Roots Manuva to collaborate with James Blunt?

by Jarrett Martineau | September 1, 2008 at 03:36 pm

459 views | 6 Recommendations | 8 comments

At first, it appeared as though Roots Manuva was being incredibly sarcastic when he said that he wanted to collaborate with James 'You're Beautiful, It's True' Blunt. But then I read this again and it doesn't sound like it.

So, now I'm just hoping he doesn't follow through with it. Don't do it, boys. It ain't worth it!

The trouble with Roots Manuva isn't that his jokes sound serious – it's that his serious comments sound like jokes. Earlier this month the English MC told us that he wanted to work with soporific balladeer James Blunt. "I wouldn't mind doing something with ... what's his name again?" he said in our podcast. Oh, how we chortled at the ridiculous thought, even after Manuva claimed to be sincere. Manuva and Blunt hardly seem like kindred spirits.
And yet perhaps they are kindred after all. When asked again this week if he was joking about working with Blunt, Manuva told BBC 6Music, "No, no, we're sorting that out, he knows."

Alhough the new Roots Manuva album, Slime and Reason, is released on September 1, the hip-hop star is keen to record with the mope who sang You're Beautiful. "We'll just get in the studio, have a few wines, eat some cake and go for it," Manuva said, giving us yet another bizarre image – James Blunt and Roots Manuva in a recording booth, devouring birthday cake.

Though Blunt's not exactly part of the standard British hip-hop Rolodex, Roots Manuva had a cunning way to reach him. "I'm a personal friend of [James Blunt's] guitarist and he put the message in," he explained. "He's up for it."

"It could be pretty soon. I've got some time off coming up so I'm gonna pursue it. I'm definitely gonna try and get something in the bag."

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adamreading

at 01:40 on September 2nd, 2008

I was lucky enough to get a photopass for James Blunt's Reading Gig at the Rivermead in Reading, Berkshire. I know a lot of people don't like the guy, but he was great live.

adamreading has contributed a photo to this story.

AlecsS

at 03:18 on September 2nd, 2008

AlecsS has contributed a photo to this story.

mariapilarMPCM

at 03:22 on September 2nd, 2008

The music of this singer is wonderful I like each song of the Cds i have,,, I don´t know what else he has created in the last time, but my treasure ,,, i mean,,, the cds above,, are great

thanks for the invitation

Maria Pilar

Santiago Chile

shanthi castro (not verified)

at 12:17 on September 2nd, 2008

This is the mail I sent to The Guardian Dear Editor, Absolutely outraged to read "The Guardian" stoops to the same depths as the British tabloids. I had always imagined your newspaper and journalists to be a cut above. Sean Micheal's article (August 29th) titled "I want to work with James Blunt" makes me ashamed to be British when the whole globe are able to read such prejudices. Such sentences as "Oh, how we chortled at the thought" referring to the collaboration of James Blunt and Roots Manuva working together leave me cold and wondering why the Guardian hasn't found better music journalists to cover the story. The name calling "mope" and attempt at humour "lPerhaps he could leave Blunt in the bag when he's finished"(groan) are beyond belief. Where are the real facts about these two great musicians. Sean Micheals, 0 out of 10 for that piece. -10 for the worn out humour.

Vanylaa

at 15:06 on September 5th, 2008

This photo is from James Blunt's concert in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina on June 15th 2008.
I'm Blunt's big fan and that concert was something amazing for me. I enjoyed every minute of it!

Vanylaa has contributed a photo to this story.

leonardocsouza

at 16:31 on September 5th, 2008

These photos were taken at his show in Barcelona. It was just amazing to see him perform. And although he does make ballads, people should pay more attention to lots of his lyrics, that are very meaningful.

Just my 2cents. :)

leonardocsouza has contributed a photo to this story.

LotusFlower

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 11:04 on September 18th, 2008

Jarrett Martineau, I like this story. It's good stuff. I find Blunts work has me reaching for the off button as I drive if it comes on the radio - or at least gets me flicking through the channels - but someone cutting up his songs with something a little more gutsy might work - and millions love him - could be good business for RM!