The Roots - How I Got Over

Now that it's had some time to sink in, how would you rate it?

I'm a bit confused by a lot of the lackluster talk about the album. I've been playing it on repeat for 3 days now. I got it right behind Game Theory. I'm digging the direction waaaaay more than Rising Down. A lot of it is like lounge music or some shit. Not nearly as experimental than their more recent stuff and just plain more enjoyable as a whole IMO. Nicer hooks and melodies for sure. I've already listened to this one more than Rising Down.

4.25 stars

2.5 crappy doo-doo

lmao

I think Randy Newman executive produced.

You're on crack Parker, this is a dope album. I don't see how a Roots fan (even a casual one) wouldn't like this joint.

Kid Joe wrote:

I think Randy Newman executive produced.

The Roots + Randy Newman could work.

Since 3.75 isn't an option i'll say 4.0. I really wanted more Black Thought on this album less guest.

I'm not a casual fan. The Roots are easily one of my favorite groups, and Black Thought is one of my favorite emcees. I even pay close attention to ?uestlove's side projects and anything these guys endorse.

I just think Game Theory and after has been a disappointing era for them. I'm hoping this is rock bottom and they get back to that punch-you-in-the-mouth-jazz sound, or even some of the soul music they've always laced their albums with. Going by fan acceptance id say that's not happening.

I see no reason to feel that not liking their last three albums has anything to do with me being a fan. Hate it or love it, the new Roots is definitely a departure. They were bound to lose a few folks on the way. I'm one of em.

Kid Joe wrote:

I'm not a casual fan. The Roots are easily one of my favorite groups, and Black Thought is one of my favorite emcees. I even pay close attention to ?uestlove's side projects and anything these guys endorse.

I just think Game Theory and after has been a disappointing era for them. I'm hoping this is rock bottom and they get back to that punch-you-in-the-mouth-jazz sound, or even some of the soul music they've always laced their albums with. Going by fan acceptance id say that's not happening.

I see no reason to feel that not liking their last three albums has anything to do with me being a fan. Hate it or love it, the new Roots is definitely a departure. They were bound to lose a few folks on the way. I'm one of em.

SMH, you're one of the few of them they've lost but it's whatever. I've liked all of their albums. Rising Down was their second weakest effort but it's still a 4 star album IMO. Game Theory and How I Got Over are near classics.

you throw the term classic out way too easily KJ. Game Theory and How I got Over are both solid IMO, but not near classic.

I like the album, but i'd be lying if i said the album hasn't lost replay value to me. I got it around 4 stars which is down from the 4.25 stars i gave it initially.

Southern Rap Pro wrote:

you throw the term classic out way too easily KJ. Game Theory and How I got Over are both solid IMO, but not near classic.

Well you think every UGK album is classic save for Blood Money, while I only have two of them rated at 5 stars, so it's goes both ways. It's all a matter of opinion.

I'm with Terry. The replay value has dropped a little. I got it at 4 stars as well.

Yeah that UGK "Blood Money" was a pretty bad album. Maybe if they would have named it Dirty Money it would have sounded better? Who knows.

KRob86 wrote:

Yeah that UGK "Blood Money" was a pretty bad album. Maybe if they would have named it Dirty Money it would have sounded better? Who knows.

LMAO. Indeed. UGK Blood Money is one of the only UGK CDs I never heard. But UGK is THE GOAT group so it is only natural they have 5 5 star classics

I could've sworn the title of that album was "Dirty Money", lol.

Wayne wrote:

I could've sworn the title of that album was "Dirty Money", lol.

It was Wayne, me and Kevin are just making fun of the fact KJ called it Blood Money.

im feelin this Roots album a lot. Not sure where it ranks yet, i have to update my album of the year list anyway but this album is up there its at least 4 stars but it needs more spins from me

KRob86 wrote:

Yeah that UGK "Blood Money" was a pretty bad album. Maybe if they would have named it Dirty Money it would have sounded better? Who knows.

That was a typo, but Dirty Money AND Blood Money both sucked IMO.

I like and respect UGK, but they don't have five classic albums. The most I could see is 3 objectively. Personally I only rate 2 of them that highly.

How I Got Over>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Any UGK album not named Ridin Dirty or Super Tight

Dirty Money sucked in comparison because it did not live up to UGK's five star catalog, but it is still solid. Blood Money just sucked in general as an album and poor excuse for music.

KJ Styles wrote:

KRob86 wrote:

Yeah that UGK "Blood Money" was a pretty bad album. Maybe if they would have named it Dirty Money it would have sounded better? Who knows.

That was a typo, but Dirty Money AND Blood Money both sucked IMO.

I like and respect UGK, but they don't have five classic albums. The most I could see is 3 objectively. Personally I only rate 2 of them that highly.

How I Got Over>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>Any UGK album not named Ridin Dirty or Super Tight

Oh wow, lets not do Roots vs. UGK, lol. Seriously though, not to take the light from the How I Got Over thread, I consider Dirty Money a strong 4 star album, not a classic though. IMO, all of UGK albums are classics with the exceptions of Dirty Money and UGK 4 Life, however, UGK 4 Life *may* become a personal classic of mine.

Southern Rap Pro wrote:

Dirty Money sucked in comparison because it did not live up to UGK's five star catalog, but it is still solid. Blood Money just sucked in general as an album and poor excuse for music.

Am I just noticing that you're referring to Mobb Deep's Blood Money album, lol?

KRob86 wrote:

Yeah that UGK "Blood Money" was a pretty bad album. Maybe if they would have named it Dirty Money it would have sounded better? Who knows.

hahahahaha, that really did make me laugh out loud.

T. Myers wrote:

KRob86 wrote:

Yeah that UGK "Blood Money" was a pretty bad album. Maybe if they would have named it Dirty Money it would have sounded better? Who knows.

hahahahaha, that really did make me laugh out loud.

Lol.

cmon KJ How I Got Over isnt clear cut better than Too Hard to Swallow either or arguably Underground Kingz

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Slang Editorial wrote:

cmon KJ How I Got Over isnt clear cut better than Too Hard to Swallow either or arguably Underground Kingz

Clear cut maybe not, but I dig it more personally. THTS and UK are 4 star albums IMO.

T. Myers wrote:

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Yes you are, just as SRP is but he won't admit it. Dirty Money is by far the weakest album between either group.

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Yes you are, just as SRP is but he won't admit it. Dirty Money is by far the weakest album between either group.

Yeah but you're not a Roots stan, right?

T. Myers wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Yes you are, just as SRP is but he won't admit it. Dirty Money is by far the weakest album between either group.

Yeah but you're not a Roots stan, right?

Never said I wasn't

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Yes you are, just as SRP is but he won't admit it. Dirty Money is by far the weakest album between either group.

Yeah but you're not a Roots stan, right?

Never said I wasn't

indeed.

T. Myers wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Yes you are, just as SRP is but he won't admit it. Dirty Money is by far the weakest album between either group.

Yeah but you're not a Roots stan, right?

Never said I wasn't

indeed.

That said though, even a non-Roots stan could easily see that they're one of the most consistent groups of all time.

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

T. Myers wrote:

The only album in UGK's discog worse than How I Got Over is Dirty Money, but i would honestly play that over How I Got Over too. I iz a stan though.

Yes you are, just as SRP is but he won't admit it. Dirty Money is by far the weakest album between either group.

Yeah but you're not a Roots stan, right?

Never said I wasn't

indeed.

That said though, even a non-Roots stan could easily see that they're one of the most consistent groups of all time.

Yeah, I don't think anyone would argue that

KJ Styles wrote:

Kid Joe wrote:

I'm not a casual fan. The Roots are easily one of my favorite groups, and Black Thought is one of my favorite emcees. I even pay close attention to ?uestlove's side projects and anything these guys endorse.

I just think Game Theory and after has been a disappointing era for them. I'm hoping this is rock bottom and they get back to that punch-you-in-the-mouth-jazz sound, or even some of the soul music they've always laced their albums with. Going by fan acceptance id say that's not happening.

I see no reason to feel that not liking their last three albums has anything to do with me being a fan. Hate it or love it, the new Roots is definitely a departure. They were bound to lose a few folks on the way. I'm one of em.

SMH, you're one of the few of them they've lost but it's whatever. I've liked all of their albums. Rising Down was their second weakest effort but it's still a 4 star album IMO. Game Theory and How I Got Over are near classics.

I'd have to agree. At this point, even after my initial review, I'd give How I Got Over 4.5 stars now. The standouts are dope as hell on this album IMO. Still haven't taken it out of the car CD player. I honestly like it more than Big Boi's new album, which I like quite a bit.

Alan wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

Kid Joe wrote:

I'm not a casual fan. The Roots are easily one of my favorite groups, and Black Thought is one of my favorite emcees. I even pay close attention to ?uestlove's side projects and anything these guys endorse.

I just think Game Theory and after has been a disappointing era for them. I'm hoping this is rock bottom and they get back to that punch-you-in-the-mouth-jazz sound, or even some of the soul music they've always laced their albums with. Going by fan acceptance id say that's not happening.

I see no reason to feel that not liking their last three albums has anything to do with me being a fan. Hate it or love it, the new Roots is definitely a departure. They were bound to lose a few folks on the way. I'm one of em.

SMH, you're one of the few of them they've lost but it's whatever. I've liked all of their albums. Rising Down was their second weakest effort but it's still a 4 star album IMO. Game Theory and How I Got Over are near classics.

I'd have to agree. At this point, even after my initial review, I'd give How I Got Over 4.5 stars now. The standouts are dope as hell on this album IMO. Still haven't taken it out of the car CD player. I honestly like it more than Big Boi's new album, which I like quite a bit.

Glad to hear that you're diggin it more Pounds. I'm not sure if I like it as much as Big Boi's album but it's definitely close. Lyrically I'd go with How I Got Over, production wise I'd go with Sir Lucious Left Foot.

One thing is for certain though. Hip Hop in 2010 is already better than all of 2009 was, and we've only gotten through the first half.

I actually think the first half of 09 was a little better than this year so far.

Jason wrote:

I actually think the first half of 09 was a little better than this year so far.

I disagree. There's a bunch of albums that are within sniffing distance of classic status so far, not so much in the first half of 09.

Like how hermaphrodites are within sniffing distance of being sexy bitches.

Doin' It Again>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

One of the greatest cuts of the year...

KJ Styles wrote:

Jason wrote:

I actually think the first half of 09 was a little better than this year so far.

I disagree. There's a bunch of albums that are within sniffing distance of classic status so far, not so much in the first half of 09.

As I see it, the only great Hip-Hop albums so far this year are How I Got Over, The Stimulus Package, Sir Lucious Left Foot, with a handful of other good albums, whereas last year by this point The Ecstatic, Let the Children Die, Never Better, Brooklynati, Yes!, Georgiavania, A Pipe Dream and a Promise, and The Lonely Ones were all out. You must think the are more great albums this year than I do.

Jason wrote:

KJ Styles wrote:

Jason wrote:

I actually think the first half of 09 was a little better than this year so far.

I disagree. There's a bunch of albums that are within sniffing distance of classic status so far, not so much in the first half of 09.

As I see it, the only great Hip-Hop albums so far this year are How I Got Over, The Stimulus Package, Sir Lucious Left Foot, with a handful of other good albums, whereas last year by this point The Ecstatic, Let the Children Die, Never Better, Brooklynati, Yes!, Georgiavania, A Pipe Dream and a Promise, and The Lonely Ones were all out. You must think the are more great albums this year than I do.

Yep apparantely I do. Distant Relatives is my current AOTY. I originally rated the album at 4.5 stars but I've been spinning it constantly since it's release so now I'm rating it 5 stars. The other 3 you rated are great as well along with Dinner & A Movie and a handful of dope albums.

Out of those albums you named from 09, the only one I consider great is Brooklynati. UGK 4 Life and Padded Room were superb too. There were a handful of other good albums but the most of the gems didn't drop until around August of last year IMO. And even then I only have one album from 09 rated as a classic, and that would be Montezuma's Revenge. Based on what's due to come out in the second half of the year, I'm sure we'll see at least a couple more classics out of the bunch.

I'm giving this 4.25.

Radio Daze >>>>>>>>>

Doin It Again >>>>>>>>>

Web 20/20 >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>......haters

Damn! This one is definitely getting even better as it gets older. Anyone else feel the same way?

No

Speak for yourself Terry, I agree with Taylor. If not for Web 20/20 I'd be inclined to call this a classic album. It's 4.5-4.75 stars IMO.

Terry's a hater.

This is no where near 4.75 stars.

Steve wrote:

This is no where near 4.75 stars.

That's all a matter of opinion. Personally, I only skip one track on this album.

E. Taylor wrote:

Damn! This one is definitely getting even better as it gets older. Anyone else feel the same way?

Hell yes, I got his at 4.5 stars still. #4 album of the year. And my favorite mainstream album I've heard yet this year...

How Big Boi can not be anyone's favorite mainstream album is beyond me.