In April 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the band began releasing non-studio produced singles under the title Technical Difficulties Radio to their YouTube channel. These songs were recorded during the band’s self-imposed quarantine. Livestreams preceding the release of these singles were streamed on Twitch. The tracks “N.S.T”, “things cant stay the same”, “M.O.B”, “Twisted”, “I.F.L”, “Baby Bull”, “Downside”, “Fishbone” & “Chain On / Hold Me” were released to YouTube and later taken down.[81][82][83] Technical Difficulties Radio marked producer Jabari Manwa’s first appearances as a vocalist on group projects.[84]
Along with the single releases, members stated on the live-streams that a sixth album had been “sonically finished” and they expected it to release that summer.[81] Abstract and Henock Sileshi later revealed the initials of their sixth album, RR.[85] In August 2020, Abstract and Hemnani also started a label and apparel brand called Video Store.[86][87][88] On January 2, 2021, a snippet of the albums lead single, “Buzzcut“, was posted on Instagram.[89] On March 24, 2021, the band released “Buzzcut”, featuring Danny Brown, followed by an announcement of the album’s full title, Roadrunner: New Light, New Machine.[90][91] The second single, “Count On Me“, was released on April 2,[92] and the album was released worldwide on April 9.[93] The music video for “Count On Me” was released on April 13 featuring Lil Nas X and Dominic Fike.[94] Roadrunner was advertised by the group as their penultimate record, with the announcement of a final album to be released later that year.[95] In June, the band contributed the track “MVP” to the Space Jam: A New Legacy soundtrack.[96]
- “Its a very good album”
- “Plenty of variety and interesting songs”
- ” Some lyrics could use some work.”
