The Roots - How I Got Over (Album Review)

Being that The Roots tour on the college circuit constantly, they are more likely to interact with indie-rockers than rappers. Being the house band for Jimmy Fallon can be credited for that too. How I Got Over is evidence of that very action. The hip hop band from Philly have put forth their most artsy and soulful album since-well ever. The result being the best thing since sliced bread to a true hip hop head.

With a host of indie faves, like The Dirty Projectors and Monster Of Folk-to name a few- The Roots create a body of work about life. They've had to struggle and want you to knowyou're not the only one. On the first single, "Dear God 2.0", Black Thought asks God some questions we've all had on our minds. "Why is the world ugly/ When you made in your image/ And why is living life/Such a fight to the finish". The sentiments of us living in a cold world are echoed on a great deal of the tracks. But like your momma used to tell you, its not what you say, its how you say it. Each lyric is rapped by Black Thought and other featured artists with creativity, elegance, and poignancy.

The production is organic and effortless. Sometimes, on a sample heavy album, the samples overshadow the actual production. But not here. The samples only enhance what has already been laid down by The Roots crew. If this album were only instrumental, you would still feel and understand the intent of it. That's how tightly everything fits together.

How I Got Over paints, in broad strokes, a complete picture of today's political and economic landscape from all points of view. there is no stone left unturned, yet there is not one topic beaten too much. This is the perfect blend of hip hop, jazz, politics, and emotions. Some of those emotions are the tough ones you try to suppress and not deal with and How I got Over is the explosion of them breaking free and running wild articulated by grown men.

Buy this because this is the type of album that changes lives. Just as Jagged Little Pill made it acceptable for single white females to get in touch with their anger. How I Got over makes it alright for young black men to fall down and find the strength to move on and better themselves.And though this probably wont be the the commercial comeback The Roots' record label is hoping for, it is probably going to be the album they are most rembered for in the long run.