Review: Chill and play The Roots' 'Game'

The Roots have been immovable pillars of left-of-center rap for over ten years, making a deft mix of hip-hop and jazz, live instrumentation and intelligent rhymes their trademark.

With The Roots' penchant for experimentation and recent move to the Jay-Z-run Def Jam, die-hard fans may be nervous about what may be in store for their seventh release, "Game Theory."

Die-hard fans need to chill out. The album ably ropes in a range of signature sounds from the thundering sass on "Don't Feel Right" — featuring honey-voiced newcomer Maimouna Youssef — to the willowy rhythms of "Clock With No Hands." Lead MC Black Thought's diverse lyrical content and understated flow shine throughout the album.

It's the move from the traditional Roots sound that makes the album a success. The meaty funk of "Long Time" and the feathery folk of "Baby" and "Livin' In A New World" — both with budding artist John-John of Nouveau Riche — add a welcome freshness that makes an otherwise good album exceptional. Judging by the skill and innovation on "Game Theory," The Roots will likely rock on for another ten years.

The Roots, "Game Theory" (Def Jam)

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