The Roots

On their tenth studio album, Rising Down, The Roots keep it funky, but they still get a little weird in the process. The legendary Philadelphia-bred hip hop act has become one of the most consistent live draws in the genre, due to their heavy jazz influence and jamming. Those elements have never quite been captured on record, until now on Rising Down. Definitely purveyors of "Thinkingman's Hip Hop," The Roots aren't for the "get low"-set breaking it down at the club on a Tuesday night. Rather, The Roots have that revolutionary spark and intelligence characteristic of Mos Def and other rappers with "something to say." The title track kicks off the record with a moody, syncopated drum beat courtesy of ?uestlove, and a creeping guitar melody. Black Thought spits slow and focused lines about death and decay. "Everything's for sale, even souls" is a line that resounds through the desolate soundscape that The Roots create on "Rising Down." That's just the first track! It's instantly apparent that this isn't a happy record.

However, that's a good thing. The Roots seem more in touch with their emotions than ever. "Get Busy" kicks off with a woozy beat and industrial synth line that drive the song into an even darker space, as the quick flow and slick rhymes cruise over the shaky grooves. It's a call-to-arms for the city and beyond, but it works with the combination of organic instrumentation and spacey scratching. "Criminal" is another pensive number, complete with a hazy lead line. Meanwhile, "I Can't Help It" stays heavy on the electronic textures as ?uestlove pounds out another strangely seductive rhythm.

Rising Down combines the best elements of The Roots. It's got the smart, sharp lyrics, the progressive jazz jamming and the soulful space funk that they've helped pioneer. However, the band ventures further into the digital age, utilizing more electronic flourishes and dissonant sounds, but blending them seamlessly with the jazz instrumentation. Towards the latter half of the record cuts like "Lost Desire" don't pack the same punch. Also, the track intros border on self-indulgent, showcasing weird sounds and creepy voices just for the sake of weirdness. Nevertheless, the band pushes their own limits. Granted they're not for everyone, but if you're in the mood to be challenged, The Roots are for you. They're still marching to the beat of their own drum (and ?uestlove's!) after all these years.

—Rick Florino
05.06.08