not so okay, player.

In case you didn't notice, okayplayer has changed the format of their site to something a little more "blog-like." Which is inevitably hard to grapple with, since okayplayer is basically the Tribe Called Quest of websites. They are the originals and everything was all good before, so WTF duke? Granted the new site looks slick, but I feel technologically lost like my grandparents with an iPhone.

The one good thing is that the site now features blogs from artists like El-P, who is of course dropping all sorts of facts on you. Kudos on that move.

In other okayplayer news, despite what the New York Times has to say, The Roots hit #6 on Billboard today with around 56,000 in sales. You lose a record contract for #6 these days huh?

The Roots Are Not Rising Up

According to the New York Times, The Roots are seriously struggling with the recent release of Rising Down this week. Apparently they might lose their record contract sooner than later.

First off: Are you serious? Jay leaves Def jam and no one can keep these guys on track? Frankly I'm sickened that The Roots still have to not only prove themselves but struggle to stay above water.

How about we all do what Skillz did for them...

The Roots On Green Lantern

I'm seriously considering getting Sirius Satellite Radio just because The Green Room hosted by Green Lantern is basically the modern equivalent of Stretch & Bobbito in the 90s. The Roots showed up last night on Lantern's show and threw down six tracks from the new album with a live set, and then Black Thought ripped it on Rap City. Talk about hustle. David Banner also showed up on Green's ripped as hell (what?) and actually kicked some reasonable flow.

I still stick to my guns that Black Thought is the best MC period. Arguments accepted, I know you got em.

I'm smooth like the dude Sean Connery was playing. - Black Thought

Previously:
∆ The Roots ft Mos Def & Styles P - Rising Down
∆ Joe Budden freestyle in The Green Room

Keep Rising Down

Three new tracks from Rising Down that are pure fire. This album is crazy dark and is basically one huge electric synth landscape, which is going to turn off a lot of heads on first listen (or permanently). Shit, I didn't like it at all last night and now I think it's bananas. But I'm a converted Roots fan who doesn't need any more Illadelph Halflife from them ... they done grown up. Either way, you are going to either love this album or completely hate it, and my prediction is that the hate will prevail.

This dope sample from what I originally thought was just a jam session, with Kweli on the hook. And yet another one featuring Kweli on the verse.

THE ROOTS - THE GRAND RETURN

THE ROOTS - I WILL NOT APOLOGIZE (FT KWELI)

THE ROOTS - LOST DESIRE

New Roots

Ya, new Roots from Rising Down. THAT'S WASSUP.

THE ROOTS - CRIMINAL FT SAIGON