On 22nd June The Roots released their 9th studio album (the first release since they signed on for a full time position on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon) titled 'How I Got Over', and it's safe to say that they have delivered once again. Anchored, as always, by the rich, funky, and always on point drumming of ?uestlove and the effortless, passionate, and mesmerizing vocals from Black Thought this album really shines as a true hip hop album in contrast to some of the recent more commercial, highly-produced hip hop offerings that have been released lately (namely B.o.B, Drake and Chiddy Bang).
True to form The Roots once again call upon a smorgasbord of artists to feature on a majority of the tracks, with more hits than misses. Special guests include regular Roots Crew members Dice Raw, P.O.R.N, STS, and Truck North, as well as other Hip Hop artists Peedi Peedi (formerly Peedi Crack), Blu, Phonte, and close compatriot and resident piano man John Legend. However, where this album really takes off is when you witness some more unusual pairings between The Roots and folk supergroup 'Monsters of Folk' (see link below) and the pixie-like vocals of the whimsical singer/songwriter/harp playing Joanna Newsom on the track "Right On".
The Roots have a knack for giving established tracks from other artists the 'version 2.0' makeover as they did with Cody Chestnutt and "The Seed" resulting in a 2002 mega-hit for both artists. And here they go again, putting their hip hop touches to the 'Monsters Of Folk' 2010 single "Dear God". You can check out both versions below and maybe let us know what you think. Personally I think it's a great version, and improvement on the original.
Monsters of Folk - Dear God
The Roots - Dear God 2.0
Also check out this other solid track featuring John Legend, and if you like that you're gonna love the rest of the album.
The Roots feat. John Legend - The Fire
R. Hunter
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