The Roots released their tenth studio album Undun December 2, 2011
Written by Khalid Daniels on December 2, 2022
Undun is the tenth studio album by the American hip-hop band The Roots. It was released on December 6, 2011, by Def Jam Recordings.
The album was recorded in sessions at several studios in Philadelphia and New York City. Production was handled primarily by Questlove, the band’s record producer, and drummer. They were joined by guest contributors, including vocalist Bilal and rappers Big K.R.I.T., Dice Raw, and Phonte.
Musically, Undun incorporates influences from neo-soul and indie music. Thematically, it is an existential concept album about the short, tragic life of the fictional character Redford Stevens, set in urban poverty and told through a reverse-chronological narrative.
The album performed modestly on music charts and sold 112,000 copies in the United States. It was a greater success with critics, being widely praised for its existential subject matter, production quality, and the band’s musicianship. Undun was included on several critics’ year-end lists of best albums.
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