Music Reviews

Roots Manuva

Run Come Save Me

Big Dada/Ninja Tune

My first introduction to Roots Manuva was via “Dusted” off Leftfield’s underrated Rhythm And Stealth album. Since then, with the turn of the new century, Britain’s answer to underground hip-hop has flung his own productions into the pit, with compelling results. As West-Coast indie as Jurassic 5 with droplets of Massive Attack and sneaky acid-jazz, Manuva has concocted a record that washes away my disenchantment with the bullshit, iced-out beats that has perpetrated hip-hop today. In fact, J5’s baritone verbal assassin himself, Chali 2na, pops up on “Join The Dots.” Haunting, cinematic clouds cover “Ital Visions” while “Dub Styles” finds the MC eerily flow like Del the Funkee Homosapien.

It’s quite appropriate and fortunate that Roots Manuva release Run Come Save Me. Taking full control over the production and the lyrics once again, this brother’s created brand new flavor that can stomp with the big dogs, while leaving those focused on the materialistic side of life to pawn their tired rhymes at the door. Lush and ambiguous, all praise is due to Roots for dropping a record that has saved hip-hop for the time being.

Big Dada/Ninja Tune Records, http://www.ninjatune.net/bigdada


Recently on Ink 19...

Swans

Swans

Event Reviews

40 years on, Michael Gira and Swans continue to bring a ritualistic experience that needs to be heard in order to be believed. Featured photo by Reese Cann.

Eclipse 2024

Eclipse 2024

Features

The biggest astronomical event of the decade coincides with a long overdue trip to Austin, Texas.

Sun Ra

Sun Ra

Music Reviews

At the Showcase: Live in Chicago 1976/1977 (Jazz Detective). Review by Bob Pomeroy.

Dark Water

Dark Water

Screen Reviews

J-Horror classic Dark Water (2002) makes the skin crawl with an unease that lasts long after the film is over. Phil Bailey reviews the new Arrow Video release.