And yea it came to pass that Big Dada and The Banana Klan did release 'Duppy Writer' and yea, it was f**king wonderful... Picking up great reviews all over the shop, full of fun, perfect for trying to catch the last of summer with, we think that anyone who has ever liked a bit of Roots Manuva is going to love this. Far be it from us to advocate the use of illegal drugs, but get some smoke in, crank up the system and feel the magic.
iTunes have a special bonus track 'Rebel Art' (not available anywhere else).
Early CD or LP orders from Ninjashop will get a free poster signed by Roots Manuva himself.
Press for Duppy Writer:
"A heady concoction that pulsates with good vibes" - Dazed & Confused
"Irresistible... approachable yet with real substance... Outstanding" - Q
"The sounds here always convince... Roots Manuva's deft, already reggae-leaning rhyming achieves a perfect fit with Wrongtom's bang-on use of rhythm, bass and sound effects." - Mojo
"Revives memories of Brixton during the era of Aswad and riots while never being content to just pastiche the originals. The result is Roots Manuva's most purely pleasurable long-player" - Uncut
"The results are a revelation... a timeless joy" - Time Out
Ninja Tune XX - Week XVII - The Cinematic Orchestra
This week's tracks come from one of the most important acts on Ninja Tune - the peerless Cinematic Orchestra. We're giving away two previously unheard tracks recorded in 2002 for a proposed Cinematic Orchestra radio show that was never broadcast:
'Time & Space (Radio Session 13th May 2002)' - a radically different early version of the epic tune on Ma Fleur featuring Leonard Nimoy samples.
'Brother/The Revolution (Radio Session 13th May 2002)' - a tune built around samples from the classic Gil Scott Heron track.
The Cinematic Orchestra have re-worked Lou Rhodes' 'One Good Thing' for the XX releases and there is also a previously unreleased track exclusive to the XX Boxset.
22.07.10Toddla T 'Sky Surfing' Video Premier on NME.com
The story of a super hero who isn't quite up to the usual level.
'Sky Surfing' EP is released on Ninja Tune on 30 August with remixes from Douster and Benga. The Douster remix is available as a free download on Mad Decent and the original track is for sale on iTunes UK now.
19.07.10Unearth the hidden Grasscut artefact . . .
Read closely to find the treasure . . .Grasscut's debut album '1 Inch / 1/2 Mile' is out now worldwide on CD & download.CD owners will find a special map in the inner sleeve detailing a walk through the lost Sussex village of Balsdean - a PDF version is available for download here or you can view the walk on Google Maps.
The final stop on the map points to a secret album track 'A Lost Village', written specifically about the valley where the walk takes place, and the village that once was there. Listen closely to 'A Lost Village' (free download here) you'll hear clues to the whereabouts of a unique artefact that Grasscut have made & hid. Amongst other things it contains a cassette tape of new track that will never be released.
Grasscut are also releasing a series of Twitter clues as to its whereabouts and here's the latest:
Sonnet XLI, The Wryneck's Nest, by John Clare, line 7 Follow Grasscut on Twitter & Facebook to receive the rest.
If you guess the location of the treasure or even better, find it, then we want to hear from you! Email Ninja Tune a photo and you will be rewarded handsomely . . .
19.07.10Jammer & Toddla T 'Back to the 90s' Live
Jammer and T Willy take it way back at The Observer HQ
18.07.10FRIDAY: Big Dada vs Bananaklan: Dub College
After the success of Roots Manuva's 'Go Bananas!' night at The Book Club, the legendary UK bass-head is taking it to the next level with 'Dub College' at The Queen of Hoxton. Launching on July 23rd, this exploration of what Mr Manuva describes as "bass culture" will kick off with a meeting of artists from his longtime home, Big Dada, and his own label/gang, Banana Klan. Less a clash than a meeting of minds, the night will feature Big Dada artists old and new alongside the cream of the Banana Klan.
Mixing it up over two floors will be Jammer, celebrating the release of his debut album, 'Jahmanji', the Illersapiens bringing their completely live take on the UK hip hop blueprint; Scots beat-blaster Offshore will be hammering out the Cale-Funk and Ahmos dropping sharp lyrics in a classic North West London flow; DELS will be showcasing some of the Joe Hot Chip-produced electronic hip hop which has already seen him described as a Roots Manuva for a new generation and Oliver Night, a sometime member of Roots' band, the Banana Skinz, will be focussing on his dubstep-influenced floorfillers. Meanwhile Ricky Ranking will be bringing the beauty and the pain in the South London soundsystem way he has made his own and Big Dada will round out their bill with their longest serving and newest MCs, Birmingham's legendary Juice Aleem and Liverpool's Bang On. Throw the BK DJs into the mix, add the presence of our genial host, Rooty-Toot Manuva, and you have an evening of the very finest entertainment.
