'Duppy Writer' - Roots Manuva & WrongTom (review)

When remixing an artist with a heavy cult following one has to be careful. WrongTom has been careful and the result is 'Duppy Writer' - a collection songs truly worthy of being called a Roots Manuva LP.

The typically sparse production of your average Roots Manuva track has been stripped away and replaced by the most delicious dubby Reggae and in most cases each track is better than the original! You see, WrongTom hasn't tackled the biggest and bestest Roots Manuva tracks (I'm not accounting for personal tastes here), he's generally taken the tunes which took the back seat the first time round and put his sunny spin on them.

The album kicks of with 'Butterfly Crab Walk' featuring Riddla which is a re-imagining of 'Hol' It Up' from 'Run Come Save Me' - the original had that old Bontempi feel to it whereas WrongTom's is "Tropical". 'Chin High' from 'Awfully Deep' was never going to be as easy to swallow as the album's title track or the single 'Too Cold' but the version available here on 'Duppy Writer' brings a little more melody to the mix and renders it to have more appeal.

'Duppy Writer', the third track, is the only reference to Manuva's pièce de résistance 'Witness (1 Hope)' before the secret track from 'Awfully Deep' gets a remaking - 'This World Is Mine' becomes 'Worl' A Mine' and WrongTom really makes the most of a great chorus. 'Big Tings Gwidarn' featuring Seanie T is probably equal to its original - not one of the best remixes here.

'Jah Warriors' featuring Ricky Ranking is the album's first single and is a brand new collaboration - a very great track, hopefully WrongTom will produce more new material for forthcoming Roots Manuva releases. 'Proper Tings Juggled' is a great track but is probably the one track on here that doesn't live up to the original.

Three tracks from 'Slime and Reason' receive new production - 'Lick Up Your Foot', 'Rebuff' and 'Son Of Bodda'. Each track fits in with the original aesthetics of 'Slime and Reason' with 'Rebuff' being a vast improvement on the original and 'Lick Up Your Foot' being a great alternative version. 'Motion 82' sounds authentically old school reggae, sounding nothing like 'Motion 5000', which is an awesome track - this isn't a case of which is best - both are good.

'Duppy Writer' should be released on Big Dada on 6th September 2010 and can be pre-ordered here and now.

'Butterfly Crab Walk' ft. Riddla - Roots Manuva & WrongTom

Just found a cheeky little free download from the forthcoming Roots Manuva meets WrongTom LP 'Duppy Writer'. I mentioned the 'Jah Warrior' single which will be out on 30th August here and 'Butterfly Crab Walk' is every bit as cool.

The track features Riddla and is a big fat slice of dubby Reggae which I totally love. You can go download this for free at RCRD LBL.

Then you should head over to the duo' website to find out more and make some pre-orders.

What's Worth Hearing Today? Part 2 (free downloads and reviews)

Roots Manuva has met Wrongtom and made a tune called 'Jah Warrior'. It's really cool - I love a bit of Mr. Manuva and this Wrongtom fella seems pretty dope too. They've also done a couple of remixes; one of 'Buff Nuff' called 'Rebuff' and I think it's a greater than the original, especially in the chorus. 'Bashment Boogie' also gets tickled with the remix stick and 'Basement Bogle' is definitely rather bogling - good stuff. Buy.

UK Hip Hop artist QRED has joined up with US MC Brandeesh, looped up some apocalyptic beats and got busy with the darkness in a most admirable way. 'Raise The Levelz' has those big sonics that every Hip Hop fan really hankers after. You can download three tracks fro free - but only if you then keep your ear to the underground for more.

Leaf Dog has roped in the rest of 3 Amigos, Jimmy Raygun and Deadline on this Naive produced banger to tell us to do it 'Right Now'. Usual madness from these boys ensues.

Extra Curricular are the live Hip Hop band that Jack Flash fronts. They've put up a couple of free downloads on their blog. There's 'Don't Stop' and 'Where The Problem Lies' - both great tracks with totally different vibes but a recognisable sound. Check them out some more please.

Byron, a UK MC who really deserves more shine, has put out a free EP called 'Hard Worker'. these tracks are billed as covers, you and I might see them as Byron using well known instrumentals and taking cues from the subject matter. The most recognisable tune, B.O.B.'s 'Airplanes', gets done to begin with and then before you get comfortable Byron coes in over Maniac's 'Boiler' - wow, versatile! the further 3 tracks couldn't be more different either - whatever you do, don't pigeon hole or limit this guy - he can do it all. Give it a proper listen.

JC is gearing for a new assault of releases on his own No Money Records. He's hooked up with Oddisee for lead single 'Ayo' which is a double time rhythm with a relentless horn section accompanied by Oddisee's laid back delivery. Malik from Moorish Delta 7 provides the vocals on the flipside 'Soul Search' - a real headnodder. Told ya Yorkshire had the heat. Preview both tracks here. Buy it here.

Have no idea where this came from but it's an awesome bit of instrumental Hip Hop from Kwestro called 'I'm Blowing Up'.

Here's something new from a new artists too: LnC offers up 'Take You On A Journey' for your delectation. See what you think, I think he's pretty nice with his - feeling all aspects of this track. Solid.

To finish with, check Kaos' new track 'Traffic Lights' - got time for this.