The Roots Rising Down

Posted on 04.29.2008

The Roots
Album : Rising Down
Released date : April 29th 2008
Label : Def Jam Records

Review :

Rising Down will be the tenth album from Philadelphia-based hip-hop band The Roots. It is set to be released on Def Jam, their second with the label, following 2006’s Game Theory. The album will feature roughly the same lineup as Game Theory; the band’s members remain, with guest appearances by Peedi Peedi and Malik B., the latter reportedly even moreso than on the group’s previous album, as well as conceivable appearances and/or production by Dice Raw.

According to band leader ?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. We tried to do something we never did before. Kamal had to be the sacrificial lamb this time. The one instrument that has defined the Roots has been the Fender Rhodes . This is the first year he’s had to change his instrumentation and try other sounds out. We have a bunch of keyboards and synthesizers we’re using on this record. It feels like the musical equivalent of ’Blade Runner’ sometimes. We’ve also added a horn section has divulged that while the album’s direction is as yet uncertain, keyboardist Kamal Gray is utilizing more synthesizers than Fender Rhodes in his playing this time around." Tracks in the mix for the album include the afro-beat infused "I Will Not Apologize" and the pop-ish "Birthday Girl." The current release date for the album is set for April, 29, 2008

Track listing :

1. The Pow Wow
2. Rising Down (w/ Mos Def & Styles P)
3. Get Busy (w/ Dice Raw & Peedi Crakk)
4. 75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction)
5. Time Up
6. Criminal (w/ Saigon & Truck North)
7. I Will Not Apologize (w/ P.O.R.N. & Dice Raw)
8. I Can’t Help It (w/ Malik B & P.O.R.N.)
9. Singing Man (w/ Truck North & P.O.R.N.)
10. Up There (Unwritten) (w/ Mercedes Martinez)
11. Lost Desire (w/ Talib Kweli & Malik B)
12. The Show (w/ Common)
13. Rising Up (w/ Chrisette Michelle & Wale)
14. Birthday Girl (w/ Patrick Stump of Fall Out Boy)