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Music : Rising Down
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Rating: 
- The Iladelph Legends Rise Again
First off this album is a change in direction from Game Theory. Unlike what critics proclaim, this album is not a continuation of their previous output. Game Theory was darker & annihilistic. Rising Down is a bit more synth laden & soulful. Black Thought has a lyrical flow second to none, however he has a lot of help, all of these guests MC's are disciples of the roots.
Soul Aquarian members contribute to this album:
_ ?uestlove
_ Common
_ James Poyser
_ Mos Def
_ Talib Kweli
Most of the others are fellow Philadelphians who oft contribute to roots albums, so it all makes for a soulful Philly sound with darker topics. This album requires a couple listens but play it loud and enjoy. 75 Bars (Blacks Reconstruction) is a great track
Rating: - Impressive...once again
I keep waiting for the Roots to fall off, because let's face it, there aren't too many hip hop acts that can string it out artistically. Even the Mighty Mighty Mos only put out 3 good albums charitably counting New Danger, and one of those was half Talib.
They may fall off someday, but not today. By my count, that's now SEVEN classic or near-classic records from the Roots, not counting Tipping Point, which let's face it wasn't their best effort, "Star/Pointro" aside. Does Rising Down top Game Theory? It's close, but yes it does. This is their best work since Things Fall Apart, I'm not playing. It's not flawless...but it's close.
There's a similar dark vibe between this one and their last one, and I like the way they've come to use texture and synth on both albums. What struck me about Rising Down on first listen though is ?uesto's beats - on an individual level, I think this might be his best work ever on a Roots album. The beats on Illadelph Halflife have always been my favorite from the Roots, but I'm rethinking that now.
Lyrically, it's quality as ever. I don't even know what to say about Black Thought, the dude is a machine. He just spits and then spits some more. Peedi, Malik, Dice, Common, and Talib do their thing. There are a few weak verses here and there, what can you do. But Saigon, Truck North, and the aforementioned Mos pretty much kill it on their verses.
Go buy it.
EDIT: By the way, this doesn't include Birthday Girl. I think the only place to get that is the import version.
Rating:
- It sounds good - it is good
First let me say that this one does indeed fall short of Game Theory. Game Theory was the best album of its year - in any genre - in my opinion. Production was fantastic and lyrically they were at the top of their game. Rising Down does have many of the same qualities, but the songs and the production is not quite as dynamic as Game Theory. I mean there is not as much variety from song to song or within song as the Roots Crew has shown in the past. For example, a lot of the songs have a similar-sounding refrain part to them. This was evident in only a couple of songs on Game Theory. Don't get me wrong - this is still a 4.5 star album and will probably be one of my favorites of the year. There is still tons of creativity and passion here, and you will not go wrong by adding this one to your collection.
Rating: - Add another CD to your collection
To tell you the truth "Rising Down" is not better then The Root's previous effort "Game Theory" so those that are giving it 5 out of 5 stars just stop. That Is not to say that they don't hit the fans with another 215th bullet. Like others said "Rising Down" does continue the darkness of Game Theory this is evident on the title track where each emcee gives use vivid lines on the state of our world today "It don't matter how ya gates is latched/ you ain't safe from the danger Jack"- mos def. Other songs that hit you with shots of adrenaline are "Get Busy" and "75 bars(Blacks Reconstruction)" which is an amazing display of Blackthoughts rap skills and is just some more evidence as to why he should be on everyones top 10 list at lest. Then there is "Criminal" which is just an all around great track and Saigon kills it but after that the album "rises down" a bit but picks back up with songs like "I Can't Help it" as well as "The Show." Then some sun shines through with "Rising Up" and newcomer Wale really shows his potential on this track "so good rappers ain't eatin'//they Olson Twin it". Again most of the album is bagin' but there are a few tracks that are forgettable. GO GET IT!!!
Rating:
- A Huge Letdown
I hate to say it but this is the most frustrating LP I've heard so far this year. A strange thing happens at the halfway point on "Rising...." is goes...."Down" and becomes downright pedestrian. Tracks 1-7 are some of the best music this band has ever recorded and then....well....it just falls flat and sounds like every other tired, unimaginative piece of so-called music on the radio today, hammering home annoying singalong hooks and flooding the album with WAY too many guest stars who are only marginally talented. It truly saddens me that "The Legendary" has only produced a half good LP and seemingly rushed it out just to compete with the masses. Maybe next time....
- The Iladelph Legends Rise AgainFirst off this album is a change in direction from Game Theory. Unlike what critics proclaim, this album is not a continuation of their previous output. Game Theory was darker & annihilistic. Rising Down is a bit more synth laden & soulful. Black Thought has a lyrical flow second to none, however he has a lot of help, all of these guests MC's are disciples of the roots.
Soul Aquarian members contribute to this album:
_ ?uestlove
_ Common
_ James Poyser
_ Mos Def
_ Talib Kweli
Most of the others are fellow Philadelphians who oft contribute to roots albums, so it all makes for a soulful Philly sound with darker topics. This album requires a couple listens but play it loud and enjoy. 75 Bars (Blacks Reconstruction) is a great track
Rating:
- Impressive...once againI keep waiting for the Roots to fall off, because let's face it, there aren't too many hip hop acts that can string it out artistically. Even the Mighty Mighty Mos only put out 3 good albums charitably counting New Danger, and one of those was half Talib.
They may fall off someday, but not today. By my count, that's now SEVEN classic or near-classic records from the Roots, not counting Tipping Point, which let's face it wasn't their best effort, "Star/Pointro" aside. Does Rising Down top Game Theory? It's close, but yes it does. This is their best work since Things Fall Apart, I'm not playing. It's not flawless...but it's close.
There's a similar dark vibe between this one and their last one, and I like the way they've come to use texture and synth on both albums. What struck me about Rising Down on first listen though is ?uesto's beats - on an individual level, I think this might be his best work ever on a Roots album. The beats on Illadelph Halflife have always been my favorite from the Roots, but I'm rethinking that now.
Lyrically, it's quality as ever. I don't even know what to say about Black Thought, the dude is a machine. He just spits and then spits some more. Peedi, Malik, Dice, Common, and Talib do their thing. There are a few weak verses here and there, what can you do. But Saigon, Truck North, and the aforementioned Mos pretty much kill it on their verses.
Go buy it.
EDIT: By the way, this doesn't include Birthday Girl. I think the only place to get that is the import version.
Rating:
- It sounds good - it is goodFirst let me say that this one does indeed fall short of Game Theory. Game Theory was the best album of its year - in any genre - in my opinion. Production was fantastic and lyrically they were at the top of their game. Rising Down does have many of the same qualities, but the songs and the production is not quite as dynamic as Game Theory. I mean there is not as much variety from song to song or within song as the Roots Crew has shown in the past. For example, a lot of the songs have a similar-sounding refrain part to them. This was evident in only a couple of songs on Game Theory. Don't get me wrong - this is still a 4.5 star album and will probably be one of my favorites of the year. There is still tons of creativity and passion here, and you will not go wrong by adding this one to your collection.
Rating:
- Add another CD to your collectionTo tell you the truth "Rising Down" is not better then The Root's previous effort "Game Theory" so those that are giving it 5 out of 5 stars just stop. That Is not to say that they don't hit the fans with another 215th bullet. Like others said "Rising Down" does continue the darkness of Game Theory this is evident on the title track where each emcee gives use vivid lines on the state of our world today "It don't matter how ya gates is latched/ you ain't safe from the danger Jack"- mos def. Other songs that hit you with shots of adrenaline are "Get Busy" and "75 bars(Blacks Reconstruction)" which is an amazing display of Blackthoughts rap skills and is just some more evidence as to why he should be on everyones top 10 list at lest. Then there is "Criminal" which is just an all around great track and Saigon kills it but after that the album "rises down" a bit but picks back up with songs like "I Can't Help it" as well as "The Show." Then some sun shines through with "Rising Up" and newcomer Wale really shows his potential on this track "so good rappers ain't eatin'//they Olson Twin it". Again most of the album is bagin' but there are a few tracks that are forgettable. GO GET IT!!!
Rating:
- A Huge LetdownI hate to say it but this is the most frustrating LP I've heard so far this year. A strange thing happens at the halfway point on "Rising...." is goes...."Down" and becomes downright pedestrian. Tracks 1-7 are some of the best music this band has ever recorded and then....well....it just falls flat and sounds like every other tired, unimaginative piece of so-called music on the radio today, hammering home annoying singalong hooks and flooding the album with WAY too many guest stars who are only marginally talented. It truly saddens me that "The Legendary" has only produced a half good LP and seemingly rushed it out just to compete with the masses. Maybe next time....