Country-fried hip-hop

Even the country folks inevitably turn their head toward the cities at some point. In a genre as urbanized as hip hop, it's not terribly surprising that the Nappy Roots' sophomore album Wooden Leather features a more worldly sound and outlook than its uniquely Southern first album, Watermelon, Chicken & Gritz. \nIt's a change symbolized by the outward-looking single, "Roun' the World," with the patter of ethnic percussion accompanying the group's travelogue. "Lac Dogs and Hogs" not only pays respect to the rhyming teams' favorite vehicles, but also unveils a sampling of how the group is dealing with their newfound fame and status. This recognition is also relived on the beat heavy "Nappy Holiday," produced by David Banner, where the group remembers being honored by Kentucky Governor Paul E. Patton with "Nappy Roots Day" on Sept. 16, 2002. \nHaving a day named in their honor, being the number-one selling hip-hop group of 2002 and receiving a bundle of award nominations has not tainted Nappy Roots' view on life and music. They may not be quite as nappy this time around, but they haven't forgotten their roots.