Starting with the release of their 2004 album, over the next two weeks I will be reviewing the albums of what I feel is the greatest hip-hop group of all time (rivaled only by the legendary Tribe Called Quest), and arguably the best artist to ever hit the studio-- Illadelph's own Roots crew. Enjoy.

The year was 1999, and the Roots, natives of Philadelphia, had released three stellar albums, successfully creating a niche in the hip-hop world with their live instruments, a niche that had not been filled since the heyday of Stetsasonic in the 1980's. Though not extremely well known yet, the Roots had also developed a loyal fan base, as their rising status in the industry expanded the variety of artists they could now get a chance to work with. The group, consisting of drummer ?uestlove, emcees Malik B and Black Thought, beatboxers Rahzel and Scratch, and others, were going to keep rising until everyone heard them. This brings us to Things Fall Apart, less jazz and more melodical than previous efforts.

The backdrop to the intro is sure to evoke memories from any of the Roots' fans, featuring samples from Thought's famous hook on Proceed to ?uestlove's recognizable drums on Clones, works from previous albums. Black Thought and the rest of the crew waste absolutely no time proving they are the illest around, a couple of tracks later, on The Next Movement.

"We got the hot music, the hot music"

No lie, either. Black Thought, as always, is on point with his rhymes. However, the real star of this track is the instrumental, unarguably one of the best the Roots have come up with. Combining scratches, drums, a pulsating vibe, and vocals from fellow Okayplayer-mates the Jazzyfatnastees, the instrumental is truly a masterpiece. Piano key loops constantly disappear and reappear under the vocals of Black Thought and Malik B on Step Into The Realm, adding an interesting twist to the two emcees' raps.

Though the Roots as always let Black Thought and Malik B shine on the mic, some of the most respected emcees in the industry join the crew for some of the songs, and the results are far from disappointing. One-half of Black Star, the Mighty Mos Def, joins Black Thought on Double Trouble. Mos Def's immediately recognizable, silky smooth voice resounds through the air as the two bounce off small verses with each other. Soft xylophones reminiscent of Ilaldelph Halflife back the two future legends as they tag team the mic like only two emcees of their caliber can. Not very far from Mos Def on the spectrum of hip-hop's artists is the lovechild of jazz and rap, Common. Lending the use of that legendary metaphor he used on his sophomore album, Common joins 'Riq as they speak of their affection for hip-hop on Love Of My Life, one of the album's highlights.

Of course, the Roots' emcees prove they can hold their weight throughout the length of the album. Not just Black Thought, either. Malik B's solo on The Spark and his duet with Thought on 100% Dundee proves he can keep up with the best of them (and shut it, you KNOW Black Thought is one of the best of all time). The unofficial third emcee of the crew drops in for a few tracks as well. Dice Raw backs up Thought for Ain't Sayin' Nothin New, and even leaves Thought, Malik B, and Beanie Sigel in the dust with his ridiculous verse on Adrenaline, proving he isn't just that other guy who sometimes shows up on songs. The three team up on Don't See Us, a jazzed out display of mic skills, silencing critics who think the Roots lack in the rapping department.

But the main attraction on the album for most listeners familiar and unfamiliar with the Roots has got to be You Got Me, an undeniable work of genius. With a soft, somber chorus utilizing the vocal talents of soul legend Erykah Badu, and a verse from Eve, the three create an atmosphere rivaled by very few tracks. Lyrically, the track deals with the struggles of balancing fame with relationships.. undoubtedly one of the best tracks The Roots have ever concieved.

Though not jazz soaked like Do You Want More?!!?!, and not a display of lyrical firepower like Illadelph Halflife, Things Fall Apart may be the most appealing album from the now famous Philadelphia crew. With soulful hooks from respected singers, some amazing guest emceeing from Common and Mos Def among others, and the consistent ridiculousness from Black Thought, ?uestlove, and company, there's no way this album could have gone wrong. For people who have never heard the Roots before, this is probably the album to start with. Nearly the best album the group has released, its bound to stay in your CD player for a long time coming..

5.0 Stars

The Roots' albums (to be reviewed):
The Tipping Point
Phrenology
Things Fall Apart
Illadelph Halflife
Do You Want More?!!!??!
Organix

Recommended: Yes