Since their first album nearly ten years ago, The Roots have stood by two things. First, they prioritize a continual artistic evolution and advancement. Secondly, their music represents an ideological dialogue on issues of politics, economic inequalities and civil rights. With this in mind, when The Roots took the stage tonight at the Miller Oasis, they proceeded to represent themselves perfectly.
I had hoped the crowd would be somewhat smaller than expected considering the loads of fans that chose to forego the Summerfest crowd in favor of guaranteed entrance at Questlove's Stonefly after party. But I was sadly mistaken. The venue screamed overcrowded as festival goers filled every bleacher, isle and open space.
The Roots began with a showcase of their album history; playing "Star" off "The Tipping Point" and" Long Time" from "Game Theory" in the first few minutes. The show included beloved Roots anthems like "Din Da Da," "Mellow My Man," "Here I Come," "The Seed" and "The Next Movement."
Mid-show The Roots offered a history lesson in hip-hop. The lesson streamed together song snippets from dozens of artists including Old Dirty Bastard, Talib Kweli, Biz Markie and Kanye West.
The lesson fit the crowd perfectly. As artists, The Roots continuously emphasize the importance of continuity and evolution; referring to albums not as conclusive productions but as minor pieces in a much larger compilation of work. Their chronicled maturity remains central to lyrical themes and makes a consideration of the past compulsory in their vision of the future. Tonight's playlist undeniably attested to the presence of the past in their creative expression.
It was a constant dance party on stage as the forcefully intense lyrics pushed band members into collective motion. In one of very few nods to their new album, "Rising Down," The Roots played the single "Rising Up." Despite the albums recent April 2008 release, promotional overkill was kept to a minimum.
Critics have hailed "Rising Down" as a negative stream of griping and protestation. True, the album is far from light hearted or carefree but as musical social commentary it is acutely honest.
Several critics have claimed that hip-hop must have an upbeat aesthetic to be industry viable; but in consideration of artists like KRS One and Public Enemy, I respectfully disagree.
"Rising Down" builds on the melodic aggression of 2006's "Game Theory" and even if the outcome is considerably more intense and forceful it is absolutely relevant.
The Roots also gave airtime to political and social motivations tonight. Political statements addressed the death of Senator Jesse Helms, the need to vote and the war in Iraq. In honor of their decreed disdain for the current administration, the band played Bob Dylan's "Masters of War." The song was beautifully sung by Captain Kirk Douglas but given the oversized venue, any united impact was lost on its way into the crowd.
While most bands tend to appease label expectations as their careers continue, that has never been the case for The Roots. They closed the show with crowd pleasing favorites from "Phrenology," "Things Fall Apart" and "Game Theory" reiterating their love for all things intense, influential and aggressive.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Maureen Post grew up in Wauwatosa. A lover of international and urban culture, Maureen received a bachelor’s degree in sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
After living on the east side of Madison for several years, Maureen returned to Milwaukee in 2006.
After a brief stint of travel, Maureen joined OnMilwaukee.com as the city’s oldest intern and has been hooked ever since. Combining her three key infatuations, Milwaukee’s great music, incredible food and inspiring art (and yes, in that order), Maureen’s job just about fits her perfectly.
Residing in Bay View, Maureen vehemently believes the city can become fresh and new with a simple move across town.
