Pitchfork: News - March 19, 2008

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Front page photo by Natalie Kardos

The upcoming presidential election has everyone feeling political, and the Roots are no different. In a press release, group backbone/mouthpiece ?uestlove calls Rising Down, the Roots' forthcoming 10th (!) album, "probably our most political album to date, dealing with addiction, nihilism, hypocritical double standards in the prison system, and overall life in Philadelphia." But don't worry, rap fans, ?uest also says the record is "not a 'downer,' as most people expect us to do."

Nonetheless, the Game Theory follow-up's title comes from a William T. Vollmann treatise on violence, and its release date-- April 29 (via Def Jam)-- is also the 16th anniversary of the riots that consumed Los Angeles after the police officers accused of beating Rodney King were acquitted. That is to say, "downer" or not, Rising Down offers plenty of chances to get worked up.

As for the music, Rising Down features guest appearances from Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Peedi Crakk, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Saigon, Styles P, Wale, and someone unfortunately named P.O.R.N. Perhaps most notable though is Fall Out Boy singer Patrick Stump's appearance on first single "Birthday Girl".

The Roots have North American tour dates to keep them busy until the album comes out. [MORE...]

Video: The Roots [ft. Dice Raw, Peedi Crakk and DJ Jazzy Jeff]: Get Busy [from the forthcoming Rising Down LP]

Video: The Roots: 75 Bars (Black's Reconstruction) [from the forthcoming Rising Down LP]

Posted by Dave Maher in album, tour on Wed: 03-19-08: 07:36 AM CDT | Digg this article | Add to del.icio.us | Permalink

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