Editorial Review
Grammy award winning hip-hop trailblazers The Roots are set to release Rising Down on April 29th via Def Jam Recordings. Known for their prolific lyrics and live instrumentation, the Legendary Philadelphia crew is composed of Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter (vocals), Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drums), Kamal Gray (keyboards), Frank Knuckles (percussion), Kirk "Captain Kirk" Douglas (guitar) and Owen Biddle (bass). Garnering critical praise throughout their career, The Roots have firmly established themselves as a band with uncompromised artistic control and integrity. With Rising Down, the band's 10th album release, The Roots continue to take bolder steps adding new depths and range to their repertoire. The Roots co-founder ?uestlove states, "This is probably our most political album to date dealing with addiction, nihilism, hypocritical double standards in the prison system and overall life in Philadelphia. I'd say it's more mature and intense than all of our efforts but not a `downer' as most people expect us to do."
The political nature of Rising Down is not only heard within the music. The title comes from William T. Vollmann's treatise on violence entitled Rising Up and Rising Down, and the release date falls on the 16th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the acquittal of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King.
Standout tracks include: "Criminal" a reflection of life on the streets and unjust persecution, "I Will Not Apologize" a tribute to Fela Kuti that discusses keeping dignity in the music biz and "I Can't Help It" a look at addictions and urges that compel us all. Additional guests on the album include Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dice Raw, Wale, Chrisette Michele and more.
Cached date: AWS Called=true
Customer Reviews
In the Top 5 CD's so far for 2008 
2008-06-30
I tell you, Roots put in work on this joint. This whole CD is sonic and lyrical fire! I straight flip out when I hear Lost Desire and Get Busy. That is what they need to be playin' up in the clubs.
The Roots never cease to produce quality... 2008-06-17
I don't think there is any question that the Roots style has evolved since Organix or Do You Want More?!?! I will go out on a limb and say this record one of my favorites to date. Of course sitting back and jammin' out their first few records is always enjoyable, I give ?uest and the whole crew kudos for how this record came together.
After Hub retired they had to find replacement bassist, bring him up to speed, and produce a record of this caliber all while still finishing up the Game Theory tour. The Roots generally take longer time between records to tour longer and add that extra perfection however even this record coming in a relatively short amount of time, it is still a classic.
The guest appearances on this album are legendary... Mos Def's verse on Rising Down (track 2) brought me back to the first time a heard the Blackstar album and I've been waiting for Mos to drop an legendary verse since New Hip-Hop (Black on Both Sides). I was also glad to see Common and Talib back on the guest list but Saigon was incredible on Criminal.
I would highly recommend this album however with disclaimer to listen with an open mind. It took me two whole listenin sessions to really understand it. So enjoy and try to keep an open mind about it...
This CD renewed my faith in HipHop, and this seller my faith in online sales. 2008-06-17
The Cd is what it is. the reviews that say that it won't make new fans out of older detractors are right. This the roots at their best. If you liked previous CD's then you need to pick this one up, but if you are not a fan then staying away is wise.
RRRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOTTTTTTSSSSSSSS! 2008-06-16
Oh my goodness! The ROOTS are getting to the ROOT cause of the issues in our community; so they are right in their element. And not to mention the inclusion of those legendary hip-hop revolutionary freedom fighters; Mos Def, Talib, Common and a few newcomers. And much love to Chrisette Michelle who has brought another level of blueszy, jazz to hip hop. She has crafted her own style and elegance, I am sure Ella, Billie, and Sarah would be proud.
This joint is pure and true through and through, for those who don't know, need to get with the program. For all the negative reviewers it just plan and simple that unless you have a direct relationship with the true element of this genre and it's struggle, you just won't get it.
This project had no hidden agenda it was there in plan view. Therefore no need to dicpher or wonder about the message.
And much love to the roots for the Rare Essence, tribute it was extra special, not literally but figuratively, you feel me.
My only disappointment was when the disc ended.
Don't sleep, this is an instant classic.
Sing Me A Song Singing Man 
2008-06-09
The album has two halves...tracks 1-7 and then tracks 8-15. The first half of the album comes charging out of the gate and is a little bit more progressive in structure and sounds, etc. The 2nd half goes more toward simple verse/chorus/verse, not very melodic sing a song hooks...you mite think that the Roots are being lazy, or not trying or just plain sold out, but its just a simpler approach that is different for them.
I find myself jamming to the CD when it does come on even though only a couple tracks are really memorable within their cannon of work. But overall, its a solid CD with the Roots trying out different things...this time I guess they went simple with it, and rose up the first half of the album, then rose down the 2nd half? Either way, if youre a fan of 80% of their work, you can appreciate this album.
Stand Out Tracks: Rising Down, Criminal, and Singing Man
Rising Down 2008-06-02
Grammy award winning hip-hop trailblazers The Roots are set to release Rising Down on April 29th via Def Jam Recordings. Known for their prolific lyrics and live instrumentation, the Legendary Philadelphia crew is composed of Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter (vocals), Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drums), Kamal Gray (keyboards), Frank Knuckles (percussion), Kirk "Captain Kirk" Douglas (guitar) and Owen Biddle (bass). Garnering critical praise throughout their career, The Roots have firmly established themselves as a band with uncompromised artistic control and integrity. With Rising Down, the band's 10th album release, The Roots continue to take bolder steps adding new depths and range to their repertoire. The Roots co-founder ?uestlove states, "This is probably our most political album to date dealing with addiction, nihilism, hypocritical double standards in the prison system and overall life in Philadelphia. I'd say it's more mature and intense than all of our efforts but not a `downer' as most people expect us to do."
The political nature of Rising Down is not only heard within the music. The title comes from William T. Vollmann's treatise on violence entitled Rising Up and Rising Down, and the release date falls on the 16th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the acquittal of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King.
Standout tracks include: "Criminal" a reflection of life on the streets and unjust persecution, "I Will Not Apologize" a tribute to Fela Kuti that discusses keeping dignity in the music biz and "I Can't Help It" a look at addictions and urges that compel us all. Additional guests on the album include Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dice Raw, Wale, Chrisette Michele and more.
Not the best of but still very very High quality 2008-05-31
This is my fourth Roots purchase. Although I still believe Phrenology is their best work. This is still far above the norm and Black Thought is by far the most underrated MC of recent time
it's kinda cool 
2008-05-30
THE ROOTS ARE USUALLY PRETTY DEEP BUT THIS ALBUM IS JUST REPETITIVE WITH SONGS THAT SEEM TO COPY WHATS ON THE RADIO AND ALOT OF KAOS END OF THE WORLD TYPE HYSTERIA. CANT GET INTO IT FOR TOO LONG, ITS A ROOT ALRIGHT LIKE AN ONION!
title explains it all 
2008-05-30
I think the title explains where this group is headed - DOWN! Believe me when I say I know better music. I have been a manager of a major LA radio station for 4 years and let me tell you if you want to hear some great music you must correct your attention to Lil Shine and his new album "Money is my Motivation"...it's hot DO IT
It's Criminal they're not huge!!! 2008-05-28
I became a fan of the Roots in 1999 when I heard the song they did with Erykah Badu, the grammy winning top 40 hit "You got me". That made me seek out and get the album it came from, "Things fall apart" (title taken from Nigerian writer Chinua Achebe's novel of the same title) and I've been hooked ever since.
They've always been different from most Hip hop groups in their use of live instrumentation and lyrics far from the bling bling/rump shaking variety. I guess this is why they haven't hit it big as other Hip hop/R&B acts have done.
The Nigerian connection continues on their latest album, "Rising down". The horn peppered cut "I will not apologize" features an Afrobeat rhythm, sounding very much like the band has musical backing from Fela Kuti's Africa 80 band.
"Criminal" is another outstanding cut, haunting and morose, as is the lovely "Singing man". Other brilliant cuts are "The show" (with pseudo marching beats and a buzzing riff and also featuring Common), the Jazzy "Rising up" featuring Chrisette Michele (her Jazzy phrasing sounding very much like Erykah Badu) and Wale (the Nigerian connection again), and the sixties Pop feel of "Birthday girl".
I must admit, I didn't find this album as immediate as their last release "Game theory", but as usual, The Roots can do no wrong. Thoughtful and outstanding!
