With members coming and going with the release of each album, The Roots has drawn from a diverse pool of musical talent. As a result, founding members Black Thought and Quest Love have been able to appeal to people across the musical spectrum. Their latest album, Undun continues this trend as it combines instrumentals ranging from classic to electronic and vocals ranging from soul to rap. This diversity combines to form an incredible album, worthy of The Roots’ prestige.
Undun is more of a novel rather than an album. Each song flows like a chapter in the story of Redford Stephens, who struggles to survive a life in poverty. When he is presented with a choice between becoming a criminal or pursuing a career, he chooses a life of crime. The album tells the story of the consequences of that choice.
“Dun,” the first song to the album, foreshadows these consequences as it begins with even and blissful tones but then derails into chaotic static. From start to finish, the album follows a similar pattern as Stephen is destroyed by his decisions.
The soulful singing in songs like “One Time” creates a bleak atmosphere that articulates the feelings of hopelessness all too common to poverty. Alternatively, the rap lyrics in songs like “Stomp” convey a determination to overcome that hopelessness through their flawless rhythm and insightful message.
In unison, these two musical forms characterize the struggle for self-betterment as bleak yet relatable to anyone trying to progress.
In contrast to the first ten songs, the last four, particularly “Finality” takes the album in a completely different direction. All of these pieces are composed with an orchestra and emphasize Stephen’s struggles theatrically.
These songs sound more like Mozart than Mos Def and add a bitter finale to an already tragic tale of a man’s self-destruction. The Roots call upon a diverse pool of musical talent to do more than just entertain.
They tell a story applicable to all through layered instruments and the natural contrasts between soul and rap. Each song moves the story forward to its tragic, if not expected conclusion. Ultimately, Undun exemplifies the sometimes forgotten beauty of hip-hop.