Brand New Second Hand (25th Anniversary)

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.