The Roots got a good thing going. Being a rap group that stays relevant for over two decades is no easy task by any means, and Questlove & Co. seem to do it with ease. Landing a killer day gig as the Tonight Show Band means they're always in the public eye, which results in an ever growing fan base, and people paying attention. This sort of success allows a group like The Roots to maintain major label status while making social commentary and satire that gets critical attention. Case in point with their 11th studio album, And Then You Shoot Your Cousin. Like 2011's Undun, this is a conceptual piece - one that focuses on violence in hip hop and American culture at large. Heavy stuff from a group that plays for a comedian everyday, but hey, these guys are veterans - they definitely know what they're doing. Check the sound on "Never," "When The People Cheer," "Black Rock," "Understand" and more. 11 tracks housed in gatefold sleeve.

• music label: Def Jam 2014

reviewed by King Of The Ill 06/2014