Wilf Guyatt found out more.

You will never find a bigger ‘superstar’ DJ than Tim Westwood, not simply because of his height.   

Westwood of ‘Radio 1 rap show’ fame has been named the UK’s best hip-hop DJ each year for the last decade by the influential ‘Hip-hop Connections’ magazine.   

In the rap music industry, Westwood is a star so large, that Eminem admitted to be star-struck when he first met the man known to some as ‘Big Tim.’  

Having a star like Westwood performing at a club with the capacity of 360 is a true credit to the owners of Soda, This shrewd move attracted hip-hop fans from all along the M4 junctions, from Reading, Bath and Bristol to see the undisputed King of UK rap radio perform.  

In my own bitter experience, influential ‘superstar’ DJ’s have a habit of not turning up or end up playing a twenty minute experimental set of Belgian trance at the wrong speed before being ushered away from the club in a limo with five grand in cash.  

Whatever Westwood was paid for his performance at the club it was definately money well spent.  I got to the lusciously decorated club about 30 minutes after the doors opened and was quite impressed to see Westwood already behind the decks, busily darting through his record boxes and talking to his fellow DJ’s ‘2-Vibe Crew.’  

Westwood put the needle to his first record just a fraction after 11.00pm and the following three hour set did not disappoint. 

For all the criticism Westwood gets from certain quarters it is clear that you cannot fault his ability to work a crowd. 

When Westwood says ‘put your hands up’ – the crowd follows his every word, like their lives depended on it.  

The DJ really seemed to meet his remit with ease, he took the crowd on a music journey with him – acting partly as an MC – shouting commands at the crowd and seemingly enjoying every moment spent behind the decks.  

The club seems truly suited to the ‘Soul City’ night – the décor seems to lend itself to the music, the soulful blend played on the first floor by DJ’s Truss, Jada Funk and C Double E, and the raucous selection banged out by ‘2-Vibe Crew’ and Westwood on the ground floor.

Everything about Soul City at Soda was perfect.  Not only did Westwood positively work for his fee, but the venue, a great crowd and the friendly but firm door staff created a great mid-week night out.  

So, Westwood has finally gained my respect, not only for giving me a great night out, but for seemingly practicing what he preached.   

Outside the club, and opposite the kebab van was a huge white American truck with the number plate ‘RAP 30X.’  Yes folks, Westwood has proven that he lives truly lives the hip-hop lifestyle – by parking on double yellow lines in Old Town. Gangster.

Wilf Guyatt