The Roots' Black Thought

The Roots debuted the title track from their upcoming album, How I Got Over, last night on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon, where they also serve as the house band.

Vocalist Black Thought conjured James Brown, asking in soulful repetition, "Can I get some help now?" Meanwhile, a dapper-looking ?uestlove (accessorized with an oversized bowtie that was still dwarfed by his impressive 'fro), let it rip on the drums.

Anchored by the band's side-stepping brass section, the Roots' latest tune falls in line with the outfit's socially-conscious brand of hip-hop.  It's about the reality of living "in the hood where the shots are fired" -- and concludes, "I'm sick of being sick and tired." And just think: As Black Thought told HipHopGame.com back in May, this one is their "slightly more optimistic record."

The album is due out on October 20.