Roots Manuva - Run Come Save Me (Britain) Vs Saul Williams - Amethyst Rock Star (America)

Well all I can say is that the new Roots Manuva single is by far the finest hip-hop track I've heard this year. The bass is incredible, so I have distinct feeling the album will be ace.

not only is his single his strongest the video is good with Roots going back to his old school to compete in the sports day, only to cheat and get chased by some children

this battle is unfair considering that saul williams isn't really a real mc. but something tells me his production is more listenable than manuva's, and he's a better lyricist. but mlk for the 21st century? i just thank god we don't need a mlk for the 21st century.

Roots Manuva: top single, hilarious video. I can also vouch for the album, which could well be the best British hip-hop album since I can remember. Not every track's fantastic, mind, but that's OK. The Saul Williams album came out months ago here in the NL. I hate Saul Williams. That superpretentious nonsense he spouted on the Krust single is unforgivable.

Clarification Saul Williams - mlk for the 21st century - the passionate vocal delivery style not in an overall sociological/socio- political sense.

Saul who? Roots Manuva Is Fastly becoming One UK's Hottest MC's Ever in my opinion, ive heard most Uk hipHop artist that are Around and none come close to roots, 'witness' is a superb track i love how he stay true to Uk with rapping bout bitter and cheese on toast, also the video is as everyone else has said 'hilarious', whatch out for run come save me its excellent and second single 'dreamy days'

I reserve the right to name a song "Bitter on Toast".

the new roots manuva is terrible.

wait, no it's not.

interesting. i vote for roots manuva, although i haven't heard his album. i'm tired of mine. nonetheless, where roots manuva aims to be britain's emcee of the ages i am not aiming to be anymore than myself: a being influenced greatly by hip hop who has learned the power of words and music and believes in the power of art to redefine a culture, globally. i am not "versus" roots manuva. i am on his side. i support him and all other wordsmiths who realize the power of their words. that he may not be necesarry for this millineum. i exist, therefore i am (i hope that wasn't too pretentious for you, mr. netherlands:) anyway, both i hope that either roots manuva or myself will inspire emcees and artists alike to create on a greater level. simply stated, u.s. hip hop is boring me. the underground and avant stuff is cool, but still not cool enough. it's not life changing. we need life changing music. amethyst rock star is coming out here, in the states on october 23rd, we'll see what happens. peace saul as for my "pretentious" lyrics on coded language. those lyrics were written as a manifesto for our generation and our ability to outlive and outshine the faults of flaws of our history, through hip hop. forgive me for aiming to speak for more than myself. i was simply aiming to cast a spell to counter the negative energy that has been put out through hip hop. mind you, i'm trying very hard to be civil in this moment. there is a part of me that would much rather type "fuck you". and in the name of balance i guess i'll gladly tupe that as well (i have already). as for the mlk comparison....uh, i wouldn't say that. but thanks, i guess i'm flattered. nonetheless, i agree with the dud who said

somehow the computer jumbled my response. the "he not being necessary for this millienium" was in respone to the mlk comment.

much respect!

Look, I may have formulated my opinion on Mr Williams' work rather harshly, but that is how people talk about music. They get passionate about likes and dislikes. I would have been more polite if I knew that the guy was listening in. I don't think that's hypocritical. Now, Michael, can I just say how much I love that new "You Rock My World" single of yours?

i think since many musicians discussed on ilm can easily and probably often do read this forum we should consider being more polite about any artist.

I think the point is not to moderate what any of us think about things but to realise that we live in a google-able age and thus not to complain when we get called on it.

I think it's jolly good of him to come on the board and answer his critics. But then I would say that, the Strokes haven't come after me yet.

I have heard run come save me, and I love it! I wouldn't compare any two artists, because it just ends in long and laborious arguments. There are a lot of people who believe one is better than the other WITHOUT having heard both. Excuse me, but how the hell would u know? I just like what I like and I hope 2 hear Saul Williams album soon!

i think since many musicians discussed on ilm can easily and probably often do read this forum we should consider being more polite about any artist.
-- ethan (ethan...), October 16th, 2001.

when did that go out the window?

October 17th, 2001

a being influenced greatly by hip hop !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I enjoyed reading Saul's post as a Saul Williams song