Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva is one of the titans of Black British music, known for his distinctive voice, complex lyricism, and genre-blending production. His innovative sound being one that merges hip-hop with reggae, dub, and electronic influences, which established him as seminal figure in the U.K. music scene.

Smith’s career began in the early 1990s, gaining attention with his debut album, Brand New Second Hand (1999). The body of work was a critical success due to its introspective lyrics and avant-garde beats, and showcased his ability to merge social commentary with personal introspection.

His influence is one that extends beyond solo work. He had collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including the Gorillaz, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Coldcut, bringing his distinctive style to a wide range of musical projects. His contributions to the development of the U.K. hip-hop scene have also been recognized with numerous awards and honors, cementing his legacy as a true innovator.

To celebrate the 25th year since Brand New Second Hand‘s release, the 2LP album will be available on 140g smoky vinyl housed in a gloss sleeve and packaged with a portrait print of Roots Manuva. Digital download to include bonus tracks “Skiver’s Guide” and “Feel Da Panic” originally released in 1999 / 1998.