The Roots do things differently than most of their colleagues. Rising Down, the group's latest album, is no different. No boasting of shootings or gaudy spinning golden wheels here. In their own words, this is the band's most political album to date. That shows, because with its socially critical raps Black Thought does not spare contemporary America. Partly due to the ominous synth parts, many
… songs sound dark. The Roots has always considered innovation to be of paramount importance and this is no different at Rising Down. Good examples are the minimalistic 75 Bars (with a leading role for drummer Questlove) and the afrobeat-like I Will Not Apologize is also daring. I Can't Help It takes an unexpected turn and the relaxed sounding Criminal (with a text about the still prevailing prejudices about black Americans) stands out. Guest appearances are from Common, Mos Def, Malik B and Talib Kweli. (PdK)more