Product Details
- Artist: The Roots
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- Binding: Audio CD
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- EAN: 0602517672567
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- Format: Explicit Lyrics
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- Label: Def Jam
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- Manufacturer: Def Jam
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- Number of Discs: 1
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- Product Group: Music
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- Publisher: Def Jam
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- Release Date: 2008-04-29
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- Studio: Def Jam
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- Title: Rising Down
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- UPC: 602517672567
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Avg Customer Rating: 
Product Description: 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.
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Customer Reviews
One Of The Best This Year!
THIS ALBUM IS SO GOOD! I own almost every Roots album and over the years I've found that the older it is, the more I like it, but RISING DOWN suprised me! It's probably one of my top 3 Roots albums ever. It has an intense purpose and message while still remaining entertaining. The beats are amazing, the lyrics are incredible, and it's one of those CDs that you can keep playing over and over and never get sick of it. Talented and reputable guest artists all over the album! Great driving music!
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Tight
The beats on this album are tight! Lots of great guest experiences help spice it up. The social commentaries woven into the lyrics are great. Awesome musicianship. This album is true hip hop and much more.
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In the Top 5 CD's so far for 2008
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.
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The Roots never cease to produce quality...
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...
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This CD renewed my faith in HipHop, and this seller my faith in online sales.
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.
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