Roots Manuva

Roots Manuva is one of the most familiar faces in British hip-hop music. With his 2001 classic album 'Run Come Save Me', which featured the instantly recognisable Witness (1 Hope) and a host of other quality projects before and after that, he's eclectic, influential and has always been one to adapt and push boundaries. 'Bleeds' is his ninth studio album, released through the independent Big Dada label, and Manuva's growth and maturity shines through, with some unexpected musical choices and a modern, diverse approach.

The swelling synthesizers and textured production of opener 'Hard B*****ds' instantly draw you in; Roots Manuva's vocal is passionate and heartfelt, and you can hear his experience even when the more familiar hip-hop and dub sound is put on the back burner. The intensity of 'Crying' makes the track a real standout, and a more aggressive Manuva is definitely successful when tackling the gritty production. The London musician takes influence from a wide variety of music on this album, with some almost Bon Iver-esque vocal melodies on 'Don't Breathe Out' and an interesting electronic soundscape which is, at times, upbeat and uplifting and, at others, sinister and glitchy. 

'Bleeds' is an album with a very cinematic feel. The scope of the production on the relentlessly pounding, slow-paced 'Stepping Hard' is a prime example, with experimental sound effects and dramatic electric guitars adding to the depth of Manuva's tone and writing. The slight trap influence on 'Me Up!' is another unexpected route for Roots Manuva, and the power in his voice makes him sound so authoritative when rapping his verses, and his melodic ability is also to be praised highly on this album. The silky keys and strong message of the jazzy and heartfelt 'Fighting For?' make for a stellar finishing track; the mature, subtle production mixed with Roots Manuva's undeniable skill on the microphone and his sheer class close off a really good album.

Continue reading: Roots Manuva - Bleeds Album Review

Word on the street is building that Roots Manuva's forthcoming record 4everevolution is on a par with his best work. The good news is that on the whole it is, navigating around a diverse musical palette, the shining light of UK hip hop has managed to create a compelling and concise hour long state of the nation address.

Continue reading: Roots Manuva, 4everevolution Album Review

For all the respect paid, and his undoubted influence on British hip hop, there is always a suspicion that Rodney Smith - aka Roots Manuva - was doing less with the more god had given him. At around the time of the release of his second album Run Come Save Me - what with its Mercury Prize nomination and acres of adoring press - it looked like finally there was an artist in possession of the strength of character to take the fight to the US hip hop scene.

Continue reading: Roots Manuva Meets Wrongtom, Duppy Writer Album Review

Single review of Let The Spirit by Roots Manuva.

Continue reading: Roots Manuva, Let The Spirit Single Review

Roots Manuva live at The Arches in Glasgow on October 9th 2008.

Continue reading: Roots Manuva, The Arches, Glasgow Live Review