When Somerset House announced that Giggs would headline their 2025 Summer Series, it felt like more than a booking — it felt like a statement. A bold, intentional choice to not only honour a legend, but to welcome a new generation and demographic into the heart of one of London’s most historic institutions.
This was no ordinary show. It was a homecoming. A declaration. A moment that said: UK rap belongs here too.
A Cultural Reset in the Courtyard
Somerset House has long been a beacon for culture, art, and experimentation. But bringing Giggs — a titan of UK rap, a voice of the streets, and a figure whose music once faced radio bans — into that iconic courtyard signalled something deeper: progress.
As someone who’s benefitted from Somerset House’s Black Business Residency, I’ve seen first-hand how the institution is evolving. This wasn’t just about music. It was about legacy, access, and expanding the narrative of who gets to be centre stage — and who the space belongs to.
Giggs and his son ML perform at Somerset house Shot on film by @nineteenhowlong
A Family Affair
Midway through the show, Giggs brought his son out to perform their song ‘Motion’ (remix). It was a powerful, emotional moment — father and son on stage together, sharing the spotlight. ML came off the stage saying “best dad ever”.
A metaphor, perhaps, for what Giggs is doing for Somerset House itself: bringing in the next generation, offering them a platform, and passing down a sense of ownership that wasn’t always there before.
He didn’t stop there. The setlist was stacked with legends and rising stars alike. Established collaborators. Hungry new talent. It was part concert, part coronation. Giggs wasn’t just performing; he was curating a vision of the future.
Giggs & Family last night at Somerset House was actually fantastic. He brought out Blade Brown for a medley of tracks, Lethal B, P Money, Suspect, Tiny Boost, Youngs Teflon, fem fel out of retirement, his son ML, Dubz, Skrapz, Tom Mouchi, Charlie Sloth & liverpool artists Kasst &…
— 9bills (@9bills) July 21, 2025
From Peckham to Paris
In recent years, Giggs has expanded his voice beyond music. His collaboration with KidSuper and Quavo — a fusion of UK rap, high fashion, and international swagger — shows a man still evolving. He even cheekily addresses it in his lyrics:
“I don’t really go fashion week, But this one here, I went to it”
It’s funny, but also profound. Giggs has never chased acceptance — he’s built his own lane and watched the world catch up.
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One of One
There’s a lyric from Giggs that echoed differently after this show:
“Biggest GOAT, you know how much London man I’ve given hope / If there’s someone else like me, let me know.”
There isn’t. Not really. Giggs is one of one — a pioneer who gave South London a global voice, brought rap into new spaces, and somehow did it all without compromising who he is. This Somerset House performance didn’t just put a spotlight on his music — it underlined his importance to British culture as a whole.
For those in the crowd that night — fans, families, creatives, and future GOATs — it was clear: this wasn’t just a concert. It was history. And it’s about time institutions like Somerset House caught up.
Shout out to Stoked PR for the plug to be able to write this review.
Words by Nelson 9bills
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