Roots Manuva is a British rap institution. Since his 1999 debut album, Brand New Second Hand, the South London-born rap chap has slowly graduated to a worldwide concern: his baritone voice has featured on songs by DJ Shadow and cartoon band The Gorillaz. Manuva’s eighth studio project 4everevoluton solidifies his status as an original Hip Hop talent.
Manuva is blessed with a deep and distinctive voice; his timbre is authoritative, but also warming to the ear. As his career has progressed, he’s also come to ally it to something of a signature sound, based around squelching electronic bass-lines and warped, off-kilter synths, sometimes all coated in a dubby, shifting sheen. It’s a blend that Manuva pulls off with aplomb, and 4everevolution might be his most sonically cohesive statement yet. Under someone else’s watch, a track like “Watch Me Dance” might come off as little more than the random ramblings – and occasional breaks into singing – of a rapper over an attempt at a funky groove. But Manuva pulls the parts together to the point where the song sounds like the impressive offshoot of something Shock G and his Digital Underground rap funkateers would cook up.
Crucially, like all the best regional rap, Manuva manages to preach from his home manor, but comment on his surroundings in a way that becomes relatable to anyone listening across the globe. So “Skid Valley” starts as a downcast state-of-the-union address to Britain, with references to the National Health Service and “the birth place of the gentle men.” But Manuva broadens his scope and the song’s relevance when he coins observations like, “I hear you talking ’bout them trade embargoes/ You see them chicken shops? You need to bar those.” It’s a sentiment you’d readily accept coming from Saigon or Boots Riley.
The only downside to 4everevolution? The quite ridiculous title, which – if we’re sticking with Anglophile references – sounds like some gibberish Steve Coogan’s spoof chat-show host Alan Partridge would come up with.
You see now DX, you gonna make me fall in love with you all over again when you do shit like this. I applaud you for not just reviewing a Roots Manuva album but for giving it a well deserved 4..
just start keeping an eye out for the reviewers name and you’ll know when to check out good music or leave it alone with some beyonce lil wayne pop shit. The man, Phillip Mlynar!
you rocked it
You’re very fast. Album dropped 25 days ago. Anyways, good album by Manuva and it deserves 4/5.
I have never been able to understand the appeal here. But that first comment was cool to read.
Bit late on the review but glad DX appreciate some UK hip hop! Big album! Roots is a legend!
Thanks DX 4giving Manuva some shine. bad album title I agree but excited to listen.
Great album from Manuva, reminds me of his older stuff.
+1 for Alan Partridge reference
1/5
Quality Roots
Love this album, can’t get enough of it!
Here we come again, his got a dope distinct sound hes awfully deep keep it up Roots
As always there is nothing but defense for Roots Manuva’s impassioned stoicism to do it his way.
For me – a lover of intelligent/humorous British Hip-Hop – Skid Valley beats continually as I navigate my next London snarl-up. “Eat as much you can, get a gastric band – the NHS will save your life!” Simple, pure genius.
Appreciative always of an artist’s necessity for an artisan approach – I still dream of the ’99 – the gritty flake standing high above all synthetic, crap-laced fly-by-nights.
Mr Smith – keep working the way you do – as much as it keeps me wanting more of what I like personally – it keeps my faith in the manufacturing process of pure quality.
If you build it they will come.
Nah. US Hip Hop only. Sorry.
There is some ill shit out there aside from just USA hip hop. Check out Shad: TSOL, ill emcee out of Canada.
Have a listen to Witness by Roots Manuva and tell me its no good.
Why would you be so closed to new music? I’ve listened to US Hip Hop for over 20 years and I love it but theres some amazing british, french, japanese, hispanic artists that more than hold there own against the best US acts.
Try: Jehst & Foreign Beggars
R.Pgh – good shout, just had a flick through Shad on youtube, impressive. I liked this live performance, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dy4ZZtoviXA&feature=mr_meh&list=AVGxdCwVVULXfzmGdypxIooLMLCobQY-F6&lf=list_related&playnext=0
i’ll definitely listen to more of his music
718Rob – to each his own man but i’d like to think you had a listen to some of these recommendations before deciding
Being myopic…typical US mainstream hip hop fan.
Roots has officially proved that he is one of the best there is… When you got it you got it.. This is one of the best Hip Hop albums I’ve heard in a long time.. It def has the replay value.. and I can hear myself listening to this album wit the same joy…. years from now.. and it’s REAL hip hop… Nomad
I’ve always loved Roots Manuva, but of late he’s drifted out of my consciousness. life moves on you know?
then I’m walking past a shop, see a poster, and think “ah there’ a tenner in me pocket, lets see what the lads up to”
And I’m still playing the arse off of this record! Love it! Love it some more! then for good measure, I play it 6 times in a day and I’m still rocking it! Big up Roots!