A NORTH-EAST man has described the moment he went on stage with one of the world's most iconic rappers, The Game as he performed at a surprise North-East venue on Friday.

DJ Ryan Swain, who lives near Sunderland, was left in a state of shock after he was given the chance to bring the American rapper onto the stage at Rainton Arena in Houghton-le-Spring.

The DJ had originally turned up to the venue to interview The Game along with supporting acts, Kema Kay, Kay Greyson, DJ Cueball and Sensation, as part of a video of the event.

But after being invited to go backstage by the rapper's management, the rapper himself asked if he could be introduced to the crowd by DJ Swain.

Describing it a 'surreal' experience, the 28-year-old originally from Malton, North Yorkshire, said it added to the suprise that The Game had chosen the venue as a stop-off on his UK tour.

The Northern Echo:

As part of his UK ‘Born to Rap’ tour celebrating the release of his ninth album before New Year, The Game has been performing across the country and the North-East.

The holder of the 2005 ‘World’s Best Selling New Male Artist,’ and 2008 ‘Best West Coast Rap Artist’ is well known for songs including How We Do, Let’s Ride, Hate It Or Love It and Dreams.

DJ Swain said: “The Game is a major icon, he is touring around the whole of the UK – he was in Newcastle on February 6 and was supposed to Leeds on the 8th, but the Rainton Arena somehow managed to get The Game."

The DJ, who has performed up and down the country for the past decade, said he wasn't expecting the chance to host The Game and have the responsibility of introducing him to the crowd.

He said: “It was incredible.

"The concert wasn’t just young rock fans, there was a diverse audience and older people who remembered it first.”

The Northern Echo: Supporting artist DJ Cueball at the Rainton ArenaSupporting artist DJ Cueball at the Rainton Arena

Rainton Arena, which describes itself as the region’s home for ‘largest events from weddings to entertainment,’ is a relatively different venue to the 11,000 capacity Utilita Arena in Newcastle.

On his tour, The Game has been performing at Manchester's Albert Hall, Bristol's Marble Factory and London's O2 Forum.

DJ Swain said: “The Rainton Arena is trying to get big big names, The Game even described the night as spectacular.

“Especially even to get close to The Game – he’s a musical icon, to get close to somebody who is so prolific is a surreal experience.”

The Game's UK tour will end on Wednesday as he plays Glasgow's O2 Academy.