Recent release reviewed

RODNEY P
The Future Riddim Killa
***

Rodney Panton is a somewhat long-in-the-tooth débutant, and days with ragga-rap pioneers London Posse and subsequent collaborations with Björk, Nitin Sawhney, Roni Size and Roots Manuva and anyone else looking for a slice of his voice have paved the way for The Future. It's a bright solo shout, with champion reggae and dub samples from Bob Marley and Lee "Scratch" Perry serving as props for flowing, fulsome raps from Panton. Such a scenario works wonders in the hands of a maestro, and you'll find plenty to keep you humming with No Pets Allowed, Trouble and the title track. While Dizzee Rascal and the soulful mischief of Estelle are seen by many to represent the sound of the UK streets, there is another side to the story and Panton is happy to tell it. www.rodneyp.com

Jim Carroll