It takes a lot to be both innovative and consistent, and The Roots are the most innovative, most consistent hip hop act in the world bar none. They have been around 20 years and have barely ever put a foot wrong, releasing classic album after classic album. Undun could just be their best one yet. It is the story of a street hustler’s life and early death, told backwards from death to birth. The production by ?uestlove is flawless and suits the depressing subject matter perfectly – Undun is probably the most downbeat album The Roots have ever released, but it’s also the most beautiful and engrossing. Rapper Black Thought is an intelligent and engaging MC and he tells the story vividly through his rhymes, with the help of a few guests who also contribute impressively. The Roots have been the go-to men for intelligent hip hop for almost two decades now, and with Undun they have set the bar higher than it’s ever been. A late contender for album of 2011, in any genre.
Rating: 10/10
Top Tracks: Make My, One Time, Kool On, Stomp, Lighthouse
Release Date: 6 December 2011
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