Featuring a largely unknown cast of producers, 'R.O.O.T.S' is awash with electronic influences. Whether it’s an up-tempo club track - 'Gotta Get It (Dancer)' - or something a little more introspective - 'Finally Here' - the early 1980's electro vibe is ever present. Presumably, that has something to do with Flo Rida’s upbringing in ahem, Florida. The state has always had its own thing going on musically (i.e. booty house, ghetto tech), and electro has been an integral part of that.
Whatever the case, the production shamelessly pitches itself at the mainstream; we’re talking familiar hooks flipped, reworked and given a 2009 make-over. The album’s first (chart-topping) single personifies that – it’s an interpolation of Dead or Alive's 1980's classic, 'You Spin Me Round (Like a Record)', repackaged as 'Right Round'.
A few fleeting moments of reflection aside, 'R.O.O.T.S' is basically a big, dumb blockbuster. Flo Rida is smart enough to play the background when he needs to and lets the production gloss over the lyrical and conceptual shortfalls. It’s almost like the musical equivalent of Will Smith’s 'Independence Day'.
As vapid as it gets, it’s strangely entertaining. Sure, it’s not pushing hip hop forward, but it should sell by the truckload.
Flo Rida: R.O.O.T.S is out now on Warner
Copyright : MTV Australia
