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Roots Manuva, born Rodney Hylton Smith, is a British rapper and producer known for his significant contributions to alternative hip hop and his unique blend of genres.
Roots Manuva has released numerous albums and singles on the Big Dada label, a collaboration between Coldcut's Ninja Tune label and hip hop journalist Will Ashon.
Roots Manuva made an appearance on the Gorillaz album "Demon Days," on the track "All Alone," alongside Martina Topley-Bird.
Roots Manuva collaborated with Jamie Cullum on the track "Love for $ale" from the album "Momentum."
Roots Manuva collaborated with The Maccabees on the track "Empty Vessels."
Roots Manuva had a new collaboration with Major Lazer mentioned in an article by Irish Examiner.
Roots Manuva collaborated with Doug Wimbish on the track "Spit Bits."
Roots Manuva collaborated with Chali 2na (and Ozomatli) on various songs.
Roots Manuva collaborated with DJ Shadow on "GDMFSOB (UNKLE Uncensored mix)" from "Mashin' on the Motorway."
Roots Manuva collaborated with Mr. Scruff on "Jus Jus" from "Keep It Unreal" and "Nice Up The Function" from "Ninja Tuna."
Roots Manuva has been featured on collaborations with U.N.K.L.E.
Roots Manuva collaborated with Fun Lovin' Criminals on "Keep on Yellin'" from "Classic Fantastic."
Roots Manuva collaborated with Nightmares on Wax on "70s 80s (Up Bringing Mix)."
Roots Manuva collaborated with The Cinematic Orchestra on "All Things to All Men" from "Every Day" and "A Caged Bird / Imitations of Life" from "To Believe."
Roots Manuva has been featured on collaborations with Beth Orton.
Roots Manuva collaborated with The Herbaliser on "Lord Lord" from "Take London" and "Starlight" from "Very Mercenary." He also had a remix "Something Wicked (Roots Manuva's Haunted House Dub)."
Roots Manuva collaborated with Leftfield on "Dusted" from "Rhythm and Stealth."
Roots Manuva collaborated with Saian Supa Crew on "Hey Yo My Man."
Roots Manuva collaborated with Coldcut on "True Skool" from "Sound Mirrors" and "Only Heaven" from the Only Heaven EP.
Roots Manuva collaborated with Jungle on the track "You Ain't No Celebrity" from the album "Volcano."
Roots Manuva featured on the track "Dead Editors" from Massive Attack's "Ritual Spirit EP."
Rodney Hylton Smith, known professionally as Roots Manuva, was born on September 9, 1972, and grew up in Stockwell, London. His early life was marked by his family’s modest circumstances and a strict Pentecostal upbringing, influences that would later resonate in his lyrical themes concerning poverty and faith. His musical journey began in childhood, deeply affected by the powerful bass of Jamaican sound systems he encountered in his neighborhood, an experience he describes as life-giving. This early exposure to music, ranging from reggae to the more melodic Jim Reeves his parents favored, laid the groundwork for his eclectic style.
Roots Manuva made his recorded debut in 1994 with IQ Procedure through Bluntly Speaking Vinyl and later that year under his own moniker on Blak Twang’s “Queen’s Head” single. He further released his single, “Next Type of Motion,” in 1995. His collaborations expanded in 1996 with Skitz on the Ronin label and in 1997 with Tony Vegas’ Wayward imprint. These early efforts culminated in his signing with Big Dada, an experimental hip hop label, in 1998, leading to the release of his debut album, “Brand New Second Hand,” in 1999. The album’s title reflects a phrase his mother used, referring to the pre-used gifts he received as a child.
His career saw a significant turning point with the release of his second album, “Run Come Save Me,” in 2001, which featured the UK rap anthem “Witness (1 Hope).” This track, characterized by its distinctive lyrical flow and bass, established him as a prominent voice in British urban music. “The Times” recognized him as “the voice of urban Britain,” highlighting his fusion of dub, ragga, funk, and hip hop with gritting narratives. He received a MOBO Award for Best Hip Hop Act that year. In 2018, Roots Manuva experienced a hiatus due to a subdural hematoma, which led to hospitalization and memory loss, but he has since returned to active music.
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