NME Reviews

Various Artists: 'Well Deep: Ten Years Of Big Dada Recordings'

'Big Dada are still pushing things forward'

Before Big Dada, there were labels set up by tribes of pygmies earning more hip-hop props than anything based in the UK. But thanks to Will Ashon’s efforts, his Ninja Tune offshoot is not only a platform for the British urban underground but also attracts some of the most progressive wordsmiths and beat-scientists in the whole world. It’s all here for posterity on this glorious 2-CD retrospective – everything from Ty’s suave London soul, TTC’s French-flavoured electro grooves and California’s Busdriver, who can rap faster than most people can think. And let’s not forget Roots Manuva’s epochal 2001 hit ‘Witness (1 Hope)’, which ensures immortality. The older cuts might sound slightly dated, but that’s proof Big Dada are still pushing things forward in a way that Mike Skinner can only dream of.

Hardeep Phull

8 out of 10

Add your comment

NME Alerts

Get NME news delivered direct to your desktop. Find out more

Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday

  • Breaking News stories
  • All you need to know about the week's NME magazine
  • Live, Album and Track reviews
  • Tip offs about the most important Gigs
  • All the latest NME.COM video exclusives

Every Friday

  • NME.COM's free mini-magazine
  • Gig listings for the weekend
  • All the most important Album and Track reviews
  • The week's biggest News stories
  • Competitions - with exclusive music prizes
  • plus loads more!

In The Magazine

This Week's Issue
  • The ultimate guide to the week in music
  • Agenda-setting news and fiery comment
  • Must-read interviews with the planet's hottest bands
  • Hundreds of UK gigs listed every week
  • Unrivalled access to the artists that matter
  • Subscribe today and get 1/3rd off NME