A bright moment for British rap, the debut album from
Roots Manuva
introduced a hip-hop chameleon boasting dark productions and a distinct style, plus much more to say than most rappers. Both his raps and his productions rely on ragga as a bed, but instead of leading the party,
used it to reflect on the world (
"Strange Behaviour"
) and his religious background (
"Baptism"
), as well as play the usual game of the dozens (
"Dem Phonies"
). Also of interest is the devastating
"Clockwork"
, originally released on the
Ninja Tune
label compilation
Funkungfusion
. If anything, these low-key , bass-heavy productions (some by the rapper himself) aren't able to convey
's lyrical finesse and thematic complexity. ~ John Bush