Game Theory seamlessly intertwines the bands use of live instruments, unique samples and precise Emceeing, from beginning to end. It takes its listeners on a tour of the world in way that only The Roots can. The Emcees of group, led by the brilliant veteran Black Thought, who has become more than accustomed to carrying the load, serve as your tour guides, while Quest Love and the band supply the appropriate soundtrack. The album starts with a low melodic introduction that leads to a drum heavy social commentary titled, “False Media”, addressing the current conditions of American society aptly featuring vocals by legendary Public Enemy front man Chuck D. Next is the adrenaline laden title track that ends with a verse from The Roots absentee emcee Malik B, instantly reminding fans of what they have been missing for almost seven years. From this point on the album excels musically and lyrically with precise beats and impeccable rhyming. Black Thought and Malik B’s aggressively melodic deliveries shine throughout the album especially on “In The Music” and “Here I Come”. Even the slower paced, “Clock with No Hands”, which may be the best track of the album, maintains the energetic hi octane tempo of the album. Game Theory’s curtain call is an eight minute tribute to recently deceased legendary producer J-Dilla, whose Time: The Donut of the Heart, from his classic Donuts album which was release within days of his departure, was the beat used to cement this beautiful ode to his life as musician and a person.
The return of Malik B brought about an emotional excitement not only from fans of The Roots but from The Roots themselves. His contribution, however limited, clearly raised everyone’s performance. Game Theory in turn maybe the best and most complete Roots album to date, or at least the best we’ve heard in close to a decade.
