Dizzee opened with signature hit Jus a Rascal after the hordes had gathered to worship their hero.

And he lived-up to his position high on the running order.

Aggressive early tracks Road Rage, Heavy and Can’t Tek No More were moved away from their roots in the UK grime scene by an accomplished live rock band.

Adaptability was again showcased as Stand Up Tall – normally the definition of UK hip-hop – was combined with the rift from Nirvana’s festival favourite Smells Like Teen Spirit.

With the sun beating down and the merciless wind dropping slightly, expectant fans began to sense the basketball-shirt wearing MC was about to launch into the more dance-driven tunes from latest album, Tongue ‘N Cheek.

High-octane hat-trick Dirtee Disco, Dance Wiv Me and Holiday – singles which draw on the expertise of top DJs Calvin Harris and David Guetta, among others – whipped the baying mob into a frenzy.

But this was nothing compared to the riotous atmosphere when the set was polished off with the all-conquering summer anthem Bonkers, which reached the top of the charts in May last year.

In 2008 the MC, known as Dylan Mills to his mum, appeared in the Kinross-shire extravaganza’s Slam Tent.

With a clutch of number ones, his own record label, and stacks of awards under his belt since, it surely won’t be long until Dizzee returns to headline T and put his admirers into a spin once more.