::HEADPHONE JUNKIE:: The Roots: How I Got Over

Everyone’s favorite jam band is back with their latest effort: How I got over.

This group is the epitome of what it means to WORK! Currently serving as Jimmy Fallon's House Band for their proverbial ‘9-5’, they’ve also completed their 9th (studio) album, are currently producing John Legend's upcoming album, still providing their all inclusive audience with quality music since the early 90's, all while maintaining their thrown as kings of the Indie/ Hip-Hop concert circuit- is precisely...how they got over.

It’s no secret that a lot of The Roots' followers disapproved when the band took the job at Late Night with Jimmy, thereby forcing them to ease the ego's of backpackers everywhere, and making sure everyone understood that they were simply taking advantage of an opportunity. Because, even though most music snobs have every album or song The Roots have even whispered about, they are surprisingly still considered an underground hip hop group. Suffice to say their recent exposure is well earned.

Black Thought @ The Roots Holiday Jam Dec '09

I admire and respect The Legendary Roots not only because I personally ascribe my musical awakening to their art, or because of their unparalleled work ethic, but I am in awe of their ability to draw inspiration from an assortment of genres. They refuse to be pigeonholed as just a hip-hop group. Their live show is typically comprised of their experimentation with rock, Jazz, electronic, soul, blues, and hip-hop. They can take ANY song, classic or one hit wonder, and literally transform it into the funkiest jam you've ever heard. Over the years they have showcased their attraction to all brands of music on various albums. I initially took note of those influences on Phrenology, which has heavy elements of rock, particularly on the song 'The Seed 2.0.'

With each tour and each album, the group consistently progressed and expanded their reach by collaborating with artists like Dave Matthews, and Patrick Stump- lead singer from Fall Out Boy, on their last effort "Rising Down". Needless to say I was not surprised while listening to How I got over. The album features some of the most revolutionary acts in the market, while maintaining the sound that has afforded them longevity in this industry. The opening track -"A piece of light" is a haunting harmony accompanied by Angel Deradoorian, Haley Dekle, and Amber Coffman of The Dirty Projectors.

At first listen, the obviously less than cheerful tone can be overwhelming, but it soon becomes apparent that HIGO is holding up a mirror to the audience, introducing a certain degree of personal awareness in relation to our respective environment. On "Walk Alone" Rapper Truck North states: "Trapped, no shield, no sword/The unbeaten path got my soul so sore/Allured by the lust/Something money can't cure/The Devil want me as is/ but God he want more..” This is one of the many tracks on the album that lays the foundation for the message being conveyed by ?uestlove, Black Thought, and the rest of the ensemble.

The album goes on to illustrate somewhat of a spiritual struggle. "Dear God 2.0 ft. Monsters of Folk’"exemplifies Black Thought’s prayer for change, understanding and wisdom. “Well, I’m in the world of entertainment/ and Trying to keep a singing man sane for the paying fans/If I don’t make it through the night/ slight change of plans/ Harp strings, angel wings, and praying hands..”

?uestlove @ The Roots Holiday Jam

One of the stand out songs on the album is "The Day" ft. Blu, Patty Crash, and Gypsy Soul Favorite Phonte of The foreign Exchange. The song takes on an inspirational approach, and is furnishing one simple message: If you want a new beginning, you can always create one.

With each song you begin to understand that getting over anything in life is simply about faith and determination. In many ways HIGO is the album that fans have been waiting for.

It’s the autobiography of The Roots Crew and how they struggled to maintain in this industry, in life and essentially with themselves.

Are you digging the new album? Leave your comments and let us know what your favorite tracks are!

-First Love