Undun

by The Roots

Every time I've heard the statement over the last few years that 'hip-hop is dead', I've always thought of the perfect counter-argument, which is The Roots.  This ever-changing group has done more than anyone to advance and evolve the genre of hip-hop, while also transcending it with every new album.  And then they go and release Undun, which has to be considered their masterpiece.

Undun is structured as a concept album, telling the story of Redford Stevens, a small-time crook from a poor neighbourhood.  The character and concept were derived from a Sufjan Stevens song, but the packaging of the story is that of The Roots.  The story unfolds in reverse-chronological order, starting when Redford is already dead, and looking back on the string of choices that he made through his life.  At times the story can be confusing, as Black Thought is joined on the mic by a number of other MCs (including Phonte, Big KRIT, Dice Raw, Truck North, Bilal Oliver, and Greg Porn).

The story is secondary on this album though, because the music is incredible.  The Roots, under the direction of Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson, push themselves to new heights here.  The more straight-forward hip-hop tracks at the beginning of the album are banging, but the disc ends with four classical pieces, which make up the Redford Suite.

Three things come away with me from listening to this.  The first is just how good rapper Black Thought is - he seems to be better with every new album, and he was always very good.  The second thing that I marvel at is how collaborative this whole album feels; I imagine that everyone involved had an equal hand, and that's why the music is just so good.  Finally, I can't believe that this album is actually less than forty minutes long.  Listening to it, I always feel like much more time has passed, since this album is so dense musically, lyrically, and spiritually.  Best of the year, hands down.

How I Got Over

by The Roots

With How I Got Over, the Roots once again prove that they are on a different level than just about anyone else working in hip-hop.  They are easily the most 'musical' group in the hip-hop world, and their time on the Jimmy Fallon show has clearly helped them to improve their craft and the quality of their jams.

This album finds them in a more thoughtful and contemplative place.  The roots of this (sorry) were seen on Rising Down, their last album, but I feel like they've arrived in a new place with this disk. 

Songs like 'Walk Alone', 'Dear God 2.0', and 'How I Got Over' demonstrate a rare maturity in this genre, and the songs shift seamlessly from one to the other, showing that these guys are making albums, not just a bunch of singles. 

Black Thought demonstrates once again that he is one of the hardest MCs alive, although he never gets recognition for that.  The crew is joined by their usual collaborators Dice Raw, PORN, Peedi Peedi, and Truck North.  Other guests include the Monsters of Folk, Joanna Newsom, STS, and John Legend.  Of special note are the two guest spots each given to Blu and Phonte Coleman (of Little Brother).  These are two rappers I have a lot of respect for, and it's nice to see Blu get the exposure, and it's nice to hear Phonte cut loose over some amazing backing music.

There is hardly a mis-step on the album.  The intro track is easily skipped, and I didn't really feel 'Web 20/20', but the rest of this thing is a monster.  Halfway through 2010, I think I've found my pick for album of the year.