2007 / June 27^th/ The Roots: Game Theory

Almost a year ago The roots came out with Game Theory — which in my opinion has quickly become one of the best hip-hop records of all time. I’m not a huge hip-hop fan, and I don’t claim to know the full extent of the scene. But I do know good music when I hear it, and this is damn good music.

It’s in the music, turn it up let it knock
Let it bang on the block ’til the neighbors call the cops
The cops gone come but they ain’t gone do shit
They don’t want no problems, what are y’all stupid
It’s all in the music

The Roots make it onto my playlist day after day because of their commitment to music. They’re part of a select few hip-hop groups who have a real-live drummer (?uestlove) and man does it make a difference. It doesn’t help that they have one of the best human beatboxer’s out there either (Rahzel). All this contributes to a band that’s so involved in the music they play side-by-side next to jam bands at Bonnaroo.

The Album

Back to the album: wow. Every single song on this record is amazing. I’m sitting here writing this review at 3am because I just can’t stand to press the stop button and go to bed (lucky for me there’s only 6 more songs left).

The rhythm of the record is nothing short of excellent. Starting off build-up track False Media that leads into the fast-paced title track, then on to more mellow tracks like Baby with just enough spice in between to keep you wanting more. This album has a tremendous amount of motion: it just keeps pushing your further and further.

All in all, there’s so much to love about this album it’s hard to put into words. If you’re a hip-hop fan or not, this should definitely be in your collection.

1. 

   Thame

   June 28^th | #

   I totally hear you. Game Theory is one of my favorite Roots albums and the Dilla tributes are really touching. It’s definitely up there with some of my other all-time bests like Madvillainy, Ruff Draft and QUASIMOTO’s The Unseen.

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