Rodney Smith aka Roots Manuva is one of the titans of Black British music, known for his distinctive voice, complex lyricism, and genre-blending production. His innovative sound being one that merges hip-hop with reggae, dub, and electronic influences which established him as seminal figure in the UK music scene.

Smith released Run Come Save Me in 2001, a groundbreaking album that solidified his place in the pantheon of hip-hop greats. The album featured the hit single Witness (1 Hope), which become an anthem and is often cited as one of the greatest UK hip-hop tracks of all time.

His influence is one that extends beyond solo work. He had collaborated with a diverse array of artists, including the Gorillaz, The Cinematic Orchestra, and Coldcut, bringing his distinctive style to a wide range of musical projects. His contributions to the development of the UK hip-hop scene have also been recognised with numerous awards and honours, cementing his legacy as a true innovator.