Deeply Rooted

Houston’s godfather of gangsta rap emerges from hiatus for his 12th solo album, rapping with a ferocity that belies his decades-long career. The aptly titled Deeply Rooted forges contemplative bridges between past and present: On piano-driven “F**k You Too,” he references his classic, “Hand of the Dead Body,” and raps “God-fearing but I’m evil” like he means it. “God” recruits John Legend and a gospel choir to meditate on religion, politics, and power, and the patient, piano-driven “You” is an anthem about growing from your mistakes.