For more than 25 years Rodney P has been flying the flag for UK hip hop.
Coming of age in an era when dub ruled the soundsystems, the rapper's use of bass weight and London slang allowed him to develop a unique, distinct identity. Hooking up with Tru Thoughts last year, Rodney P formed one third of Sleepin Giantz alongside Zed Bias and Falacy.
Tonight, though, Rodney P is set to perform a solo set at the Village Underground. It's a line up worth savouring, with promoters SoundCrash managing to persuade DOOM to play a career spanning live set at the London venue. Elsewhere, you'll be able to soak up performances from Thunderbird Gerard, Yungun & Mr Thing, Kutmah, Kidkanevil, Lazy Habits plus special guests.
Sound tempting? Ticket link.
Ahead of the show, Rodney P has pieced together an exclusive mix for ClashMusic. Packed full of archive soul, the mix opens with tragic icon Donny Hathaway before seguing into 'So Much Things To Say' by Lauren Hill. It's a simple, chilled out mix with Rodney P slipping in something special at the finale.
Listen to it now… Grab it HERE.
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Tracklisting (featuring comments from Rodney P) –
What’s Going On? – Donnie Hathaway
To me Donnie Hathaway’s voice is like warm cookies & chocolate milk and this recording, made in The Troubadour in Hollywood in 1972 I hope shows exactly what I mean by that.
So Much Things To Say – Lauren Hill
When Lauryn Hill “Mis-Education of” album came out everybody I know agreed she was the new voice of a generation and by the time her “Unplugged” album come out people where eager to hear what she would come with next. A lot of people were disappointed with her efforts but I loved it. I loved her bravery as an artist and the perfect imperfections in her voice.
Redemption Song – Bob Marley
This version was recorded in Dortmund, Germany in 1980 on the last ever Bob Marley & the Wailers tour. To imagine now that while his body must have been suffering from the cancer that would a short time later take he’s life he was still able to deliver a performance like this….LEGEND
People Get Ready – Curtis Mayfield
This was recorded in 1965, when Curtis Mayfield was still part of the group The Impressions. When I hear this I imagine being in a smoky club, low ceiling drinking, bourbon straight with a Dashiki and an Afro.
Grandma’s Hand – Bill Withers
Listening To Bill Withers 1973 “Live at Carnegie Hall” album reminds me that he is to me the most under appreciated of all the soul men. I get the impression from he’s music that if I ever met him I would really like him (and that’s rare)…..and I dug my Grandmother too.
Inner City Blues – Marvin Gaye
I’m not sure when this was recorded but it always strikes me as a bit sad hearing him announce his father knowing now what was to come. Aside from that I just love the way he delivers this song and seems like he’s really feeling the vibes. Marvin Gaye is an icon of soul music and a legendary performer.
We Are One – Maze featuring Frankie Beverly
The first concert ticket I ever bought was to see Maze & Frankie Beverly at The Hammersmith Odeon in the 80’s while I was still in school (the second was to see Afrika Bambaataa & The Soul Sonic Force in The Lyceum). I love this band and I love this song. Nuff Said!
Persuasion/T’ain’t Nobodies Business – Diana Ross (as Billie Holiday)
I was never really a fan of Diana Ross until I saw her play Billie Holiday in the film ‘Lady Sings the Blues”. That film not only introduced me to the music and tragic life story of the Billie Holiday it also lead to me finding other Diana Ross music I loved. This recording is from the film soundtrack album which is well worth a listen….if you like that sort of thing!!!
Hate On Me – Jill Scott
I’ve seen Jill Scott perform a few times now and she’s never let me down. She has a way about her that makes her seem so familiar to me, like a cousin or aunty (I feel the same way about Maya Angelou and Beres Hammond). This song was one of the few R&B tracks me and Skitz ever played on the show when we did “The Original Fever” on 1Xtra
Struggler/Never – Rodney P & Skitz featuring Darrison
This is part of a live session recorded at the BBC Maida Vale studio in 2011 for Ras Kwame to coincide with the release of Skitz’s 2nd album “Stix Man”. The band is made up of members of ‘Engine-Ears’ and Corin “The Sea” Pennington and a few more of our mates including of course Darrison
