- Known to many as the Riddim Killa and one half of the UK's famed London Posse (the group responsible for releasing the classic UK hip hop tune Money Mad), Rodney P is recognised for the rude bwoy slang used in his lyrical approach. P's lyrical prowess has seen him work with some of the best that UK hip hop has to offer including Roots Manuva, Mark B & Blade and the Nextmen and he still manages to record with a wide range of artists including FreQ Nasty, Roni Size, and The Brand New Heavies. Rodney's contribution to hip hop doesn't stop there either as he hosts "Original Fever" - a weekly show on BBC Radio 1 with long time collaborator Skitz. Rodney's just delivered his first solo LP, The Future featuring 15 tunes of reggae influenced hip hop laced with that ragga man slang he's known for.
After a quick intro skit which incorporates elements of Bob Marley's "No More Trouble", the album gets things bouncing along with The Nice Up a summer time number featuring a highly sampled reggae loop. The title tune looks toward the future incorporating UK bashment style production techniques - sci-fi noises, bleak tones and a heavy use of syncopated beats - while Rodney P tackles the issue of black youth in the UK turning to a life of crime and jail sentences while encouraging them to look toward positive role models such as Martin Luther King and Malcolm X.
I Don't Care (Time To Party) sees Rodney collaborate with one of the UK's most clever word play MCs, Mystro. As implied by the title this one is dedicated to having a carefree hedonistic good time. The Sea takes care of production on this one and gives the tune a bass heavy grime beat as the two MC's go head to head. As used in the opening skit, Trouble features an interpolation of Bob Marley's "No More Trouble". The Sea on production again for this one gives it a deep and bubbly bashment feel as Rodney expresses his disdain for the current state of the world including war, oppression and neighbourhood gangs while pushing positive thoughts to encourage his listeners.
Rodney P joins forces with partner in crime Skitz for the anti-police rant, We Don't Like Coppers as P brings forth scenarios of harsh treatment by police and the unfair stereotyping of black males. We Don't Like Coppers also features the scratching talents of DJ Agzee aka the Deckwrecka who cuts up UK hip hop samples to create the bridge.
The Future puts forth everything we've come to know and love about Rodney P - his ragga vocal stylings combined with his thick rude bwoy accent all combined with traditional reggae flavours all taken in today's context - whether it be hip hop, bashment or grime. Even though I find him sometimes hard to understand, he still manages to express a strong message throughout his lyrics.