The phrases “slept on” and “one of the most underrated lyricist” are most often used to describe Elzhi. This is a massive disservice to his copious rhyme talent that will be on display at the Jazz Café this Thursday, November 3, courtesy of those good promoters of dope live hip-hop – Doctors Orders.
Elzhi entered the international public contentiousness with his verse on J.Dilla’s Welcome To Detroit standout track “Come and Get It.” He was then made a fully-fledged member of Slum Village after impressing during recording sessions for the follow up to their classic Fantastic Vol.2 album. Subsequent show stealing appearances on their following three albums solidified Elzhi’s reputation as one of the finest lyricists to come out of Detroit.
After tragedy and infighting brought an end to the seconnd incarnation of the Slum line-up, Elzhi went solo with the release of his 2008 debut Preface. The combination of a whole album of stellar Black Milk production and Elzhi’s razor sharp flows and creative lyrical concepts made for a near flawless LP with plenty of replay value. Now out of the shadow of the Slum, Elzhi has continued to shine and win new fans from around the world. Elmatic his much anticipated tribute to Nas’ seminal classic Illmatic featuring original tracks reinterpreted with the help of the uber talented live band Will Sessions, gained rave reviews and widespread praise upon its online release earlier this year.
Backed by a live band just as he, Phat Kat, Frank & Dank and Illa J were at the Doctor’s Orders/Jazz Café Dilla tribute night in May – Elzhi has another chance to show why he won’t be Hip Hop’s best kept secret for much longer. Spin Doctor, DJ Mr Thing and one of the UK’s very own dope emcees – Yungun, will provide the support on what promises to be another essential night at one of the best venue’s for live music in London.
Priced £15 in advance, get your tickets here.
Click here for more of Elzhi’s 2011 European tourdates.
[...] lyricists, eLZhi brought his critically acclaimed project ELmatic to life onstage at his headline show at London’s famed Jazz Cafe. As with his Dilla tribute night in May, the former Slum [...]