Sometimes B-sides are meant to be flipped, skipped and forgotten. Then again, sometimes B-sides rip it up as much as the featured side of the record, if not more. Option 2 seems like the much better description of Roots Manuva’s latest take of the tracks that missed the ‘Awfully Deep’ sessions. All recorded while in the studio banging out ‘Awfully Deep,’ the tracks on this release either came out as bonus tracks, exclusive downloads or have never seen the light of day until now.

Manuva’s flow is true to his normal form – rough, rugged and raw with the usual playful twist. This time the beats range from reggae to eastern influences to Miami bass and dirty south synth lines. What you get is an intelligent blend of lyrics and stand out beats and bass.

“Pep My Game” has a little twist of a Dr. Dre style beat with Manuva’s vocal kick coming over fresh as ever. “Mean Street” is another stand out track with an Indian influence reminiscent of the classic Asian Underground movement around the turn of the millennium. There are also bass-heavy bangers like “Get U High,” the “Colossal Insight” remix, the “Check It” remix and “No Love.” Another really fresh twist the Roots sound takes on this album is the Miami Mix of “Seat Yourself” and the video game funk style of “Nobody’s Dancing.”

So whether you caught the “A-sides” or not, don’t be afraid to flip the record and savor this fresh slice from the Roots vibe discotheque.