Concept albums. How loved they are within the hip-hop genre, but how few (good ones) are made nowadays. Prince Paul, Outkast, MF Doom and Del The Funky Homosapien, among others, can say that they know the secret of the concept album. What is no secret is that such records are hailed because they not only have an exciting, fascinating story and / or subject, but also suitable and above all good music.
In the fall of 2011, The Roots makes an attempt for the first time in their career. The album Undun tells the story of Redford Stephens who, influenced by the known limitations of the ghetto, makes certain choices and goes down the criminal path, which ultimately becomes his downfall. The productions of? Uestlove and James Poyser, among others, contain spherical, haunted, soulful loops and lively, dynamic drums. These offer Black Thought and a handful of guest raps the opportunity to explicate Redford's inner struggle between good and evil through introspective and retrospective raps. Good story and even better music. In short, a very strong concept album. (GL)more
