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 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. Roots Manuva released ‘Run Come Save Me’ in 2001, a groundbreaking album that solidified his place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats. The body of work also features hit single ‘Witness (1 Hope)’, which become an anthem and is often cited as one of the greatest UK hip-hop tracks of all time. The 2LP reissue will be available on 140G red vinyl housed in a matte sleeve with the same artwork as the original.

When this album dropped it cemented Rodney Hylton Smith’s furiously inventive ideas and imagination, musically moving the masses across and influencing a whole generation of UK rappers. The lead single ‘Witness (1 Hope)’ is one of the greatest UK HipHop joints ever, recognised across the globe.

By Matt