Live & Alive: Lancey Foux @ The Roundhouse
The UK trap superstar took to the stage at The Roundhouse, London, for his recent tour stop.
Lancey Foux by Patrick Sear. Image property of The Culture Crypt.
"They weren't tryna hear me in the ends, so I went big overseas," said Lancey Foux—UK rap's Sid Vicious—on his 2022 track "Get It". A year after these bars, Lancey returned to give us a powerful sold-out show at Roundhouse, London, from the UK leg of his BACK2DATRAP Tour this month.
Lancey's momentum hasn't stopped since popping out with 2015's cult classic "About It" and the fan-favourite mixtape Pink II (2018). Fast-forward eight years, and the fruits of his labour have never been more apparent. Lancey took to the stage, energetically performing his recent gritty hyper-trap records on a stage decorated by a singular screen towering behind him, switching between visualisations of his lyrics and recreations of famous logos, from MasterCard to Nike, plastered with the title of his mixtape BACK2DATRAP. This created a simplistic yet elegant backdrop to his performance.
DJ Semtex opened the night, followed by fellow trap vigilantes Fimiguerrero and Len, who were excellent choices for establishing a vibrant crowd. DJ Semtex perfectly read the room and used his extensive knowledge to craft a set that had the crowd on its toes. Both supports were an obvious choice; each showcased outstanding chemistry with Lancey and possessed distinct sounds that complemented each other's style.
As the support acts concluded, the audience eagerly yearned for more—seeing as both Fimi and Len's fanbases have grown tenfold in the past year.
Lancey's performance was flawlessly executed and presumably carefully planned. Still, it was a plan that could only be executed so naturally by someone with the showmanship Lancey possessed. A fan enthusiastically remarked on Lancey's display of affection towards the left side of the crowd—an observation I've infrequently understood, possibly influenced by the bias of concertgoers seeking validation.
Still, the aforementioned sentiment shows how enthralled the fans were by his mere attention alone. Much of the excitement about seeing the rapper live is thanks to Lancey Foux's expertly moulded mystique and lore.
With a larger-than-life persona, Lancey exudes an air of mystery and intrigue that captivates fans. It's as if he's the protagonist in his own graphic novel, prompting enthusiasts to reach out to the creators, eagerly dissecting musical storylines and piecing together the trajectory of their punk-rap protagonist.
Despite running through many old favourites and BACK2DATRAP mainstays, I must loop back around to "Get It". The song truly embodies the central essence of the show. Lancey has seamlessly brought his sound back home while seamlessly sounding as futuristic as possible. The grand finale featured surprise guests, including Unknown T, Bakar, Strandz and Rema, who joined him on stage.
If the guests on stage aren't enough to convince you, legendary figures from the UK rap scene, Jammer and Chip, supported from a comfortable courtside view.
Undoubtedly, the show was an absolute masterclass in the art of rap performances. If the UK trap conversation doesn't involve Lancey Foux: the discussion shouldn't be had in the first place.
Stream BACK2DATRAP below: