Hip Hop group The Roots sample the sounds of go-go on
"Rising Up," the new single from their tenth album, Rising Down. The
percussive-heavy sound commonly associated with the go-go genre is smoothed
out with synths and the voice of R&B chanteuse Chrisette Michele, while Black Thought and Washington, D.C.-based rapper Wale keep it
authentic with focused performances. The somewhat voyeuristic video appears to have been
shot in a hair salon, an unlikely, but intimate setting for what seems to be a mix of lively
rehearsal and listening party, complete with break dancers. Since the
size of the Roots crew has decreased over the years, director Rik Cordero
uses the small set to boost the screen presence of the group, a smart move for a band known for
its invigorating live performances. [review by Craig Belcher] --> watch "Rising Down" (via MySpace)
The Roots "Rising Down" (Def Jam/IDJMG)
Rik Cordero, director/editor | Mike Fox, producer | three/21films, production co | Jon Chen, DP
