Live Review: Mac Miller, DJ Clockwork

Even at doors, the line from 170 Russell is already curling down the street as eager Mac Miller fans exhale their last drag of cigarette smoke before shuffling into the venue. The crowd is diverse in nature and while some rush the bar others gravitate to the merch desk that's offering a varied array of T-shirts, hoodies, caps and your usual hip hop memorabilia. Surprisingly Miller doesn't have a support on tonight, although DJ Clockwork spins some dope tracks to get the vibe right. But, after several albums and his appearance at Listen Out festival on the weekend, Miller sold 170 out all on his own.

An energetic Miller bursts onto the stage and immediately hands go up. And not just your usual hand waving, people are losing their fuckin' minds jumping all over the place. Opening with more of a new-wave style, we're treated to tracks from the GO:OD AM album and his more recent cut The Divine Feminine. The smell of weed is intoxicating in the venue and when Miller transitions into Dang! (usually featuring Anderson. Paak, but now voiced by his support rapper) the lights pulse to the now-Saturday-night-feeling dancefloor. It's funny how many girls are into Miller despite his constant "fucking bitches" references throughout his music. During his line, "I just eat pussy, other people need food," a girl on someone's shoulders flashes the stage.

Track Donald Trump comes with a PSA of Miller in no way endorsing the president, in fact, he encourages a "fuck, Trump!" chant from the crowd. At this point sweeping floods and darting strobes have us going crazy! Concluding a track from 2010's self-titled album, Miller asks for simple applause, no cheering, no screaming just a slow clap - nice to see humour from the bravado-obsessed MC. This is a side of American hip hop we don't often see hit our shores and there is clearly a hungry market for it. 

Finale Diablo gets every last pair of kicks off the now sticky floor. We all know why Miller is one of the best in the damn game.