One of the most famous groups in hip-hop has garnered little mainstream attention, in part because their approach to the genre is vastly different than most hip-hop artists today. The Roots, as the forefathers of rap, always manage to go their own way.

For one, they forego samples for the most part, preferring instead to use live instruments on both their records and in their performances. The Roots are also unafraid to take risks with their music, as with 2004’s Tipping Point, an album of jam sessions that were pared down to create cohesion.

Rap’s edgier side is demonstrated on the group’s latest record, Rising Down, which has been a magnet for controversy due to its cover, which references America’s history of slavery and institutionalized racism, and lyrics that take on social issues like the war in Iraq and the state of the world.

The Roots have become more mainstream this year, as they took up residence as the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. They are also expected to release a new record in October, called How I Got Over. MC Black Thought has said the album will be a positive one, in celebration of Barack Obama’s presidency.

The Roots perform at the Hard Rock Hotel July 10 at 9 p.m. Tickets are $40.91.