REVIEW: Bugzy Malone, O2 Academy, Newcastle

Manchester rapper and self-styled 'evil genius' Bugzy Malone took to the stage in Newcastle for a triumphant return as a headline act.

Six months ago he supported Wretch in a memorable night at the O2 Academy; this time he owned the stage.

It's been a remarkable, and colourful, rise to success for the Northern Grime star.

He only started around six years ago, but 10 million Youtube views and a much-publicised brush with the law later, and 25-year-old Bugzy has now hit the big time.

And, on this the final night of his Facing Time tour, a sold out Academy got to find out why he is so big.

Instant classics like Beauty and the Beast, Moving and I Suggest had the crowd going wild.

He's notorious for whipping up the audience in the mosh pit, so it was apt that Mosh Pit Gang got an airing, and with the desired effect.

What added to the atmosphere was that it was clear Bugzy himself was absolutely loving the show.

The old favourites like Watch Your Mouth and Wasteman blended in nicely with his cover of Tupac's Changes.

Bugzy was in town under the auspices of North East-based Rub a Dub Dub promotions, and he gave them one heck of a show.

Another fantastic night from the man from "the 0161" as he would put it. Bugzy says his aim is to put "Manny on the map," he did that in Newcastle with the promise of more to come. A great night of Grime in the city.