Ugly Duckling @ King Tut's, 28 October

Ugly Duckling take the stage after rousing support slots from local hip-hop heroes, beatboxer Bigg Taj, a stalwart of the local scene, and Hector Bizerk. Taj knows how to get a crowd moving, while Louie's thought-provoking, socially conscious rhymes are delivered in a melodic, tightly-laced flow, negotiating the rapid rhythmic twists of drummer Audrey's rhythms with effortless style.

When the main act arrive, they are greeted warmly – UD's reputation as one of the best live bands in hip-hop precedes them, and they don't disappoint. They are crowd-pleasers: delivering live versions of standout tracks from their five-album career, including A Little Samba, its Latin rhythms sounding as fresh as they did in 93, the Beasties-sampling I Did It Like This, and Eye On The Gold Chain, alongside newer tracks which recapture the energy of their past glories.

Competent turntablist Young Einstein delivers a jaw-dropping technical showcase (briefly dropping Red Red Wine, to the crowd's amusement), while emcees Andy Cooper and Dizzy Dustin helm an incredibly tight stage show, inviting girls up on stage, finishing each others lines, and enthusiastically repping Long Beach CA. The classically-modelled hip-hop, delivered by accomplished, sure-footed performers, is greeted rapturously by the assembled fans, who got exactly what they were looking for. The solid, forward-looking support sets by two of Scotland's best hip-hop acts make this an unforgettable night.