Name: Game Theory Deluxe Edition (Explicit Version) by The Roots
Brand: The Roots
SKU: 602517070905
Price: 9.9 USD
Availability: OnlineOnly
Rating: 3 (91 reviews)

ALBUM Explicit

Game Theory is the Roots' equivalent of a Funkadelic playlist containing "Wars of Armageddon," "Cosmic Slop," "Maggot Brain," "March to the Witch's Castle," and "America Eats Its Young." It's a vivid reflector of the times, not an escape hatch (of which there are several readily available options). Spinning turbulence, paranoia, anger, and pain into some of the most exhilarating and startling music released in 2006, the group is audibly galvanized by the world's neverending tailspin and a sympathetic alignment with Def Jam. Batting around stray ideas and squeezing them into shape was clearly not part of the plan, and neither was getting on the radio. The songs flow into and out of one another to optimal effect, with an impossibly stern sense of peak-of-powers focus, as if the group and its collaborators instantly locked into place and simply knocked the thing out. With the exception of the elbow-throwing "Here I Come," nothing here is suitable for any kind of carefree activity. The extent of the album's caustic nature is tipped off early on, after glancing at the hangman on the cover and hearing Wadud Ahmad's penetrating voice run through lines like "Pilgrims, slaves, Indians, Mexicans/It looks real f*cked up for your next of kin." The point at which the album kicks into full gear, just a couple minutes later, arrives when tumbling bass drums and a Sly & the Family Stone sample ("This is a game/I'm your specimen") are suddenly overtaken by pure panic -- pulse-racing drums, anxious organ jabs, pent-up guitar snarls, and breathless rhyming from Black Thought and Malik B. "In the Music" exemplifies the deeply textured nature of the album's production work, with its rolling/roiling rhythm -- throbbing bass, clanging percussion, tight spirals of guitar -- made all the more claustrophobic by Porn's amorphous chorus and Black Thought's and Malik B.'s hunched-shoulder deliveries. Even "Baby," the closest thing to a breather in this patch of the album, arises from a sweltering jungle bog. After "Long Time," the ninth track, the levels of tension and volume decrease, yet the moods are no brighter, even if the surfaces leave a different impression. "Clock with No Hands" is introduced as a sweet slow jam with a light vocal hook from Mercedes Martinez, but it's as paranoid as anything else on the album. Jack Davey projects the chorus of the slower, Radiohead-sampling "Atonement" in a druggy haze while Black Thought speaks of "being faced with the weight of survival." The closer, an eight-minute suite titled "Can't Stop This," features a J Dilla production -- previewed on his Donuts, released the week he left this planet -- that opens and closes with testimonials to the musician's talent and humanity. Taken with or without this staggering finale, Game Theory is a heavy album, the Roots' sharpest work. It's destined to become one of Def Jam's proudest, if not most popular, moments. ~ Andy Kellman

1. Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)

by The Roots

Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Composer: Not Applicable
Various Artists; Composer
Lyricist: Not Applicable; Composer
Mixing: Ahmir Thompson
Steve Mandell; Production
Recording: Ahmir Thompson
Steve Mandell; Production
Studio Personnel: Ahmir Thompson
Steve Mandell; Production

2. False Media

by The Roots

Performer: Wadud Ahmad
Black Thought; Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Vocals: Wadud Ahmad
Black Thought; Performer
Composer: Carlton Ridenhour
Karl Jenkins
J. Gray
James Poyser
A. Thompson
Eric Sadler
H. Shocklee
T. Trotter; Composer
Lyricist: H. Shocklee
T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
J. Gray
James Poyser
A. Thompson
Carlton Ridenhour
Eric Sadler; Composer
Mixing: Russell Elevado; Production
Producer: The Randy Watson Experience
Kamal Gray; Production
Recording: Robert Dorsey
Jon Smeltz
Steve Mandell
Russell Elevado; Production
Studio Personnel: Steve Mandell
Russell Elevado
Robert Dorsey
Jon Smeltz; Production

3. Game Theory

by The Roots

Performer: Malik B.
Black Thought; Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Vocals: Black Thought
Malik B.; Performer
Composer: J. Gray
S. Stewart
Khari Mateen
Tarik Trotter
A. Thompson
K. Douglas
L. Hubbard
Malik Smart; Composer
Lyricist: L. Hubbard
Malik Smart
S. Stewart
Khari Mateen
J. Gray
Tarik Trotter
A. Thompson
K. Douglas; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Roots
Khari Mateen; Production
Recording: Khari Mateen
Jon Smeltz; Production
Studio Personnel: Jason Goldstein
Khari Mateen
Jon Smeltz; Production

4. Don't Feel Right

by The Roots, Maimouna Youssef

Featured Artist: Maimouna Youssef
Mumu Fresh; Main Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Performer: Black Thought
Maimouna Yousef; Performer
Vocals: Black Thought
Maimouna Yousef; Performer
Composer: Tahir Jamal
Karl Jenkins
Gregory Webster
George Brown
J. Gray
Robert Bell
Tarik Trotter
A. Thompson
Dennis Thomas
Andrew Noland
Claydes Smith
Donald Boyce
Juni Morrison
Leroy Bonner
Marshall Jones
Marvin Pierce
Norman Bruce Napier
Ralph Middlebrooks
Richard Westfield
Ronald Nathan Bell
Robert Spike Mickens; Composer
Lyricist: Claydes Smith
Karl Jenkins
Gregory Webster
George Brown
J. Gray
Robert Bell
Tarik Trotter
A. Thompson
Dennis Thomas
Andrew Noland
Donald Boyce
Juni Morrison
Leroy Bonner
Marshall Jones
Marvin Pierce
Norman Bruce Napier
Ralph Middlebrooks
Richard Westfield
Robert Spike Mickens
Ronald Nathan Bell
Tahir Jamal; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: Tahir Jamal
The Roots; Production
Recording: Robert Dorsey
Jon Smeltz
Steve Mandell; Production
Studio Personnel: Steve Mandell
Robert Dorsey
Jason Goldstein
Jon Smeltz; Production

5. In The Music

by The Roots, Malik B., Porn

Primary Artist: Porn
The Roots; Main Performer
Performer: Malik B.
Black Thought
Porn; Performer
Featured Artist: Malik B.; Main Performer
Vocals: Black Thought
Malik B.; Performer
Composer: K. Douglas
K. Hansen
L. Hubbard
M. Smart
T. Trotter
R. Nichols
O. Biddle
Karl Jenkins
P. Martinez
K. Gray
A. Thompson; Composer
Lyricist: K. Gray
Karl Jenkins
P. Martinez
A. Thompson
K. Douglas
K. Hansen
L. Hubbard
M. Smart
O. Biddle
R. Nichols
T. Trotter; Composer
Mixing: Jon Smeltz; Production
Producer: Owen Biddle
Richard Nichols
Kevin Hansen
The Roots
Pedro Martinez; Production
Recording: Robert Dorsey
Jon Smeltz
Russell Elevado; Production
Studio Personnel: Russell Elevado
Jon Smeltz
Robert Dorsey; Production
Additional Mixer: Russell Elevado; Other
Additional Vocals: Porn; Other

6. Take It There

by The Roots, Wadud Ahmad

Background Vocals: Dice Raw; Performer
Featured Artist: Wadud Ahmad; Main Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Performer: Black Thought
Wadud Ahmad
Dice Raw; Performer
Spoken Word: Wadud Ahmad; Performer
Vocals: Black Thought; Performer
Composer: D. Robinson
P. Martinez
K. Gray
A. Thompson
Adam Blackstone
F. Walker
K. Bard Hansen
K. Douglas
L. Hubbard
T. Trotter; Composer
Lyricist: L. Hubbard
T. Trotter
D. Robinson
P. Martinez
K. Gray
A. Thompson
Adam Blackstone
F. Walker
K. Bard Hansen
K. Douglas; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Roots
Pedro Martinez
Kevin Hansen
Ahmir Thompson
Adam Blackstone
Richard Nichols
?uestlove; Production
Recording: Russell Elevado
Jon Smeltz; Production
Studio Personnel: Russell Elevado
Jason Goldstein
Jon Smeltz; Production
Additional Vocals: Black Thought
Dice Raw; Other

7. Baby

by The Roots, John John

Primary Artist: John-john
The Roots; Main Performer
Performer: ?uesto
Dice Raw
John John
Black Thought
Michael Heinzer; Performer
Vocals: Black Thought; Performer
Composer: T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
K. Gray
A. Thompson
J. Mcglinchey
K. Douglas
L. Hubbard; Composer
Lyricist: T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
K. Gray
A. Thompson
J. Mcglinchey
K. Douglas
L. Hubbard; Composer
Mixing: Russell Elevado; Production
Producer: The Roots
John Mcglinchey; Production
Recording: Steve Mandell
Robert Dorsey
John Mcglinchey; Production
Studio Personnel: Russell Elevado
John Mcglinchey
Robert Dorsey
Steve Mandell; Production
Additional Vocals: John John
?uesto
Michael Heinzer
Dice Raw; Other

8. Here I Come

by The Roots, Dice Raw, Malik B.

Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Performer: Dice Raw
Black Thought
Malik B.; Performer
Featured Artist: Malik B.
Dice Raw; Main Performer
Vocals: Dice Raw
Black Thought
Malik B.; Performer
Composer: Karl Jenkins
Ahmir Thompson
T. Trotter
F. Walker
K. Douglas
K. Gray
Richard Nichols
M. Smart
Malik Smart
L. Hubbard
?uestlove; Composer
Lyricist: Karl Jenkins
Ahmir Thompson
K. Gray
F. Walker
K. Douglas
L. Hubbard
Malik Smart
M. Smart
Richard Nichols
T. Trotter; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Roots
Pedro Martinez
Owen Biddle
Brook D'leau
Richard Nichols; Production
Recording: Robert Dorsey
Jon Smeltz
Russell Elevado; Production
Studio Personnel: Russell Elevado
Jon Smeltz
Jason Goldstein
Robert Dorsey; Production
Additional Producer: Owen Biddle
Brook D'leau
Pedro Martinez; Other
Additional Vocals: Black Thought
Dice Raw; Other

9. Livin' In A New World

by The Roots, John John

Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Background Vocals: Mercedes Martinez; Performer
Featured Artist: John John; Main Performer
Performer: Mercedes Martinez
Black Thought
John John; Performer
Vocals: Black Thought; Performer
Composer: L. Hubbard
Karl Jenkins
A. Thompson
K. Douglas
K. Mateen
T. Trotter; Composer
Lyricist: L. Hubbard
T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
A. Thompson
K. Douglas
K. Mateen; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Roots
Khari Mateen; Production
Recording: Jon Smeltz
Khari Mateen; Production
Studio Personnel: Jon Smeltz
Jason Goldstein
Khari Mateen; Production
Additional Vocals: John John; Other

10. Clock With No Hands

by The Roots, Mercedes Martinez

Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Background Vocals: Mercedes Martinez; Performer
Featured Artist: Mercedes Martinez; Main Performer
Performer: Black Thought
Mercedes Martinez; Performer
Vocals: Black Thought; Performer
Composer: Amir Thompson
Karl Jenkins
J. Gray
Tarik Trotter
K. Mateen
L. Hubbard
?uestlove; Composer
Lyricist: K. Mateen
L. Hubbard
Karl Jenkins
J. Gray
Tarik Trotter
Amir Thompson; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Roots
Khari Mateen
Brook D'leau; Production
Recording: Jon Smeltz
Khari Mateen; Production
Studio Personnel: Jon Smeltz
Jason Goldstein
Khari Mateen; Production
Additional Producer: Brook D'leau; Other

11. Atonement

by The Roots, Jack Davey

Featured Artist: Jack Davey; Main Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Background Vocals: Jack Davey; Performer
Performer: Black Thought
Jack Davey; Performer
Vocals: Black Thought; Performer
Composer: Philip Selway
Karl Jenkins
Thom Yorke
Jonny Greenwood
James Poyser
A. Thompson
Colin Greenwood
Edward O'brien
T. Trotter; Composer
Lyricist: Edward O'brien
T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
Thom Yorke
Jonny Greenwood
Philip Selway
James Poyser
A. Thompson
Colin Greenwood; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Randy Watson Experience
The Roots; Production
Recording: Steve Mandell
Jon Smeltz; Production
Studio Personnel: Jon Smeltz
Jason Goldstein
Steve Mandell; Production

12. Can't Stop This

by The Roots

Performer: Black Thought; Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Vocals: Black Thought; Performer
Composer: T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
Brian Holland
James Poyser
A. Thompson
J. Yancy
M. Lovesmith; Composer
Lyricist: T. Trotter
Karl Jenkins
Brian Holland
James Poyser
A. Thompson
J. Yancy
M. Lovesmith; Composer
Mixing: Russell Elevado
Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: The Randy Watson Experience
The Roots
J-dilla; Production
Recording: Steve Mandell
J-dilla
Robert Dorsey
Jon Smeltz; Production
Studio Personnel: Jason Goldstein
Russell Elevado
Jon Smeltz
J-dilla
Robert Dorsey
Steve Mandell; Production

13. Bread And Butter

by The Roots

Background Vocals: Khari Mateen; Performer
Primary Artist: The Roots; Main Performer
Performer: Khari Mateen; Performer
Composer: Jamal Miller
Karl Jenkins
Khari Mateen
Tarik Trotter; Composer
Lyricist: Karl Jenkins
Khari Mateen
Tarik Trotter
Jamal Miller; Composer
Mixing: Jason Goldstein; Production
Producer: Khari Mateen; Production
Recording: Khari Mateen
Jon Smeltz; Production
Studio Personnel: Khari Mateen
Jon Smeltz
Jason Goldstein; Production

Technical Specifications

Volume

1 volume only

Tracks

13 tracks available

Type

ALBUM

Format

Digital Media

Duration

46 minutes and 32 seconds

Explicit

Containing curse words, language, or art that is sexually, violently, or offensively oriented.

Coverart

Available and up to 1000x1000 px

Booklet

Not available

Max Quality

CD Quality (Lossless)

16bit / 44.1 kHz

Stereo

Audio Extension

Lossless: FLAC, M4A, WAV, WV, AIFF

Lossy: AAC, MP3, M4A, MP4, OGA, OGG, OPUS, WMA

Archive Format

Available in these formats: ZIP, TAR, RAR

Lyrics

12/13 tracks have lyrics

Synchronized Lyrics

11/13 tracks have synced lyrics

Genres

Rap, Hip Hop, East Coast Underground

Label

Def Jam Recordings

Music Distribution Service

UMG Global

Country

United States

Language

English (United States)

Popularity

Release Date

Aug 28, 2006

Track Preview

Available

Delivery Charge

Free

Delivery Method

Digital download link via Email or Personal Dashboard on this site

UPC

602517070905

Shopping cart

Empty cart

Notification

Game Theory Deluxe Edition (Explicit Version)

1. Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)

2. False Media

3. Game Theory

4. Don't Feel Right

5. In The Music

6. Take It There

7. Baby

8. Here I Come

9. Livin' In A New World

10. Clock With No Hands

11. Atonement

12. Can't Stop This

13. Bread And Butter

Technical Specifications

Empty cart

Game Theory Deluxe Edition (Explicit Version)

Product information

Release options

1. Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)

2. False Media

3. Game Theory

4. Don't Feel Right

5. In The Music

6. Take It There

7. Baby

8. Here I Come

9. Livin' In A New World

10. Clock With No Hands

11. Atonement

12. Can't Stop This

13. Bread And Butter

Technical Specifications