The Roots go political on their latest set, Rising Down. According to frontman Black Thought, the group’s perspective was shaped by the current political climate, the quality of life in their native Philadelphia, and just being “30 and on the road 300 nights a year.” The fiery leadoff, “75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction),” features one of the outfit’s murkiest sonic backdrops, while “Get Busy,” featuring estranged former MC Malik B., is vintage Roots, with hard-hitting backbeats and subtly sublime instrumentation. Rising Down may not be the band’s best, but it’s certainly among the best of the year. -dusty culpepper

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