While the bulk of the hip hop industry drenches it’s music with auto-tune and computer generated sound technology to boost their careers, the non-commercialized philadelphia funk infused crew, The Roots, stick to their–well, roots. With a sound coined by the use of actual instruments, and an organic rhyme style accompanied by indie-like moans on the chorus, How I Got Over showcases the groups consistency.

Conscious rap aint dead.

And 11 albums later, the Roots maintain this message with a more mature sound. In an interview with The Wall Street Journal ?uestlove states that this is the first album that’s been written by all members together acting as an “eight-piece-unit” and recording together, which is extremely evident. At times I caught myself checking the iPod to see if the track had switched yet, with how fluid it all sounds.

I’m all for sounds and feelings,  but what is the album about?

How I got over. This too shall pass. Hope. The Obama-nation.

At times the album comes off as a story to me. Black Thought open’s up and sets the album’s tone on the track “Walk Alone” (Which happens to be one of my favorites) with the line, ”The devil wants me as-is/but God wants more.” He continues on to talk about independence and self-growth, which acts as an overlaying theme of the album. Each track chronicles an experience, and manages to take you there. It is uplifting, to say the least, and reminds us of how hip hop can, and will continue to be used as a practical means of expression.

Standout Tracks:

“This Day” – Featuring Blu, Phonte & Patty Crash

“Doin It Again” – ft. John Legend

“Right On” – ft. Joanna Newsome & STS

Aisha