Mr Benn (aka Ben Menter) is a name that has been bubbling away on the Brsitolscene for many years, having released a number of records on the local Leisurimprint and running nights around the Stokes Croft area for many moons. Oftenworking with MCs such as Blackout JA and Souls Liberation, his bumping mix ofhip hop beats and reggae always struck a chord on the cities dancefloors, althoughit was his track "Long Time" with legendary UK rapper Blak Twang that really puthim on the map and cemented his hip hop/reggae style in clubs across the world.Remixes of Horace Andy, Cutty Ranks, Monkey Mafia and Joe Driscoll followed,earning him a solid reputation for shaking dancefloors.
Reared on a diet of Aswad, The Specials and King Tubby, with 90s hip hop asa backdrop as well as the emergent jungle scene, the musical influences behindhis sound are vast and wide and infused with the eclectic culture that his hometown of Bristol exudes. However, his more recent involvement with the Bristol HifiSoundsystem (alongside Massive Attack's very own Daddy G) has seen him diggingdeeper into his reggae roots for this, his debut album.
"Shake A Leg" is truly a labour of love, taking almost 4 years to complete (the titleis a tongue in cheek reference to this!) and has seen Ben collaborate with some ofhis musical heroes such as THE RAGGA TWINS, TENOR FLY and TOP CAT - allcertified veterans of the UK reggae scene. There are also a number of lesser knowntalents such as up-and-coming star EVA LAZARUS, Canada's MC ZULU, Jamaica'sPEPPERY and NANCI CORRIEA from the Congo Natty crew, not forgetting ToddlaT's main hypeman SEROCEE, who featured on the lead single from the album"Rising Star".
Taking in dub, roots, dancehall, bashment, hip hop, house, soca and dubstep -the album really is a true reflection of the UK's ongoing obsession with Jamaicansoundsystem culture and music past, present and future. With its eye firmly on thedancefloor it is sure to be the soundtrack to many a festival this summer.