In a little over 42 minutes, The Roots may have hit us off with the best album of 2010. ‘How I Got Over’ should easily stay in rotation throughout the summer and long after. In fact, it’s one of the group’s best albums and will stand the test of time. Like many of their albums, the lyricism and the tone of this album are representative of the mood of the surrounding environment. Produced over the past few years, this album is reflective of the national ups and downs experienced during this time.
Taking into account the end of the Bush presidency, the recession, the election of President Obama and even the recent signs of economic relief, the tone of the album ranges from dark and even depressed to uplifting and triumphant.
The band has undergone changes rivaling those of the country. Over the years many of their members and frequent contributors – Malik B., Scott Storch, Tuba Gooding, Jr. to name a few – have moved on. They’re also one of the few artists fortunate enough to work with J. Dilla while he was alive.