It’s hard to believe it’s been nine years since BLOO first broke into the Korean music scene. His path has never been the easiest – personally or professionally – but he remains, still making music that a devoted audience genuinely treasures. So when I learned he was returning to London, I was beyond excited.

Taking the stage at the Clapham Grand right on time at 7:30, BLOO opened with GO MAX, a single he dropped back in February. While many of his tracks lean into that signature mid-tempo groove, I savoured every moment. Watching fans rap along word for word was a reminder that it doesn’t matter how large the crowd is – true listeners will always show up and sing their hearts out.

BLOO clearly relished the energy in the room. He slid When I Smoke and Hennessy into the set, the latter a deep cut from 2017. Between songs, he chatted casually, not with polished “ment” banter but with the ease of an old friend. During one of these moments, he shared something heartbreakingly personal: his 16-year-old dog had recently passed away, and he dedicated the next song, but I’ll wait for you, to him. A few tears streaked his cheek as the music began.

Nae Tat, originally featuring Nafla, landed with power. Live, BLOO leaves little room for criticism – his vocals and flow are as compelling as ever. Still, after his on-and-off breaks from recording and performing, I sensed a flicker of nerves at the start. But the longer he rapped and sang, the more at ease he became. One of the things I love most about his work is how melody often leads the way, the lyrics finding their place within it; other times, the words drive the sound. That balance is his signature.

Before the halfway mark, he stepped off for a break, and when he returned, the energy shifted: BLOO came back fully relaxed and ready to let loose. He performed Come and Kiss Me from his 2021 album BLOO IN WONDERLAND 2, showering the crowd with water to everyone’s delight. Muse, Stay – performed for the first time in London – and his debut track Drive Thru followed in quick succession.

A particularly sweet moment came during I’m the One, when BLOO knelt on stage and sang to a fan, creating a memory she’ll never forget. He even stepped into the crowd without hesitation, confident he wouldn’t be mobbed. There’s a mutual respect between him and his fans: we adore him, and he trusts us enough to meet us where we stand.

He wove in short, easy conversations, and I loved hearing Drama, one of the first songs that drew me to him back when BLOO IN WONDERLAND 2 dropped. Hearing Downtown Baby live again brought back a rush of memories from the first time I saw him perform.

After a few more words of gratitude, BLOO wrapped the main set and quickly returned for an encore. Come and Kiss Me made a second appearance, during which he signed autographs and greeted fans – proof of his humility. For him, it isn’t about money or merch; it’s about creating that genuine bond with the people who truly listen. The night closed with DADDY, Drama, and I’m the One.

In the end, the concert felt less like a formal show and more like an evening among friends, a gathering where everyone shared in the music and conversation. Intimate shows like this are one of a kind: the artist can see every face, and we can feel every note, and every emotion.

BLOO delivered, as he always does, bearing his soul whether performing for a massive crowd or a select few. And that’s something every true music lover can’t help but appreciate.

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Written by Maggie Gogler

Featured image © Maggie Zhu for View of the Arts

_{A big thank you to ROOT Company and BLOO for having us.}

_{View of the Arts is an online publication dedicated to films, music, and the arts, with a strong focus on the Asian entertainment industry. With rich content already available to our readers, we aim to expand our reach and grow alongside our audience by delving deeper into emerging platforms such as K-pop and Asian music more broadly. At the same time, we remain committed to exploring the vibrant and ever-evolving global landscape of film, music, and the arts, celebrating the immense talent and creativity that define these industries worldwide.}