The Evolution of NE-O

 

Seven years ago I was introduced to NE-O at a small cafe in Gateshead, last night he headlined one of the most prestigious venues in the North East.

There are maybe 100 steps between the two venues but the performances were worlds apart.

At Arch Sixteen, as one-half of NE Dons, NE-O was a raw MC with high energy just having fun shelling grime sets. At the Glasshouse, as a headliner, he was an artist. Calm, controlled and radiating assured confidence. 

Back then, there was potential. Now, there is presence. 

A cameo from Eyeconic for Isit, call and response with Dem Ones and crowd favourites like Dubai (with Sagaboi in the crowd too) and Seventeen, NE-O ran through a setlist that showcased a range that is rarely acknowledged in his discography. 

A highlight was going from The Throne Freestyle into a grime melody including his iconic 'It's N to the E' reload bar from the anthemic Arthur Morgan. I've since learned we missed out on a sixteen from Greeze which is probably a good thing because I might have hyperventilated from the 'North East saviour / Geordies cant spit stigma breaker' parts. 

The main takeaway from the night for most however will be the unreleased Miley Cyrus. Anyone who was their at the Glasshouse or has seen it performed previously knows that it is a hit-hit and I'm sure I'm not the only one waiting earnestly for it's release.

Throughout his set, I couldn't help but think about the evolution of NE-O as an artist. It was evident from his opening song, a remix of his GOAT Freestyle. Rapping over his own production, it was visible how proud NE-O was to the reaction for the new beat. 

He was similarly proud performing his new release Help - and he should be. 

The Whitley Bay MC has always shown parts of himself in his music. Since his debut EP, anyone who has ever listened knows how much NE-O loves his family, has high ambitions and is proud to be from Newcastle. 

On Help, there is a leap of vulnerability. There are of course nods to his mam and his hunger to be successful but it goes deeper. With references to his mental health, losing friends and his intention to quit music in 2022. 

When I first got a preview of Help, my feedback was that it was 'fine.' 

The truth is that whenever Morgan sends me music early I'm always hoping it's a grime banger. Help is a far cry from that. It was wrong of me to pigeonhole NE-O as a grime MC and be so narrow minded in my expectations. 

This isn't 2017 anymore. NE-O is way more than just a grime MC. He has evolved and continues to develop into a fully rounded musician. He can light up a rave and go wheel for wheel with the best of his peers but he can also slow it down and get introspective too and that should be commended. 

Last night was a stamp of the artist NE-O has become. Truly a force of the North and I'm sure this isn't even his final form.