Music The Roots & Wale Channel D.C. Go-Go In “Rising Up”

For the official lead single to their eighth studio album Rising Down, Philly favorites The Roots take a sonic journey down to Washington, D.C. with a joint that owes its loose, synchopated drum style to the city’s go-go dance music sound. In his second verse, Black Thought even gives a nod to seminal go-go band Rare Essence in one of his rhymes. And who better to get on the track than D.C.’s own Wale, who’s own work often fuses hip-hop with his city’s unique sound. Watch the video, which features Chrisette Michelle and was directed by Rik Cordero, after the jump.

Music Please, Mr. DJ

We weren't that excited to hear that the Roots were putting out their 50th album, let alone with a major push from their old pal, Def Jam boss Jay-Z. Not that Game Theory is bad (nor is it great); it's just like, not necessary. Plus, we're big fans of ?uestlove's turntable skills. Which, along the promise of free booze, lured us out to Cielo Tuesday night for the Roots' 50th record release party. In case ?uest, who turned in a mercifully light-on-Roots-tracks DJ set, decides to quit his day job, we're sure Def Jam boss Jay-Z will gladly keep the funky drummer in his pocket. We won't be mad either.

We’re sure Jay-Z is laughing with ?uestlove and not at him.