One of the pioneers of UK hip hop, Roots Manuva helped pave the way for Dizzee Rascal and the current crop of grime stars, while influencing acts as diverse as Arctic Monkeys, Toddla T and Hard Fi. Inspired by the sound sytems that gathered around South London in the mid-1980s booming out bass-throbbing dub and ragga, Roots (real name Rodney Smith) became involved with a growing urban scene driven by dancehall, rap and trip-hop and started MC-ing for the likes of Blak Twang, Audio Bullies and Coldcut. Signed to experimental label Ninja Tunes, debut album Brand New Second Hand (1999) became significant because it gave UK hip hop a genuine identity, rapping about distinctly British topics rather than imitating an American sound. Its follow-up Run Come Save Me (2001) was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize and produced minor hits Witness (1Hope) and Dreamy Days, before Roots went on to appear on tracks for Leftfield, Fun Lovin Criminals and Gorillaz. He remains a key figure on the British hip hop scene, instantly recognisable for his rich, deep drawl and a sound that skanks to funky, dub backbeats.
