November 5, 1999
If It's Not 100% UK Hip-Hop, You Can Have Your Money Back
This latest attempt to package locally-grown rap as a worthy alternative to imported US fare seems doomed from the off...
5 / 10
This latest attempt to package locally-grown rap as a worthy alternative to imported US fare seems doomed from the off when Abzent Minded drop the Yank-a-like put-down spouting more shit than the wackest MCs. And that's just the start of a whole heap of cultural cringe, sub-Wu-Tang gangsta posturing.
Necessary or evil? Fortunately, the lacklustre US copyists are matched in number by inventive jazz, reggae and cockney patois stylists. The album's main stand-outs are Blackanized with their moody mix of Massive Attack and Kool Keith, plus fabulous MOBO winner Roots Manuva, whose shape-shifting surrealism blends Sun Ra space-jazz with raw beats.
NEW! For the latest music videos and backstage interviews, check out our brand new sister site, NME Video.
Comments do not always reflect the views of NME, or IPC Media, for guidelines visit our Ts & Cs page