[begin rant]
Who told the Roots that anger is a virtue? As a staunch defender of the band from the land of the unseen hand that holds trouble, I’m disappointed in this absurd foray in sensationalism. (more…)

Black Thought spits Mos Def’s verse so well, I’m getting some funny ideas.

The Roots - Criminal (feat. Saigon & Truck North)
One of the better collaborations on Rising Down.

All this build-up is making me dizzy. Wake me up when Rising Down drops.

Oh boy, music videos are raining like confetti today.

Check out The Roots’ “Birthday Girl” video featuring adult entertainer Sasha Grey (but with no adult entertainment).
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Ian says: “Video is garbage - the unofficial one from a while back is KILLIN’ this.”

Cosign that to the fullest. If you missed it, here’s the unofficial one from a while back.

Rising Down (Hum Drum)
Alternate version of Rising Down’s title track. [via: Okayplayer]

Featuring D.C. whiz kid Wale and Def Jam songbird Chrisette Michele.

Definitely better than “Birthday Girl,” but I don’t know if it’ll work as a single.

Photo © Ginny Suss

The Roots heard all your griping and decided to axe “Birthday Girl” from Rising Down.

“We told you a few weeks ago that “Birthday Girl” could easily get dropped off of Rising Down. We received word over the weekend that the song is now the International Single and will be an iTunes exclusive. It will not appear on the North American release.”[via OKP, by way of Eskay]

I haven’t heard Rising Down in its entirety, so it’s hard to say whether this move will strengthen the album or detract from it. But I will say this: When the dust finally settles, yanking “Birthday Girl” will be perceived as the move that single-handedly made or marred Rising Down.

The Roots - Teasing Down

A 54-second teaser of the eagerly awaited Rising Down.

I just spent a full 2 minutes trying to analyze this art work. [via OKP]

(more…)