Game Theory - 3 1/2 Stars

It's a problem when the drummer is the most compelling member of your group (just ask the Max Weinberg Seven). Producer-drummer ?uestlove is the crucial Root, while frontman Black Thought is more of a reliable MC than an exceptional one. The Roots have overcome this drawback by consistently pushing the boundaries of hip-hop. For every head-nodding beat (and ?uestlove brings plenty of 'em), Game Theory has a head-turning treat, from the "om" chant intro on the gospel-style "Baby" to the melancholy Radiohead sample of "Atonement." While the straight-ahead, singsong "Don't Feel Right" is underwhelming, bigger hooks come courtesy of "Long Time." A piece of Prince-ly cyberfunk with a gorgeous string arrangement by Philadelphia soul vet Larry Gold, the song celebrates growing up in Philly, with guest MC Peedi Peedi bringing some welcome humor: "It started in the bathroom taking a dump/Listening to Ultramagnetic Ego Trippin'." The album closer, "Can't Stop," is a fizzy eight-minute tribute to departed producer J Dilla, memorialized here as the "Muhammad Ali of beats."

My question: what do they actually say in this review? Besides summing up the album more than actually reviewing it, they compare The Roots to Conan O'Brien's backing band? That's... ugh. Dude, I think The Roots have less to fear from bad reviews than shitty reviewers. How can Rolling Stone, who gave The Roots an online exclusive feature about GT (The "Heavy But No Debbie Downer" piece) write a review that says nothing but still gives them a less than ace score? I mean, yeah there are lots of cool hooks and "head turning treats," but a kid can say "hey that's cool." RS is supposed to be a magazine that champions good music and alerts about bad. I could have read the Amazon.com summation of GT for that.

oh yeah, P.S. - the only thing you do say, about Black Thought being underwhelming, is f-ing ignorant. Good job at not doing your job, RS. Seems to me that every important figure in Hip-Hop champions BT as an emcee's mc and one of the best in the game (like Talib did on these boards the other day), but you just go ahead and give Rick Ross all your love, you asshats.

RIP Maynard Ferguson