The Roots

The Roots always had ambition, which theoretically placed them ahead of many of their mid-'90s hip-hop contemporaries. Where many of their peers settled for gangsta clichés, tedious displays of lyrical skills, alternative hip-hop or half-hearted jazz-rap fusions, the Roots decided to take an entirely different route by merging street-level rhythms with jazz and old-school technique, and performing everything on live instruments. While their approach works well in theory, it doesn't always work in practice. Though it is decidedly tougher and more adventurous than the group's debut, Illadelph Halflife just misses the mark. Part of the problem with the record is the fact that it doesn't capture the relentless energy of their live show; without its reckless, rampaging momentum, the record is only sporadically engaging. Still, the best moments of Illadelph Halflife demonstrate the Roots are an exciting, inventive band with great potential -- they just haven't quite fulfilled it yet. [Illadelph Halflife was released in an edited version with all of the profanity removed.] ~ Leo Stanley, All Music Guide