For the past 20 years, “Captain” Kirk Douglas has been an integral member in a powerhouse of a hip hop band. As the Roots’ guitarist, Douglas has played on a string of critically acclaimed and occasionally Grammy-winning albums. On Friday he released “New Unknown,” his second solo album under the moniker Hundred Watt Heart. Introspective, occasionally a little psychedelic — with loads of guitar, Kirk’s vocals and a lot of rock — it’s maybe not what you’d expect from a member of the Roots. But it’s also not *not* what you’d expect given the musically omnivorous nature of the band. We discuss the project, his background, the Roots and more.

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