'Band of the Year' - Rolling Stone, 1992

Arrested Development sold out Boisdale once already. They're back. In 1993 they became the first hip-hop act in Grammy history to win Best New Artist, beating Annie Lennox, Eric Clapton and Toni Braxton to do it. The same night "Tennessee" won Best Rap Performance. Six million copies of the debut album. Number seven on the Billboard 200. Rolling Stone's Band of the Year. Spike Lee called them for the Malcolm X soundtrack. All of that from a group Atlanta record labels spent three years and five months refusing to sign.

Speech built something that had no real precedent: hip-hop with a live band, rooted in funk, gospel and African tradition, that crossed over without selling out. "Tennessee", "People Everyday" and "Mr. Wendal" were all certified gold singles from the same debut record. Their follow-up Zingalamaduni earned a third Grammy nomination. They put out a new single, "All I See Is Melanin", in 2025. This is not a nostalgia act running on fumes.

Live they perform with a full band and the kind of energy that explains why the last Boisdale show sold out. Expect "Tennessee", "People Everyday", "Mr. Wendal" and deeper cuts from a catalogue that sounded like nothing else in 1992 and still doesn't. Conscious hip-hop with a real rhythm section underneath it is rarer than it should be. This is the genuine article.

Visit our Hine Bar and Heated Garden Terrace located on the 1st floor for pre & post-show drinks! *Subject to availability

BOISDALE OF CANARY WHARF

Best Spirits List in the World 2022 at The World Of Fine Wine
Top Ten restaurant wine lists in London 2022 at The World Of Fine Wine

Perched elegantly above Cabot Square, Boisdale of Canary Wharf offers a multi-dimensional experience across two floors with DJ Nights on weekends at the vibrant first-floor Bar & Garden Terrace, while daily live music sets the perfect ambiance on the second-floor restaurant. Featuring a refined restaurant, four exclusive private dining rooms, the distinguished Hine Bar, extensive whisky and wine selection, a sophisticated Cigar Lounge, and an inviting Heated Garden Terrace, it's a haven for discerning patrons.

"London's number one jazz venue" Tatler
"Best Whisky Bar in the World" Whisky Magazine
"A carnivore's dream" Evening Standard
"Aged steaks are deemed incredible" Square Meal
"The world's most individualistic style bar & restaurant" Hot Tickets