Phrenology

by The Roots — 5 December 2002 — music — 4/5

The Roots are the best band you never heard of. Jay Z chose them to back him for his Unplugged appearance, and they overshadowed the master. More than a hip-hop band (there's such a thing? Yes, they actually play instruments), they delve into punk, rock, soul, and techno throughout the course of Phrenology. In a genre full of clever lyricists, the Roots have an impressive intellect to back up their vocabulary.

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