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.

One thing that can separate a ridiculously amazing artist from a good artist is the ability to switch up styles.. on every single album, while still maintaining a level of quality that can satisfy even the most discerning of heads. Some of the greatest artists in the Hip-Hop industry have perfected this, such as Outkast, Common, and Kool Keith. On the other hand, you have artists who come out with some of the greatest albums of all time, but then fall into the trap of releasing basically the same album over and over again, until the routine has gotten old and the artist fades into wackness or oblivion, such as the Wu Tang Clan and Mobb Deep.

One group that falls into the former category, bringing something fresh in every release, is Illadelph's most talented and innovative crews, none other than The Roots. Backed by geniuses like ?uestlove and Rahzel, lead emcee has always had a perfect backdrop to lay down his crafted rhymes on. From the ultra-underground-indie debut Organix, to the jazzed out Do You Want More?!!?!, to straight up experimental Phrenology, The Roots have never failed to create compelling albums. Two years after their critically acclaimed and Grammy-nominated album, they're back to drop some more of the illest isht in 2004.

"The Tipping Point has arrived; and thats the bottom line"

Kicking off the album has got to be one of the all time greats from the Roots, simply titled Star. The soft, almost child-like melody transforms into claps and guitar, as Black Thought spits over the beat and various samples of a man and woman singing Everybody is a star.. Though the live instrumentation is not really there, it sounds as organic as the Roots ever have. The Roots could not have opened their album in a better way, an immediate breath of fresh air in a year filled with stale rap releases left and right. Closing the song is an intro to the album.

The lead single off the album is the Scott Storch-produced Don't Say Nuthin'. Reminiscent of their Illadelph Halflife days, Black Thought rips the mics to shreds like we haven't heard in a while. The production featured on the track is stellar as well, with drums and resounding thumps infiltrated by a infectious repeating key loop. Speaking of ripping the mic, Thought silences all doubters of his emceeing ability on The Web, an up-tempo brag track featuring Black Thought purely showcasing his skills, with very few and short breaks. With non stop dense rhyming, twice or three times a bar, this is truly the Black Thought of old.

Boom will have fans of the old school drooling, with its snares and jazzy horns punctuating the backdrop for Black Thought, who's sure to drop some jaws with his impersonations of legends Big Daddy Kane and Kool G. Rap. There are some real guest appearances on the album that don't disappoint. Devin The Dude lends his perfect hook-singing voice to the dark, softer Somebody's Gotta Do It, along with Okayplayer-mate and highly respected female emcee Jean Grae (and some dude named Mac Dub). Grae joins Thought as they craft their rhymes as any hip-hop head would expect emcees of their caliber to, only stopping to let Devin's voice fill your headphones and speakers.. Somebody gotta be there when it gets ugly..

The best track on this album? Arguably Why, not to be confused with the ever-sleep-inducing Jadakiss' new single. Opening up with some beautiful singing, and the beat composed of soft guitars, a thumping bass drum, and the occasional use of cymbals, this is sure to calm you're nerves with its relaxed, soothing atmosphere. Black Thought doesn't let down on the mic either, giving up the high-tempo mic-shredding for a more laid-back-yet-concerned flow to complement his ever-brilliant rhymes, a stream of words dealing with social and political corruption, concern for the future, and an all-around awareness of today's problems. A brilliant track that will definitely be listened to over.. and over.. and over again.

I can't even begin to express how many expectations I had for this album, and how well they've been fulfilled. I mean, I haven't even scratched the surface of half the songs on the album with this review. Tracks like Guns Are Drawn and Stay Cool are easily worthy of a spot on a list of the best tracks so far this year. The Roots prove that they can revert back to a traditional hip-hop sound while still being innovative and releasing some of the most amazing shit you've ever heard. Let's face it-- no other group has come so fresh on every single release for as long as the Roots have.

Check out the Tipping Point, a compact, tight, and fresh rap album that could not have come at a better time.

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