Before kicking off their performance on the Hot Press Lockdown Sessions’ Y&E Series, rap duo Tebi Rex transformed their kitchen into a stage. Near the sink was a DJ, in front of the cabinets a drummer, and right up in our faces were the two stars: Max Zanga and Matt O’Baoill.

Watching Tebi Rex perform their unique blend of rap, R&B and EDM felt like being at the front of the crowd at a basement show – as they brought all the energy to the Y&E Series you'd usually find in dark, sweaty rooms full of moving bodies and big speakers.

Throughout the set, Tebi Rex delivered their hits: Zanga nailed his funny bars on ‘Men Are Trash’, and O’Baoill shined as he sung the sensitive chorus of ‘Lotus Eaters’. Together, these tracks showcased the infectious energy and smart, political lyrics that have made the Maynooth natives one of the most watched hip-hop acts in Ireland’s growing scene.

But the most electrifying moment of the set came when Tebi Rex played ‘Robbin Szn’, a banger from their new album, The Young Will Eat The Old. As the bass throbbed and lights flashed, Zanga and O’Baoill bounced around their hardwood floor, trading bars about shows, girls and money.

At the beginning of the track, Zanga told us that when the beat dropped, we should jump “as high as we possibly can.” And somehow, when the moment came, it didn’t feel cheesy to jump — despite the fact that Zanga and O’Baoill were rapping from a kitchen and we were listening from our bedrooms. That’s how intense Tebi Rex’s charisma is.

Re-watch Tebi Rex’s performance on the Y&E Series, supported by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, on the Hot Press Instagram below:

 

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Upcoming acts in the Y&E Series:

Thursday, June 25: Jordan O’Keefe
With sold-out headliners and a duet with Ed Sheeran under his belt, Derry singer-songwriter Jordan O'Keefe continues to prove himself as a force to be reckoned with.

Friday, June 26: Tara Lee
Drawing influence from the likes of David Bowie, Massive Attack and Blondie, Tara Lee has built up a reputation as a captivating performer, singer-songwriter, producer and actress – releasing her powerful project Noir last year.

Saturday, June 27: Doppler
The brainchild of Jamie Mulrooney, a former winner of the coveted Clancy Brothers Songwriter Competition, acclaimed collective Doppler returned after a hiatus with the irresistible new single 'A Memory' earlier this year.

Sunday, June 28: Anna Carmody
Born in Galway and raised in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Anna Carmody has already earned comparisons to the legendary likes of Amy Winehouse and Dolores O'Riordan, with her stunning, indie-folk-flavoured sound. Her highly anticipated debut EP is expected in early 2021.

Each live showcase will be broadcast live, to Ireland and the world, at 19:30 from the Hot Press Instagram (@hotpressmagazine).