The Roots"Phrenology"

MCA Records

Grade: A-

Bottom Line:

Giving hip-hop a good name, again.

If "Phrenology," the new album by Philadelphia-based R&B artists the Roots, is any indicator, Brandeis students should be in for one amazing concert experience when the group performs live at campus on October 2. The six members of the Roots: Black Thought, ?uestlove, Hub, Scratch, Rahzel and Ben, spend 250 nights of the year on the road. They particularly pride themselves on being able to adapt their performance style to each particular audience whether at a hip-hop club or college campus.

"Phrenology" showcases the Roots' talent for creating a unique blend of the hip-hop and R and B genres. On this latest effort though, the group has clearly made an effort to move beyond their usual jazzy blues sound heard on their past albums such as "Come Alive" and "Things Fall Apart." The Roots choose on this album to integrate a more mainstream rap sound and up-tempo vibe, most likely influenced by today's hip-hop artists while also keeping up with the evolving style of R and B music.

The Roots' new sound on "Phrenology" is also thanks to their collaborations with artists including Nelly Furtado, Jill Scott, and Musiq. On "Sacrifice," Furtado's voice floats over the song's rap hooks, proving that R and B and pop are two genres that do not necessarily have to be as incompatible as water and oil. Scott's perky, light voice on the chorus gives the Roots added buoyancy on Complexity." For "Break You Off," the Roots team up with Musiq to produce the stand out track on "Phrenology." The song combines the group's traditional relaxed sound with edgy, street rap that showcases the Roots' ability to evolve and allow their music to move in new directions.

Despite the Root's new sound, the group on "Phrenology" continues to stand apart lyrically from other mainstream hip-hop and R and B artists by also addressing through their music meaningful issues and relevant problems in urban society. On "The Seed (2.0)," they discuss the responsibilities and consequences of pregnancy and a high-profile lifestyle. The group raps about difficulties regarding street life and trying to making it in the music business on "Water." Whereas most rap albums today stick to the generic topics of pimps, hoes and "bling-bling," the Roots make an effort to rise above the superficial materialism and degrading lyrics that overflow on today's hip-hop tracks.

These veterans of R and B have certainly proved why they are still prominent on the music scene after making it big almost nine years ago. While today's music scene is full of one hit hip-hop wonders and short-lived booty-shakin' anthems, the Roots have again proved themselves successful by adapting their style to the times but remaining true to their usual full, smooth sound and deep lyrics.

-Jenn Rubin