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So, what has happened to British hip-hop in the past decade? Dizzee Rascal has gone from Mercury Prize-winning newcomer and respected underground grime rapper to a fully-fledged pop superstar. Tinie Tempah has quickly followed in his footsteps by becoming the UK’s new favourite hip-hop artist. And Example has left the rapping behind in favour of a bit of singing and dancefloor chart-toppers.
It’s fair to say that British hip-hop has well and truly blown up. However, whether you appreciate the way the genre has gone in this country or not, there’s no denying that there is plenty of the early credibility still around – if you’re prepared to look hard enough. Fortunately, one man in particular has made it that much more easier to find. That man is Rodney Smith – aka Roots Manuva.
Long before Dizzee started going on ‘Holiday’ and doing collaborations with Florence and the Machine and Calvin Harris, Roots Manuva was working hard to bring British hip-hop back to the forefront of the UK music scene, paving the way for the likes of Mr Rascal and a host of other future rap stars. When his debut album ‘Brand New Second Hand’ appeared at the tail-end of the 20th Century, although it was far from being the first taste of homegrown rap music this country had heard, it was a definite sign of what the UK was capable of producing.
Another aspect of Roots Manuva’s music, which was noticeably different from what we’d come to expect from across the pond, was the refreshingly distinct lack of gangsta and bling. Newcomers to his music were pleased to discover that ‘Brand New Second Hand’ was filled with Manuva’s own unique brand of lyrical compositions, which were all unashamedly British. In an interview with The Independent in 2001, Roots spoke at length about the UK hip-hop scene of the time, saying: “In the UK, we don't really flaunt wealth that much. That's why hip-hop is so much healthier over here. We're not hung up on the big cars and the clothes. It's not just about people wanting to be famous.”
That year, Roots released what was arguably his breakthrough second album ‘Run Come Save Me’, which included collaborations with Jurassic 5’s Chali 2na and old school London rapper Rodney P. It also featured the hits ‘Dreamy Days’ and the modern hip-hop classic ‘Witness (1 Hope)’. In 2002, the album earned Roots his first Mercury Prize nomination alongside The Streets, who were also making their mark on the UK rap scene. However, in one of the prestigious award’s numerous controversial decisions, both artists lost out to fellow urban act Ms Dynamite, and Dizzee Rascal then took the award home in the following year.
In the 10 years that have followed the release of ‘Run Come Save Me’, Manuva has never quite matched the successes of Messrs Rascal and Tempah, and he is still yet to score a major hit. However, one of the greatest things about Roots is that he’s always stayed to true to his – sorry – roots. Earlier this month, he released his fifth album ‘4everevolution’ and fans will be pleased to learn that Roots Manuva is still refusing to steer too far from his original style. That uncompromising sound is still managing to gain praise from both fans and critics alike.
Early next year, Roots will be following his latest release with a brand new UK tour, where you’ll be able to help tracks from the album as well as a selection of classics from the past 12 years. A must for any fans of the UK’s proper hip-hop scene.
Roots Manuva UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:
Thu January 26th 2012 - The Arches, Glasgow, Glasgow
Fri January 27th 2012 - HMV Ritz, Manchester
Sat January 28th 2012 - Leeds Metropolitan University, Leeds
Mon January 30th 2012 - HMV Institute, Birmingham, Birmingham
Tue January 31st 2012 - Brighton Concorde 2, Brighton
Wed February 1st 2012 - Waterfront, Norwich
Fri February 3rd 2012 - Anson Rooms, Bristol
Sat February 4th 2012 - Roundhouse, London
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