The Roots "How I Got Over"

The Roots have always been hip hop candy for musicians. With How I Got Over, they continue to blend rap, rock, and jazz in a way that will make you want to bob your head to the beat, but there's no need to get your groove on at the club with it. They set up a more tasteful groove than that.

In their 2004 release Things Fall Apart, they opened the album with an audio clip from Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues. With How I Got Over, they open with a lyric-less melody which sounds like something out of a Spike Lee Joint. Soulful a Capella harmonies are met with mellow keys and carried on by a vessel of jazzy drums & bass. At 1:50, it's just enough time to set the mood for the rest of album. If you've never listened to The Roots before, you might not know what to expect at this point - which is okay. You're in for a real treat.

If you have been listening to The Roots for years, the first couple of tracks will neither surprise nor disappoint you. They are consistent to their sound, singing thought-provoking lyrics like "the devil want me as is but God, He want more."

The third track "Dear God 2.0" is a prayer about the terrible state of the world, spanning environmental concerns, drug addictions, terrorism, economic downfall, and technological overhaul. He sings "If I could hold the world in the palm of these hands I would probably do away with these anomalies," while the hook says "but God, I know You have Your reasons."

The album continues on to blend some soul into the mix with the title track "How I Got Over," an ode to Bobby Womack's "110th St." The first single "Doin' it Again" doesn't come until track 10, and it's a fun song, addressing their role in The Jimmy Fallon show with "Dear Diary, the fans still swear by me, even though I'm late night now like 'Here's Johnny.'"

How I Got Over is a great addition to The Roots' library. The only thing it lacks is the distraction of the random filler tracks which have infiltrated their albums in the past. This album is a great listen from start to near-finish, as the final two tracks are the weakest of the bunch. Thankfully, the first 12 are enough to make for a happy purchase. 4 stars out of 5.