Jugo and Rada

The Roots-How I Got Over

I am very biased when it comes to The Roots.  I have seen them live on numerous occasions.  They are one of my favorites.  That being said, this album is very good and that is said with no hesitation or bias.  From start to finish, Black Thought, ?uestlove and the Crew really are expanding on who they work with and what they are trying to do. When you have a hip hop act working with indie artists like, The Dirty Projectors, Jim James, and Joanna Newsom it needs to be done with some finesse.  These collaborations do not seem forced or done so The Roots can have more indie street cred. (see Kanye West and Solange) The songs are natural and are some of the best on the album.

  “Dear God 2.0”, “Right On” and  “Walk Alone” might be some of The Roots best production work ever.  I hate to give too much credit to hooks in rap songs, because the verses should be the focus.  But, in this case I have to. for example, “Right On”, Joanna Newsom’s soft and at times lofty voice makes the song a highlight on the album.  The same goes for “Dear God 2.0”.  The song thrives on the sound of desperation that Jim James possesses.  It doesn’t hurt to have Black Thought on those songs almost mathematically delivering line after line precisely.  He does his best on this album to show why he is considered one the best emcees in the game.

L.A. phenom Blu along with Peedi Peedi and Phonte of Little Brother provide some very good guest appearances. (Blu is an animal.  If you haven’t heard Blu and Exile’s Below the Heavens, go get it now) Overall the guest appearances are used as guest appearances should be, compliments to the main artist. (Look up an old Cash Money album, it might be Lil’ Wayne’s CD but every single guy in the collective is on each track. ie: Lil’ Wayne “Loud Pipes” (featuring Big Tymers , Juvenile & B.G.)” That is 4 featured artists!)

This album is right in line with Rising Down and Game Theory. On How I Got Over The Roots tap their old gritty nature coupled with the desperation being felt by many segments of society to make a rallying cry for triumph.  This cry to overcome has become a yell or scream because they have been doing this for years and now have mastered their craft.  To be honest, I was a little worried about them.  Mainly because of the whole Late Night thing.  However, those thoughts were not justified.  I have now learned to never, ever doubt the Legendary Roots Crew.  When others in the music industry just try to sell records using what is considered “Hot” at the moment, it is refreshing to see a group on their 9th studio effort stay true to themselves and the game of Hip Hop.

Must listen to: “Dear God 2.0” “Walk Alone” “Right On” “The Day”

9/10