RUFF, RUGGED & SMOOTH | VINYL RECORD (LP)

LP version. Seanie T is a true veteran of the UK music scene with a jaw dropping discography featuring some of the most important releases in the history of UK hip-hop. Produced in full by Hamburg-based DJ Suro, Ruff, Rugged and Smooth touches on elements of roots reggae, dancehall, bashment, soul, and pop, all with that unmistakable hip-hop swagger. As the title suggests, there's moments of rough reality, elements of rugged rawness and enough smooth reflection to keep everyone entertained. Kicking off with "Get Hustling", a familiar vocal sample sets up Seanie to set out his manifesto perfectly. Lead single "Warning" is a tag-team takedown with his old sparring partner Roots Manuva, with the duo trading devastating bars, whilst "The Bird" ups the tempo for a party time banger, compete with dance moves. "More To This" is a statement on the current state of image hungry MCs, with "Mad Dem" providing more party vibes and some deft turntable skills from Suro. "Plush" shows a softer side to proceedings with a tribute to the fine female form, whilst "Blaze Fire Bun' finds Seanie teaming up with UK don Serocee for another call to arms on a Timbaland sounding beat. Pitching for the Guinness World Record of number of UK MCs on a track, "Veterans" lines up a hot verse from 19(!) vocalists such as Rodney P, Ty, Ragga Twins, Navigator, and Hill St Soul, amongst many other legends (count them!) - never before has this many UK artists collaborated on one track. Following this up is "UK Warriors" finding Seanie riding solo once again, but hailing up his UK comrades, UK Allstars. Things gradually get smoother as you find Seanie in full gentleman mode on the lush "Dancefloor", before showing his love for "Weed" alongside Jamaican legend Chezidek. As we come to a close, the smooth reggae vibes of "Acceptable" ring out the album in perfect style, featuring the smooth vocals of more JA vocalists Little Hero & PZ. Already sounding like a modern classic - never retro, but respectful of it's roots whilst keeping it fresh and always keeping it Ruff, Rugged and Smooth. Also features Simone Watson.