An excluse listen to The Roots newest album “Undun” was presented on NPR. I didn’t hesitate to tune in. There has been a lot of hype around this album. The album rings with deep tones and a dark atmosphere. If you want to listen this album you might want to pause turn off the lights and let it take you away for awhile. This album is a concept album about a Philadelphia kid who gets consumed by hard times of the drug trade. It outlines the struggles this young man had till the end. Right from the beginning of the album you could tell this was going to be serious. It seems like Blackthought (main mc of the roots) was barely rapping at all, and more pouring his emotion into every word that spills off his lips. ?uestlove told Spin magazine recently. "Tariq [a.k.a. Black Thought]'s entire family, his cousin and brothers, have literally all been this guy. Tariq is the only one that has escaped the fate that most of his family have encountered. The narrative definitely hits home with him more than any other member of the band." That in every way is conveyed in this album. Its like he is pulling a knife out of his heart with every exclamation. ?uestlove recently also said, that with their job security of the Jimmy Fallon gig, it allows them to put out music without worrying about public reaction. This being said, I think everyone from folk bangers to metal smashers could take something away from this album. Stories like these need to be told. People who lived the life but fell short of their actual potential. It makes you realize that life is not a joke and that the choices you make effect the outcome. the music carries this message. If you decide to listen to this (at least give it a shot) picture this young man, and reflect on your life. The Roots may have made there best album out of tragedy.
Michael
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