One of the cornerstone albums of alternative rap's second wave, Things Fall Apart was the point where the Roots' tremendous potential finally coalesced into a structured album that maintained its focus from top to bottom. If the group sacrifices a little of the unpredictability of its jam sessions, the resulting consistency more than makes up for it, since the record flows from track to track so effortlessly. Taking its title from the Chinua Achebe novel credited with revitalizing African fiction, Things Fall Apart announces its ambition right upfront, and reinforces it in the opening sound collage. Dialogue sampled from Spike Lee's Mo' Better Blues implies a comparison to abstract modern jazz that lost its audience, and there's another quote about hip-hop records being treated as disposable, that they aren't maximized as product or as art. That's the framework in which the album operates, and while there's a definite unity counteracting the second observation, the artistic ambition actually helped gain the Roots a whole new audience ("coffeehouse chicks and white dudes," as Common puts it in the liner notes). The backing tracks are jazzy and reflective, filled with subtly unpredictable instrumental lines, and the band also shows a strong affinity for the /p>
eo-soul movement, which they actually had a hand in kick-starting via their supporting work on Erykah Badu's Baduizm. Badu returns the favor by guesting on the album's breakthrough single, "You Got Me," an involved love story that also features a ap from Eve, co-writing from Jill Scott, and an unexpected drum'n'bass breakbeat in the outro. Other notables include Mos Def on the playful old-school rhymefest "Double Trouble," Slum Village superproducer Jay Dee on "Dynamite!," and Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff on "The Next Movement." But the real stars are Black Thought and Malik B, who drop such consistently nimble rhymes throughout the record that picking highlights is extremely difficult. Along with works by Lauryn Hill, Common, and Black Star, Things Fall Apart is essential listening for anyone interested in the new breed of mainstream conscious ap.
...told through a single song. This is a coincidental follow up to the post on the best ever hip-hop lyrics - I think that this one would win.An amazing track off of the seminal Roots album (which may be finding its way onto the MOG 501 tomorrow), it details a love affair - with hip hop. I just love the way that they use the names of rappers, bands & famous lyrics in the words...Yo, yo I was sp...
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This album is a dessert island essential, uplifting, and probably one of the greatest albums of all time.
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Out on bail, fresh out of jail, California dreamin' .... So I'm here in Chico, California for a business trip, and I will be returning to California for Coachella next week. Where I will see Lupe Fiasco:...and of course the BEST Hip-Hop live act around... that would be, the legendary Roots crew, here featuring another fine emcee, the one & only Common... this is my favorite of their songs, bu...
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I know this song came out in 1999 on the Things Fall Apart album and in any other terms but musical it would be considered ancient material, but I am thoroughly enjoying this song right now. There are times when hip hop lovers need to go back to the elements that made hip hop the powerful mode of communication that it is. Those gorgeous essentials of dynamic lyrics, a solid and catchy hook, and...
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...told through a single song. This is a coincidental follow up to the post on the best ever hip-hop lyrics - I think that this one would win.An amazing track off of the seminal Roots album (which may be finding its way onto the MOG 501 tomorrow), it details a love affair - with hip hop. I just love the way that they use the names of rappers, bands & famous lyrics in the words...Yo, yo I was sp...
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wassup fellas? just wnted to say halla and more bigups for the infinitely good music,build your legacy boys. I wanna do a track with Black,wassup how can we communiate real well? my email address is soullrhythm@yahoo.com holla back.peace. Soul Of Wit
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 "Things Fall Apart")
