The Roots - How I Got Over

Philadelphia, PA's finest The Roots are back with their brand new ninth studio album, How I Got Over. This new effort is no different from all the others that they have put out previously and finds the hip-hop group continuing to showcase their dynamic and eclectic playing style that has cemented The Roots as one of the premier hip-hop groups in music today.

The album kicks off with "Walk Alone", a chilled out, laid-back tune that features the impeccable vocal talents of MC Black Thought and is a great way to kick off the album in a low-key fashion. "Dear God 2.0" is another cool and collected track that continues to transplant the positive vibes that were found on the previous track and lets them shine here in sheer brilliance. "Now or Never" takes more of a groove laden approach that best showcases the brilliant drumwork of  Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. When coupled with Black Thought's advanced rapping skills, they make for an extremely potent musical combination and a force to be reckoned with. Questlove's talents continue to come out on the disc's title track,a  midtempo, groove infected number that features an incredible rhythm section and Black Thought's insightful rhymes providing listening focus for the audience.

As we venture into the disc's second half we hear "The Day", an insightful, thought provoking song that is extremely ambient and is the perfect track to help kick off your day. "Doin' It Again" is a soul inspired track that features a dynamic rhythm section with Black Thought's incredible MC skills coming center stage here. My favorite track off the album is "The Fire", an intense, melodic track that includes a guest vocal appearance by John Legend and has a thumping and prominent beat that hooks and reels you in immediately upon hearing it. The disc wraps u[p with "Web 20/20", an electronic sampled goodie that gives the listener a little variety with some indelible rhymes to keep you entertained until the very end. "Hustla" wraps up the disc with a pure hip-hop gem that features an assortment of beats and rhymes that is a quality listen and is a perfect way to round out the disc. The Roots have been together as a band since 1987 with Questlove and Black Thought the two members of the group who have been there from the very beginning, and these two have the formula down to a science where dynamic instrumentation and talented lyricism can coexist in a pure natural state without the aid of Auto Tune or other technological gadgets that would have otherwise severely undermined a great album.

Overall, a fantastic effort here from The Roots, who continue to expand their vast catalogue of songs with a clear cut, straight shot disc of hip-hop that aims straight for the heart and grabs at you with pulsing beats and inspiring lyricism that is sure to make a lasting impression on you and put you in a positive frame of mind as well after hearing it.

                                                                                                                                  Album Score: 4/5

Track Listing:

1. A PIece of Light
2. Walk Alone
3. Dear God 2.0
4. Radio Daze
5. Now or Never
6. How I Got Over
7. Dillatude: The Flight of Titus
8. The Day
9. Right On
10. Doin' It Again
11. The Fire (f/ John Legend)
12. Tunnel Vision
13. Web 20/20
14. Hustla