Imagine popping into your nearest takeaway for a burger and chips and seeing a local music star behind the counter treating customers to a secret gig.
Well, that’s exactly what happened at one Greater Manchester burger joint last night when Moston rapper Aitch performed for fans while they tucked into their dinner. Super Awesome Deluxe, in the Northern Quarter, played host to the rapper on Wednesday night as he performed new music.
The new smashed burger spot – which comes from the people behind Almost Famous – was packed out as Aitch took to the mic to give customers a quick taste of new music that’s dropping this Friday. He was joined by Manchester-based Drum and bass star DJ Bou, who he’s collaborated with on the new track.
READ MORE: I ate the ‘most pretentious’ burger in Manchester where a Happy Meal costs £40
Aitch first made a name for himself at the end of 2017 following the release of freestyle rap Straight Rhymez. The track garnered national attention, getting picked up on leading blogs and channels within the rap scene. He’s since gone on to collaborate with big artists, including AJ Tracey, Toddla T, D-Block Europe, Anne-Marie and Ed Sheeran, and even headlined the main stage at Parklife.
Moston rapper Aitch performs a secret gig at a Manchester takeaway
(Image: MEN)
Teasing fans with new music, Aitch, whose real name is Harrison Armstrong, arrived at the venue on Thomas Street around 8.30pm before performing as burgers were handed out. Burgers at Super Awesome Deluxe are made to order, with only limited quantities available each day to ensure standards are kept high and the menu consists of three choices: a Super, an Awesome or a Deluxe burger.
The rapper explained to those in attendance that he’ll be releasing new music on Friday (January 17) and gave them a idea of what to expect. The new track samples Gorillaz, and followed on from an Instagram post from Aitch earlier this week teasing a nod to the British band. The song has also been teased on TikTok.
Moston rapper Aitch performs a secret gig at a Manchester takeaway
(Image: MEN)
During his performance, Aitch also explained how the song and collaboration with Bou came about. He said the drum and bass star had messaged him saying he had produced a song and wanted the Moston rapper on it. Aitch told crowds he was expecting his usual type of tunes but he was surprised when Bou showed him a D’n’B beat.
He added that was the ‘short story’ about how the track came about and ended his set with a performance with a drum and bass version of his song, Rain. Before he left the stage, he left fans guessing by teasing more new music in the future from himself and Bou.
As well as tucking into Super Awesome Deluxe’s burgers and chips, Aitch’s team could be seen handing out the rapper’s own flavoured water brand, SYPS.
Moston rapper Aitch performs a secret gig at a Manchester takeaway
(Image: MEN)
Last January, the rap superstar launched the flavoured water range following a battle with a fizzy drink addiction. SYPS is a ‘zero sugar, zero calorie’ drink that comes in a range of flavours including strawberry, peach as well as lemon and lime.
He became the latest celebrity to throw his hat in the flavoured water ring following the likes of Tyson Fury, Paddy Pimblett and KSI. Explaining the reason for launching his own, Aitch said: “I started SYPS because I needed to drink more water but was addicted to fizzy drinks.
“Water just wasn’t hitting the spot in the same way. I’m really excited to be sharing this with everyone and hope it helps us all stay hydrated.”
It’s not the first time the rapper has made a surprise appearance in the Northern Quarter though. Hundreds of fans turned out last summer for a charity fundraiser held by local streetwear brand Drama Call. He appeared outside of the Note Skate Shop on Thomas Street, and could be seen on top of a van hyping up the crowd that turned up for the exclusive £10 t-shirts.