Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva is one of the titans of Black British music. He is known for his distinctive voice, complex lyricism, and genre-blending production. His innovative sound being one that merges hip-hop with reggae, dub, and electronic influences which has established him as seminal figure in the UK music scene.
Roots Manuva s career began in the early 1990s, gaining attention with his debut album Brand New Second Hand (1999) released via Big Dada. The body of work was a critical success due to the use of introspective lyrics and avant-garde beats, and it showcased his ability to merge social commentary with personal introspection.
RM s influence is also one that extends beyond solo work. He has collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including the Gorillaz, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Coldcut, bringing his distinctive style to a wide range of musical projects. His contributions to the development of the UK hip-hop scene have also been recognised with numerous awards and honours, cementing his legacy as a true innovator.