The Roots - Game Theory (Def Jam)

Even after signing to Jay-Z’s Def Jam empire, The Roots clearly haven’t forgotten their target audience—the young white college students who make up most of their fan base. The lyrical politicking and dark, harmonic beats of Game Theory clearly aren’t intended for Def Jam listeners who are more likely to be fans of the label’s poster child, Ne-Yo. But that’s not to say that The Roots are the kind of typical backpacker hip-hop group that’s doomed to the musical purgatory that is college radio. They are possibly the hardest-working hip-hop group (or “band”) at the moment, consistently putting out innovative and thoughtful music in the era of hyphy. On Game Theory, Roots lyricist Black Thought is at full form with the mic, especially when rejoined by former band member Malik B, who makes three appearances on the record. The production remains true to The Roots’ organic and ever-evolving sound, with songs like “Clock With No Hands” that echo Illadelph Halflife and others that are more reminiscent of The Tipping Point. Covering politics, war, and the death of hip-hop producer J Dilla, Game Theory is an overall serious album, and through this frankness, The Roots can prove that hip-hop can be mature and intelligent.

- Abe Ahn