Style Weekly
Richmond's alternative for news, arts, culture and opinion
Things Falling Apart
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Erykah Badu and The Roots have created left-of-center R&B and rap for years for their devoted fan bases and enjoyed the support of major record companies. But the music industry, which prizes commerce and compromise over art and independence, may not always have a place for them. Roots drummer Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson has remarked about how detached their label's CEO is from their new album, "Rising Down." Badu, after a long break between records, has released a meandering soul album that lacks commercial appeal, aside from the single "Honey," placed on "New Amerykah, Part One (4th World War)" at her label's urging. Fortunately, both groups have already built a strong reputation with a catalog of solid music and legendary live shows, which they'll bring to the Landmark Theater May 18 at 7 p.m. Artists like these will still be standing long after the music industry crumbles. $40-$48. 646-4213.
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