The Roots - Tipping Point

Artistic greatness doesn’t always mean financial greatness. This is the fundamental flaw of the music business in the eyes of most music connoisseurs. Long before I heard a single note of this album or of The Roots’ music, I had heard of them through numerous top ten lists and indie magazine reviews praising their genius style and beautiful flow. Of course, outside of the underground and sometimes a brief mention of them on MTV (not to play their video mind you, but just mention them), I hadn’t seen much of anything from them in the public eye. Hopefully, with this release and some help from a friend or two, things are soon to change. The Tipping Point came out as one of the most anticipated albums of the summer and with good reason. The huge success of Chappelle’s Show has led to some nice exposure for the band, as Chapelle has featured them as both musical guest and cameo guests on a few episodes of the show. That coupled with the newest fad of indie becoming the new mainstream sets The Roots at a prime point for jumping to the next level, but will the public finally take notice? If this album is any indication of things to come, surely they won’t be able to deny The Roots talent much longer. “Star/Pointro” immediately jumps out as a short course in Roots 101; at once flowing and catchy like radio rap, but coming in at 7:36 long, it is hardly in the mold of standard rap. The video for “Don’t Say Nuthin’” has garnered some MTV airplay and become arguably the bands biggest hit ever, but what makes this album great is not one stand out track but an album’s worth of them. A cohesive flow runs straight from one track to the next, making sure you never lose attention or interest in what is going on. The head bouncing of “Web” and the slow jam feel of “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” showcase the diversity the group is capable of. You get the feeling The Roots could make a jazz album, an R&B album, a rap album, or anything they wanted and succeed marvelously; that’s just how talented they are. Ending with a bonus track featuring none other than the aforementioned Dave Chappelle, The Tipping Point is a solid disc from start to finish. It might not go down as an all time great album, but it will surely be vying for a spot on numerous top ten lists when the year comes to an end. Let’s just hope that this time around, the independent media and music nuts aren’t the only ones who take notice. [www.theroots.com]