Yes, it's dope

«You can put your money on me» Oscar Blesson booms confidently in the song Young wave god. There are others than him who believe in him. The youngster from Holmlia was a major talking point at this year’s By:Larm. So it was a hopeful crowd, including revelers and a handful of well-known hip hop faces that showed up on the release concert of the EP Watch the boy grow. On impeccable American, Blesson sings the show's first lines of text in a neon box made for the occasion by artist brothers Broslo. His somewhat tough, but technical flow and pronunciation makes the parallel to JAY-Z impossible to avoid.

The text is delivered with attitude and empathy, yet informal, as when talking with a mate. It is overall something delicious and un-Norwegian over Blesson’s style and presence. Perhaps that is why Manhattan in New York is where Blesson currently has the most Spotify listeners. It does not become less American as the DJ is constantly shouting «chuch» into the microphone, the corresponding «amen» in the hip hop world. The man behind the controls is the Norwegian Tommy Tee, who has taken Blesson under the wings of the Company Tee Productions.

The 20-year-old is lucky, because with the presence of the hip hop veteran follow good beats, a talented band and not least a quality stamp. He also piloted a somewhat overwhelmed Blesson through the concert’s pauses; he is constantly losing some focus between songs. The mentor-to-student conversations between the pair are charming enough, but lessen Blesson’s authority as a rapper. The transitions remind rather of a youth festival than a headliner. «Is it dope?» Blesson asks the audience throughout the concert and get the response he wants. Yes, it's dope. For although the overall picture can be somewhat improved, the young man has an obvious talent and delivers another top quality hip hop concert. The EP titled «Watch the boy grow» however, describes the impression Blesson as an artist with striking precision. For although the Oslo boy is far ahead of schedule, he must grow a bit before he can measure up to the really big international names.