One of the most anticipated hip-hop albums from a duo since Black Star’s reunion No Fear Of Time, the Roots’ Black Thought and veteran producer Danger Mouse team up for Cheat Codes. The album reportedly builds on a shelved 2005 collaboration between the pair, and features an all-star list of talent including Run the Jewels, A$AP Rocky, Raekwon, Michael Kiwanuka, Joey Bada$$, and Conway the Machine. There’s even an appearance from the late Madvillain himself MF Doom, who Danger Mouse collaborated with on his last hip-hop influenced work, 2005’s The Mouse And The Mask. The album’s first single, “No Gold Teeth,” previews a nostalgic, layered, and bluesy sound. The beat is a perfect match for Black Thought’s introspective and lived-in verse, an ode to Philadelphia wrapped up in a testament to the artist’s skill, grind, and vision. “Please, you ain’t fucking with no amateurs homie/Philly ain’t known for cheesesteak sandwiches only,” he scoffs. The proof is in the pudding; no amateur rapper could so skillfully match the syncopation of a stand-up bass. [Hattie Lindert]
