The world’s best live hip-hop group The Roots are gearing up the release their new album “How I Got Over,” but first they’ve dropped a video for the album’s lead single of the same name. Despite the supremely dark tone of their last album “Rising Down,” their new work is reportedly much more optimistic. If the new album’s anything like this video, it might be their best work since “Things Fall Apart.” Check it out:
The Refined Take:
1) During a HipHopGame interview Black Thought said this album was going to be much more positive, reflecting the hope they feel about the new Obama administration. Far be it from me to disagree with the almighty Black Thought, but I don’t know if I’d call a video featuring a guy in a wheelchair and rhymes comparing Philly to Rwanda a ray of sunshine. I dig The Roots serious work, it’s an essential part of what they do, but I’m hoping the new album has some true party jams.
2) Gotta love that shot of Questlove playing chess with the old man. I think it’s the red umbrella that pushes it over the edge. Whoever was working on that video and said, “You know, what if Quest was holding this red polka dot umbrella in this shot?” was a genius.
3) Damn Black Thought, what do the Phillies have to do to get you rockin a Phillies hat instead of a Yankees cap? It’s not like your hometown team won the World Series or anything.
“How I Got Over” is currently slated to drop in late October and will reportedly feature contributions from Beanie Sigel, Young Chris, Chrisette Michelle, Blu, Phonte of Little Brother, Pharoahe Monch and Cody ChestnuTT.
Read more: Videos, The Roots
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