Manage | UK Hip-Hop
Visionary
Manage is a cornerstone of the UK underground scene, renowned as both a formidable MC and a prolific producer. He first established his presence with the solo album Live in Protest, a project produced by Chemo and BeatButcha that solidified his reputation for gritty, intellectual lyricism.
Alongside this, he became a vital architect of the scene as a co-runner of Speakers Corner, the pivotal Brixton-based movement and monthly event that served as a heartbeat for independent hip-hop.
His signature "pavement" sound—defined by hard-hitting drums and raw, socio-political commentary—was further cemented on the landmark 2012 album Shame The Devil, helping return British hip-hop to its uncompromising roots.
In 2020, he launched Lab79, a London-based record label and creative hub dedicated to independent music. Under this banner, Manage has curated a tight-knit roster including Skirmish, Menace Mendoza, and Apex Zero, maintaining a relentless release schedule of solo and collaborative projects like The Half Of It.
By prioritizing creative control and a distinct "London-esque" aesthetic, he remains a vital bridge between the genre’s golden era foundations and the modern underground movement.
The Partnership
The collaboration between London’s Manage and New York City’s Prolific Wone is a testament to the enduring power of global underground hip-hop. Their partnership is anchored by their shared leadership in End of the Weak (EOW)—a worldwide collective dedicated to the art of the MC challenge—where Manage serves as a pillar of the UK chapter and Prolific Wone represents the movement’s NYC roots.
This decades-long bond, forged through shared stages and a commitment to independent artistic integrity, has evolved from mutual respect within a community into a formidable creative alliance that bridges the gap between the UK and US scenes.
Their latest collaborative milestone is the album God En Man, released through i2i Music. Fully produced by Manage, the project is a gritty, raw exploration of lyricism and sound that stays true to the "pavement" hip-hop aesthetic. Complementing the music is a cinematic short film series, directed by Chiba Visuals and Prolific Wone, which captures the authenticity of their transatlantic movement.
Building on this momentum, a second full-length LP titled Dangerous is already forthcoming. This next chapter will once again feature all Manage production, alongside vocal features from Manage himself and a curated selection of other UK Hip Hop legends, further cementing their joint influence on the global stage.
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