“The Next Chapter” (on Tru Thoughts) marks the return of the godfather of British hip-hop and rap, Rodney P – aka, that man The Riddim Killa. Having recently dropped The Kingdem alongside Ty & Blak Twang, Rodney never fails to deliver and lets hope this is part of a forthcoming, overdue solo long player…
A pioneer who inspired a generation of hip-hop and grime MCs with his homegrown reggae-influenced flow, Rodney P set the scene ablaze back in the late ‘80s with the seminal group London Posse. Since then, he has had a rich and varied career as a radio and television personality, while musically collaborating with the likes of Bjork, Skinnyman, Omar, MJ Cole and countless others.
“The Next Chapter”, produced by Urban Monk, is both personal and cultural. It’s a reintroduction to the hugely influential legend while setting out the next chapter in his respected career. Simultaneously it’s a commentary of how the music and culture he helped pioneer has moved into a new space: “The younguns have taken hold of their destiny with new youth energy. They are achieving and embracing technology. However, hip-hop culture has been separated from rap music – they are missing out on their own history and legacy”, Rodney explains.
The 7” (out 11th October, pre-orders available 20th September) includes the track “Recognise Me (I’m An African)” which see’s Rodney reconnect on a deeper level with his West-Indian heritage as a second-generation immigrant. Referencing Ghanaian politician and revolutionary Kwame Nkrumah, Rodney explores themes of identity and the ideology of pan-Africanism (the idea that the destiny of all people of African descent, depends on the fate of the continent of Africa). “I consider myself an African, I’m feeling more African as I’m getting older. It affects me and my mindset”.
Right off the back of a collaborative EP with fellow UK hip-hop heavyweights Ty & Blak Twang as KINGDEM, Rodney P is continuing his restless creative output, with a white promo 7” on Tru Thoughts that represents the Rodney P of today. The two killer tracks embody and personify the evolving music and culture of his heritage while paying homage to his contribution to the UK hip-hop canon.
THE NEXT CHAPTER / RECOGNISE ME (I’M AN AFRICAN) 7” OUT: 11TH OCTOBER / PRE-ORDERS 20TH SEPTEMBER
TRUDD315 / TRU7377
Legend doesn’t quite cut it, he’s likea legend to the power of five million”– MistaJam (BBC 1Xtra) | “Godfather of British hip-hop”– Romesh Ranganathan | “Gave British rap an identity of its own” – The Telegraph | “A legendary figure within the UK hip-hop scene who has helped lay the foundations of urban music in this country” – MTV | “Flying the flag for UK hip hop… Rodney P has developed a unique, distinct identity” – Clash | “Named one of Idris Elba’s Top UK Rappers” – Hot Ones | “Serious MC” – Charlie Sloth (Beats 1/Fire in the Booth)
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