Tuesday night’s Galactic gig at the Oxford Art Factory was one of the most under rated shows I’ve been to in a long time. Minimal hype and advertising meant that the usually packed Oxford St venue was only a little over half full. A blessing in disguise if you ask me – those that did turn up were definitely there for the music. Not only a refreshingly fun crowd for the uber-trendy club, but also a lineup of ego-free, fun loving performers.

Galactic, the New Orleans funk collective, played an impeccable set. These guys banged out back-to-back party tracks that kept everyone dancing and smiling all night. Contributions from guest vocalists Chali 2Na (Jurassic 5) and Boots Riley (The Coup) were interspersed with some perfectly timed Galactic jams and a couple of technically brilliant funky drum and guitar solos.

Chali 2Na, accompanied by his little brother (his “real” little brother), and Boots Riley took turns on microphone duties as Galactic provided the backing track. The Coup’s flamboyant MC Riley burst onto the stage at the beginning of Galactic’s set, adorned with a fur coat and dark sunglasses to kick off proceedings. Playing songs encompassing old and new material from The Coup (although most came from 2006’s album Pick a Bigger Weapon), definite highlights included My Favorite Mutiny and Get That Monkey Off Your Back, both of which got hands in the air and booties shaking.

As Chali 2Na hit the stage, it became obvious who the punters had forked out the cash to see. A huge reception from a modestly-sized crowd was well deserved as the legendary Jurassic 5 MC stole the show. Chali and his little brother both sported cheeky grins as they entertained the crowd with style and class. Choreographed dance moves perfectly complimented the journey through some of the best hip hop tracks of our generation. Jurassic 5’s Quality Control and What’s Golden were thrilling to see live in such an intimate setting as was Chali’s extensive solo material.

An epic encore closed proceedings as each of the night’s MCs gave an offering or their unique flows to the hip hop gods, while Galactic continued to keep the instrumental duties tight and funky as hell.