Pull out the black nail polish and hide the sharp objects kids, The Roots have gone emo…Well not really, but The Foundation has taken their sound to a new stage of vehement expression. I suppose that we should have seen this coming.
“If I ruled the world”…Black people would def fly around chasing white people…
Considering the melancholic sound of their 2006 release, Game Theory, which was fused with more of a rock-feel than any of their prior albums, Rising Down, their most recent effort, is the next logical stop on their pathway of progression. I will admit, as I have before, that I loved Game Theory, which along with Common’s Electric Circus and Mos Def’s New Danger, was the perfect blend of hip hop and rock sounds that is able to transcend genres. Rising Down, which drops today, falls into such a category, while carving out its own niche in The Roots’ discography. I can honestly say that this is the rawest, grittiest checkpoint on their eight-album journey. The hype around the album was partially diminished considering the Roots Crew released a new track every other day. The precedent was set with the release of “75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction)” followed by the more recent release of the popish “Birthday Girl” (unfortunately not on the American release) featuring Fall Out Boy lead singer Patrick Stump. Shout outs to Sasha Grey in the video…I see you girl!
Birthday Girl featuring Patrick Stump
“She has a good head on her shoulders…”
