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US hip-hop act De La Soul are set to perform at the Camden Centre |
It’s De end: Rap legends play axed venue
FACING closure as a civic hall, the Camden Centre is set to go down in a “blaze of glory” with a series of cutting-edge hip-hop concerts.
Legendary rappers De La Soul and Talib Kweli have been booked to take the stage – more commonly used for public meetings, tea dances and the odd political rally – in King’s Cross.
In a wide-ranging overhaul, the council-owned venue inside the Town Hall is set to be turned into new offices and a front desk for people wanting help with queries.
Next door, the Town Hall annexe is to be sold off to private developers on the grounds that it costs too much to maintain.
The loss of the Camden Centre as a community and concert hall has been lamented by many objectors, including recent mayor Nurul Islam.
New events listings confirm that big-name rappers will be among the final acts to perform on a stage that once hosted blues maestro Muddy Waters.
Phillip Mlynar, editor of Hip Hop Connection, said: “De La Soul have more classic albums under their belts than most new rappers have hit singles.
“If you’re looking to sell out a venue then there are few better rap acts you could call on.”
Lee Tyler, editor of Blues and Soul Magazine, warned that even hip-hop stars would not be enough to stop the council doing business with developers.
He said: “I can’t see De La Soul saving the centre – we’ve got to put the romanticism of these things to one side – but it will go out in a blaze of glory now.”
Talib Kweli will perform on Wednesday June 10 with De La Soul playing on the following day. |
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