(August 3, 2011) —Tinie Tempah is a new star on the rise. Yet, so many people know very little about him. So, it came as a small shock when Gilt City hosted this concert event at The Loft in downtown Atlanta. So, after shifting through parking garages and finally settling for one that was a few strides away from the theatre, I finally made it to my destination. With my print out ticket, White Castles t-shirt, and my eager fandom all in tow, I chose the make the most of this concert.

I will say this: as short as the concert was, it was well worth it.

     Tinie Tempah knew that he had to go through his string of “hits” and well known songs with a mixture of familiar vibes to keep the party going. Starting off the night was his song “Frisky” that had him hopping across the small stage. As the crowd recites “la la la la”, he went straight into saying “Frisky!”, giving all the viewers what they wanted: to be a full participant in the music themselves. Even in the Wiz Khalifa assisted “Till I’m Gone”, he even made sure that everything was involved and energetic. If one could gather anything, Tinie Tempah is a fan of his own music.

The smartest thing he did was to use familiar instrumentals to flip and rhyme over. Doing the popular thing, Tinie went in over the “Otis” instrumental. Yet, his take on it was pretty refreshing. The same can be said for his rendition of “Hustle Hard” minus Ace Hood and any other hood luminary that was featured. It is safe to say that Tinie wanted the crowd engaged at all costs.

     Timing of the concert notwithstanding, Tinie Tempah came, saw, and conquered. Within his short set, he made sure the mixed crowd of young and old fans was attentive. Yet, I still feel he isn’t fully appreciated over in the States well enough. He still has some time to grab more attention. Thanks to Gilt City, however, Atlanta got a treat straight from the Union Jack.

Article written by Mark A. Harris, contributing writer for STACKS Magazine