Track Listing

1. Movements
2. Dem Phonies
3. Juggle Tings Proper
4. Inna
5. Soul Decay
6. Baptism
7. Strange Behaviour
8. Organ Skit
9. Big Tings Gwidarn
10. Sinking Sands
11. Wisdom Falls
12. Roots Fi Discoteque
13. Clockwork
14. Cornmeal Dumpling
15. Fever
16. Oh Yeah
17. Motion 5000

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #24102 in Music
• Released on: 1999-03-22
• Number of discs: 1

Amazon.co.uk Review
For a long time, it seemed like any sort of hip-hop that came from Great Britain was immediately labelled "trip-hop." But it's impossible to pigeonhole crews like Black Twang and London rapper Roots Manuva into that category--and sometimes it's tough to slot Roots Manuva into any category. Unfortunately, the production on this album is spotty, veering uncomfortably from the hopelessly fractured reggae of "Dem Phonies" to the live funk of "Fever". Roots Manuva's skills, though, are undeniable and he manoeuvres through tracks like "Big Things" and "Baptism" with a keen intellect and an impressive moral authority. His ragga-accented flow differs greatly from that of his American peers, though, and may prove to be an acquired taste for some. Flawed as it may be, Brand New Second Hand shows that international hip-hop need not mimic that of the States in order to compete--but it could take some lessons in the studio. --Justin Hampton

Customer Reviews

brand new 2nd hand.
roots manuva is out and out my favourite british rapper - he's talents go far beyond he's smooth delivery and interesting content of his very british lyrics. he's production and beat writing is just as slick. these skills set him apart from the many other talented british rappers. (of which, I'm proud to say, there is an abundance; chester p, taskforce, jehst, dynamite, dizzie rascal and of course the veterans rodney p & daddy skitz.)

I love the fact that there is no mistaking he's english, I love the fact he sounds cockney and he talks about life in britain - mr manuva is the barometer of england's' social climate (and has been for a number of years). his social comment is accurate and is eloquently delivered, it makes you listen intently on what he's got to say.

the first and last songs on this album are amazing ('movements' & 'motion 5000' respectively) they're are two tracks roots manuva doesn't often top (although 'swords in the dirty' from his run come save me album does!!!). I love the calm, relaxed hook in 'movements' - roots manuva's voice seems to hypnotises you.

this album had a massive impact on the british hip hop scene - its paved the way for others to follow.

roots manuva is genius.

The roots-fi discotheque
Roots Manuva is definitely one of the big names in hiphop not only in UK but througout. Nice lyrics, voice, different sorts of musics, plus hes wicked live..im not a mad hip-hop fan, but this album definitely visits my hi-fi often, it really worths listening to..As we move..This is my money, this is my pain, these are my drugs, this is my brain, and its never gonna be the same..

Outstanding.
Musically and lyrically this is by far the most innovative, eclectic and above all listenable 'hip-hop' albums I've heard since De La Soul's '3ft High'. Each track has it's own individual appeal and stands on it's own merits - certainly no filler here - with it's definite British ruggedness and humour. Up there with Massive Attack's 'Blue Lines' as a benchmark for British talent.