Brand New Second Hand
Roots Manuva · 1999
65 min · 17 tracks · alternative hip-hop · trip hop · dub music
A vibrant fusion of alternative hip-hop and dub rhythms that echoes urban life with introspective lyrics.
Why this album works
The album is considered a cornerstone of British hip-hop, receiving critical acclaim for its innovative blend of genres and lyrical depth. It helped propel Roots Manuva into the spotlight, influencing a new wave of artists exploring similar sounds and themes in the late 90s and early 2000s. The album was pivotal in demonstrating the potential of UK hip-hop on an international scale.
- Best for
- dynamic emotional journeys long, immersive listening sessions wave-like pacing and flow
- Context
- Released in 1999, 'Brand New Second Hand' was Roots Manuva's debut album following his emergence in the UK music scene. At this point, he was establishing his identity as a distinctive voice in alternative hip-hop, combining diverse influences that would shape his sound in subsequent works.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Thievery Corporation· Gotan Project· Damon Albarn
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Movements Standout 4:12
- 2 Dem Phonies Standout 4:26
- 3 Juggle Tings Proper 5:04
- 4 Inna 4:31
- 5 Soul Decay 3:49
- 6 Baptism Standout 4:21
- 7 Strange Behaviour 3:52
- 8 Organ Skit 0:16
- 9 Big Tings Gwidarn 4:42
- 10 Sinking Sands 4:10
- 11 Wisdom Fall 3:10
- 12 Roots-Fi Discotek (skit) 0:31
- 13 Clockwork 3:57
- 14 Cornmeal Dumpling 5:27
- 15 Fever 4:00
- 16 Oh Yeah… 3:18
- 17 Motion 5000 5:11
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.