 | | Broke'n'English (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
The union between self-proclaimed pro-Mancunians Strategy and DRS was formed in this city, and although the diverse crowd at Mint Lounge ranged from devoted fans to those simply eager to party, the couple proceeded to work their way through an extremely varied set with all the vigour one would expect from a team who’s mutual careers are now well and truly shifting up a gear. The show was a real back-to-basics affair, with DJ Format taking to the decks and lacing the crowd with his usual bag of party treats and breaks. Strategy and DRS manoeuvred themselves smoothly around the stage throughout the dark, steamy This is Our Life, performed with such intensity that the lights seemed to fade in response.  | | Broke'n'English (pic: Shirlaine Forrest) |
Broke'n'English have been tearing up venues across the country for the last few years, making their live shows infamous throughout hip-hop circles. And while the duo seem to personify Manchester in their gritty, creative approach to song writing, it is perhaps their regular appearances on BBC 1Xtra that has exposed them to a wider range of music, helping them to smooth out their sound - something most present in the songs Tryin’ and Manchester S***. The northern accents, however, remain firmly in place, and as a result, it’s the dub-influenced Squeeze and the deep and seedy In A Second that act as a bridge between Broke'n'English’s past and present. The duo topped their set off by conducting a freestyle session, with topics chosen by the crowd. And as DRS and Strategy finished up with comedy tales of colonic irrigation and pies, they cemented their place as one of the UK’s wittiest and most unique hip-hop double acts. | 
