Roots Manuva was the first time that I heard an authentically British hip hop voice. Something that made sense… Lyrics like
“Taskmaster burst the bionic zit-splitter
Breakneck speeds we down ten pints of bitter”
are not the sort of things that come out of New York rapper.
It’s a bit like how all American films seem esoteric and dreamy because they are set in America, even though we might be watching something that is dull and everyday. But when you watch a film that’s from the place you know, it’s grounded.
Run Come Save Me is a wonderful album. Musically so clever, and Rodney Smith’s lyrics and amazing vocal style Straight Outta Stockwell.
You can see the #51for50 project to date here: https://mmitii.mattballantine.com/category/projects/51-for-50/
mmitII 