The Roots – Rising Down

Woosh! Rap has landed.

The Roots, continue on their reign of terror on the rap scene as the band of brothers bring out their eighth studio album.

“According to their producer ?uestlove, Rising Down, “is an electric record, more synthy. The darks are darker and the lights are lighter. But all I know is making quality hip-hop stylistically.” Wiki

Using a “bunch of synths” the mission is complete and this album is really the sixpence in the Christmas cake. The album is fantastic and really is something that I’ve never heard done this well before. It has a really smooth sound. Make sure the bass is right up on this one as you’re about to vibrate your head right off your shoulders.

The different approach to the music has not caused a sacrifice in the skill of the rapping and is still second to none. Sometimes, you find that when all the concentration is on one part, you can be let down by a different part that may have been forgotten slightly. With this album, while the bass lines and synths are the main point of focus, the rest keeps up rather well.

The songs are mainly slow and heavy, like Andre the Giant, although you can get a tough frustrated by his lumbering, you can’t help but love him and go up and hug him around his waist.

Listen to this album: In a lowrider hammock.

Rating: 90%

Extracts from ‘Rising Down’, ‘Get Busy’, ‘75 Bars ‘ and ‘Lost Desire’

‘Birthday Girl’ (itunes bonus track/international bonus track)