CD review: The Roots - "Undun"

What’s going on on Planet Hip Hop? While Jay-Z has allegedly ceased all verbal hostilities against women now he has a daughter (*rolls eyes*), The Roots dented their halo after serenading former US presidential candidate Michele Bachmann with a rather groovy rendition of Fishbone’s Lyin’ Ass Bitch. But don’t be afraid: they still qualify as conscious, and complex, as their ambitious new album so resoundingly proves. Inspired by a Sufjan Stevens song, it’s a tale-told-backwards of a life cut short. Featuring a guest appearance from Stevens himself, it’s haunting, thought-provoking and quietly brilliant.

(Def Jam)

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