The Roots - Rising Down

Grammy award winning hip-hop trailblazers The Roots are set to release Rising Down on April 29th via Def Jam Recordings. Known for their prolific lyrics and live instrumentation, the Legendary Philadelphia crew is composed of Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter (vocals), Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drums), Kamal Gray (keyboards), Frank Knuckles (percussion), Kirk "Captain Kirk" Douglas (guitar) and Owen Biddle (bass). Garnering critical praise throughout their career, The Roots have firmly established themselves as a band with uncompromised artistic control and integrity. With Rising Down, the band's 10th album release, The Roots continue to take bolder steps adding new depths and range to their repertoire. The Roots co-founder ?uestlove states, "This is probably our most political album to date dealing with addiction, nihilism, hypocritical double standards in the prison system and overall life in Philadelphia. I'd say it's more mature and intense than all of our efforts but not a `downer' as most people expect us to do."

The political nature of Rising Down is not only heard within the music. The title comes from William T. Vollmann's treatise on violence entitled Rising Up and Rising Down, and the release date falls on the 16th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the acquittal of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King.

Standout tracks include: "Criminal" a reflection of life on the streets and unjust persecution, "I Will Not Apologize" a tribute to Fela Kuti that discusses keeping dignity in the music biz and "I Can't Help It" a look at addictions and urges that compel us all. Additional guests on the album include Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dice Raw, Wale, Chrisette Michele and more. Album Description

3.5 stars, Not as great as previous Game theory

I'm going to take a different approach to reviewing albums on Amazon. Instead of going in depth on each album and describe each album in detail, i'm going to simply rate each album with how many stars I feel each album is worth based on the below criteria. I hope this helps you make a better decision on purchasing this album with a simple individual rating. If it doesn't help read another review.
5 stars- Classic, Album goes beyond description, Perfect in every way, Could remind you of a certain time or place, Lifetime replay value.
4.5 stars- Near Classic, Incredible album, Maybe only one song that is skippable or just overall doesn't quite deserve classic status. High replay value.
4.0 stars- Awesome album. Very solid album from start to finish. Met every expectation and more. Maybe only one song or two that is skippable or just doesnt' quite deserve a classic or near classic rating. High replay value.
3.5 stars- Above average album. Solid from start to finish but there are a few songs worth skipping. Met expectations, minimal replay value.
3.0 stars- Average album. Nothing bad but nothing great either. After the initial appeal will collect dust.
2.5 stars- Major disappointment. You had high expectations that were ruined as this album is not good at all. There might be only one or two songs worth listening to. No replay value.
2.0 stars- Below average album. This album doesnt bother you to hear as background music but you would rather not listen to it if you didnt have to. No songs really appeal. No replay value.
1.5 stars- Terrible album. Makes one sick to hear it. No songs really appeal but there might be one song that you could stand to hear. Would rather throw in garbage than even waste space in your collection.
1.0 stars- Makes one cringe and the ears bleed!
*keep in mind, each album review might not be based on opinion of the band but the album itself in the bands discography August 27, 2008

"Some good rappers ain't eatin'/They Olsen Twin-in'"

The Roots - Rising Down (Def Jam, 2008)

Let's face it. Unless something miraculous happens, the only successful Roots album will be 1999's Things Fall Apart. The Roots are an underground rap act and they always will be. And this time, if their record doesn't sell, they can't blame it on Jay-Z (because he's no longer president of Def Jam). It'll be because they are underground, which isn't a bad thing.

Rising Down is their latest effort and it continues in the same vein of 2006's Game Theory with its dark music (no ringtone-friendly tunes here). The interlude is from 1994 when ?uestlove and Black Thought were arguing with their former label, Geffen, which sets the tone for this album: things are pretty messed up with the world today. The title track finds Black Thought joining Mos Def and Styles P. trading rhymes about society's problems while "Criminal" has a hot verse from Saigon. In fact, there are a lot of guest stars on here but it doesn't deter from the album and Black Thought still holds his own.

The album does get more upbeat towards the end with "Rising Up", a go-go sounding romp featuring Wale and labelmate Chrisette Michele singing the chorus (it would be nice if Michele appeared on things other than fellow Def Jam artists' rap songs). And with only one bad egg in the bunch (the dull "I Will Not Apologize"), The Roots triumph again, rising to the occasion with Rising Down. -EJR August 11, 2008

i like it

i've always liked the roots and i feel they are definetely under-rated and don't get enough play. i really like this album. the lyrics are tight as usual and so are the beats. July 31, 2008

One Of The Best This Year!

THIS ALBUM IS SO GOOD! I own almost every Roots album and over the years I've found that the older it is, the more I like it, but RISING DOWN suprised me! It's probably one of my top 3 Roots albums ever. It has an intense purpose and message while still remaining entertaining. The beats are amazing, the lyrics are incredible, and it's one of those CDs that you can keep playing over and over and never get sick of it. Talented and reputable guest artists all over the album! Great driving music! July 15, 2008

Tight

The beats on this album are tight! Lots of great guest experiences help spice it up. The social commentaries woven into the lyrics are great. Awesome musicianship. This album is true hip hop and much more. July 12, 2008

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