Additional information
Roots Manuva: Rodney Smith. A bright moment for British rap, the debut album from Roots Manuva introduced a hip-hop chameleon boasting dark productions and a distinct style, plus much more to say than most rappers. Both his raps and his productions rely on ragga as a bed, but instead of leading the party, Roots Manuva used it to reflect on the world ("Strange Behaviour") and his religious background ("Baptism"), as well as play the usual game of the dozens ("Dem Phonies"). Also of interest is the devastating "Clockwork", originally released on the Ninja Tune label compilation Funkungfusion. If anything, these low-key , bass-heavy productions (some by the rapper himself) aren't able to convey Roots Manuva's lyrical finesse and thematic complexity. ~ John Bush
Reviews
Spin (5/99, p.155) - "...Smith's ragga-gruff delivery is every bit as intriguing as what's happening behind the boards. Familiar to heads who checked the FUNKUNGFUSION and BLACK WHOLE STYLES compilations, Manuva shifts from abstract to narrative with offhand skill, aiming toward a Euro-American hip-hop future full of deep, dubby possibilities." Alternative Press (6/99, p.109) - 3 (out of 5) - "...the tones come from intelligent jungle and ambient. It's cool to experience British-oriented spine-tingling, neo-electro tones working with hip-hop (rather than jungle or techno) beats..." Muzik (1/00, p.69) - Ranked #12 in Muzik's "Albums Of The Year '99" - "...The muddy, mucky, dub-inspired beats should make most trip hop producers hang their heads in shame." Melody Maker (5/1/99, p.36) - 4 1/2 stars (out of 5) - "...a prodigious talent like Roots Manuva has its own urban-realist take on breakbeat poetry....[his] freestyle flinging is ritualistic and rare. One of the finest, sublimest UK hip hop albums ever made." NME (Magazine) (4/10/99, p.32) - "...BRAND NEW SECOND HAND runs like a perspicuous, uncanny urban novel, with Roots a smart character amid the disorder..."