Game Theory

by

The Roots

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The Roots (Black Thought (MC), ?uestlove (Drums), Hub (Bass), Kamal (Keyboards), Knuckles (Percussion), and Captain Kirk (Guitar)) keep things moving delivering their seventh studio album "Game Theory" (2006). Former member Malik B returns for this release appearing on three tracks. Fellow Philadelphia native Peedi Peedi (AKA Peedi Crack formerly of State Property) appears on one track, and it is rumored he will be joining the Roots. Overall this album is laced with darker production and has the Root's talking about more serious issues - like politics, war and the state of the world. The album opens with "Dillatastic Vol Won(derful)" a short instrumental and ends with "Can't Stop This", both a tribute to the late great producer J Dilla aka Jay Dee (R.I.P.). The eight-minute closing track is my favourite on this album, Black Thought rhymes over J Dilla's excellent production providing an outstanding track. The album's first full-length track is "False Media" an ominous sounding track; laced with a dark chorus (Wadud Ahmad), Black Thoughts rhymes are on point. Black Thought reunites with Malik B and both flow fast over the title track "Game Theory". The first single "Don't Feel Right" is a powerful cut, which has Black Thought talking about the problems of the world. The production to "In The Music" is deadly and the highlight of that cut for me, Black Thought continues to drop thought provoking rhymes backed by some words from Wadud Ahmad on "Take It There". John-John provides the chorus to the more laidback sounding "Baby", and the three MC's who have rhymed for the Roots over the years - Black Thought, Malik B and Dice Raw triple tag team "Here I Come". Black Thought, Peedi Peedi rep Philadelphia and talk about their beginnings backed by some feel good production on "Long Time". Black Thought reflects on years past, broken friendships and regrets on the exceptional "Clock With No Hands" backed by some soulful singing from Mercedes Martinez. The Roots shine again with "Atonement" feat. Jack Davey (Brook D'Leu and Jack Davey), Brook's chorus is outstanding. Black Thought never fails to impress me, seems like he gets better and better as time goes by like good wine. The Root's Crew provides outstanding instrumentals and production - I would love to hear them live. Short, memorable & potent "Game Theory" is another keeper for Root's fans.