12 Sep Roots Manuva – 4everevolution | Album Review
A reference point for many emerging emcees as well as many connoisseurs within the fourth estate, the UKs Rodney 'Roots Manuva' Smith shows no sign of retiring to the background to merely live off the compliments and reminisce on the good old days. Ever recording and performing, the veteran lyricist’s abstract way with words and his slumber-esque flow have mesmerised (and baffled) the public for over a decade, bridging the gaps between Hip Hop, Ska and Reggae. Having seen the days of Jungle, Garage and Trip Hop pass by, 4everevolution, Roots' eighth studio album aims to show that it can still stand out from the dominant sounds of the younger, shinier urban superstars flooding the charts.
For all of his many achievements, arguably the greatest accolade which Richard “Wiley” Cowie has attained has been to remain relevant within the fast moving world of Grime. From the early Pay As You Go days to the emergence of Roll Deep right up to his affiliations with Boy Better Know and the A-List, the Bow E3 general has always remained at the forefront of the numerous underground scenes, even when many of his former comrades and enemies have disappeared.
With a work ethic that could even put the greatest US stars to shame, Wiley has given the loyal following (as well as the mainstream newcomers) countless amounts of material to skank and mean mug to. 100% Publishing, his latest endeavour, again places the Grime Godfather under the spotlight and aims to reaffirm his importance to the 140 movement as well as British music in general.