At the time of Rising Down's release, ?uestlove called it The Roots’ most political album yet. It’s dark and anxious but still banging, with complex themes that feel purposeful, not patronizing. The title track, with Mos Def and Styles P, unpacks the pressure-cooker of American existence; on “75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction),” Black Thought’s bars are nimble and pointedly pro-black, spit over squelching bass and ?uest’s clattering drums. Yet “Rising Up” is a surprisingly optimistic closer, with a guest verse from Wale and airy vocals from Chrisette Michele.