After what seems like a lifetime (three years in fact), Roots Manuva is back, and in good form it seems, releasing his brand new album "Slime and Reason."
Roots' debut is still killer to this day
The 1999 release of Roots Manuva's "Brand New Second Hand" was one of the best debuts I've ever seen from an artist: cohesive, intelligent, original, kooky, bass heavy and damn good. Followed up by two brilliant releases "Run Come Save Me" and "Awfully Deep", he continued to solidify his reign as the King of UK Hip Hop (and with the latter, make us worry slightly about his mental state). There's a distinct dancehall type feel to this album, which, while it's nothing new from him, is rad to hear. His old sound is very much his new sound, and with a million artists trying to forge a "new direction" with their sound, Manuva manages to flip it up just enough for it to be same, same, but different. More squelch, more analog synths, more bass and all party. If you know what I mean.
Lyrically, he demonstrates why he is still one of the most talented writers in the music industry today. 'I'm a New Man' shows us that he's still struggling with some of things we touched on in Awfully Deep, but he seems a little more upbeat and jovial about all the moody issues. Whilst still trying to repent for past mistakes in his life, he also delves into his spiritual side on the track 'It's Me Oh Lord' and plays around a bit with tracks like 'Buff Nuff', addressing the ever important issue of picking up girls. Nice to know the guy can never take himself tooooooo seriously.
My favourite track off the entire album would have to be 'Do Nah Bodda Mi' with an UN-DE-NIABLE bassline and cruisy reggae rhythm, it's catchy and sure to have people up on the dancefloor quick smart. It's actually the serious Caribbean feel to the album that makes it so cool - a bit more laid back. Having said that, there's no track to match a classic like 'Witness (1 Hope)', but the man is back and definitely no worse for wear.
You can download the Moody Boyz remix of 'Again and Again' off Whitelabel.net.
I bought the special 2CD edition (in pink!) His best work yet IMO. How he accomplished surpassing his already high standards is beyond me.. I can't pick a fave track, i think a few could match "Witness" though, one day (maybe).
The Slime & Version disc is, well... Buy it and witness the sickness :)
I heard a funk remix of Witness this morning and I normally hate anyone who touches the original* but this one was alright eh. Haven't figured out who its by yet.
After what seems like a lifetime (three years in fact), Roots Manuva is back, and in good form it seems, releasing his brand new album "Slime and Reason."
The 1999 release of Roots Manuva's "Brand New Second Hand" was one of the best debuts I've ever seen from an artist: cohesive, intelligent, original, kooky, bass heavy and damn good. Followed up by two brilliant releases "Run Come Save Me" and "Awfully Deep", he continued to solidify his reign as the King of UK Hip Hop (and with the latter, make us worry slightly about his mental state). There's a distinct dancehall type feel to this album, which, while it's nothing new from him, is rad to hear. His old sound is very much his new sound, and with a million artists trying to forge a "new direction" with their sound, Manuva manages to flip it up just enough for it to be same, same, but different. More squelch, more analog synths, more bass and all party. If you know what I mean.
Lyrically, he demonstrates why he is still one of the most talented writers in the music industry today. 'I'm a New Man' shows us that he's still struggling with some of things we touched on in Awfully Deep, but he seems a little more upbeat and jovial about all the moody issues. Whilst still trying to repent for past mistakes in his life, he also delves into his spiritual side on the track 'It's Me Oh Lord' and plays around a bit with tracks like 'Buff Nuff', addressing the ever important issue of picking up girls. Nice to know the guy can never take himself tooooooo seriously.
My favourite track off the entire album would have to be 'Do Nah Bodda Mi' with an UN-DE-NIABLE bassline and cruisy reggae rhythm, it's catchy and sure to have people up on the dancefloor quick smart. It's actually the serious Caribbean feel to the album that makes it so cool - a bit more laid back. Having said that, there's no track to match a classic like 'Witness (1 Hope)', but the man is back and definitely no worse for wear.
You can download the Moody Boyz remix of 'Again and Again' off Whitelabel.net.
Download this track now!
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