Well depending on who you ask they may tell you this is the debut album of classic hip-hop band, The Roots. This was basically recorded and produced out of The Roots basement, and was re released by a major label in 1998, 5 years after the initial release. This was really just a demo tape put together by band leaders Black Though and Brother ?uestion. With A Tribe Called Quest paving the way for other jazzy rap groups, The Roots based themselves off of the Tribe's success. This was a great way to get away from all the hate and violence displayed in the 90's gangster rap. At the time this 4-man band from Philly were young, and ready to impress the world with their musical styling.
1. The Roots Is Comin'
No one had ever heard of this band. While fairly boring, this introduction to the group was necessary I guess
2. Pass the Popcorn
This track truly introduces the band as a whole, and is a really good track. Black Thought lays down two really good verses and sings the hook (everything that is good about the track) Brother ?uestion isn't bad on the track, but you can tell that this was the drummer trying to rap, and then Kid Crumbs happened. Who the hell is kid crumbs? Regardless of the mistake that is Kid Crumbs, this is a great first track.
3. Anti-Circle
I really like this song, in fact Black Thought tears the shit completely to pieces, and makes it regret ever being a song, the title has something to do with them being the "Square Roots", but it really doesn't matter, even in 93 Black Thought had developed a great flow and insane lyrics.
4. Writer's Block
This makes you feel like you just did speed, really just Tariq saying words, move on.
5. Good Music(Prelude)
As you can tell from the title it is a prelude to the next song.
6. Good Music
Black Thought displays his vivid and creative story telling ability, really just describing him chilling with Brother ?uestion. This is a pretty good track, but the hook seems completely random. Also the outrage known as Kid Crumbs makes a 6-bar cameo.
7. Grits
Either this song is about a couple guys talking about food or I'm missing something. Tariq is able to make good lyrics of talking about cheesy grits. Now that's talent.
8. Leonard I-V
This is my person favorite track on the album. Black Thought does a great job of entertaining us with his lyrical skill, not much more to say.
9. I'm Out Deah
If the previous track was not my favorite, and for the same reason. Black Thought dazzles me lyrically, and the keyboard and drums on the beat compliment him greatly.
10. Essaywhumah?
That's right, you just found yourself loving a mic check. This really displays the skill of ?uestlove on the drums, scott storch on the keys, and Leonard Hubbard on bass. Black Thought entertains the crowd by babbling nonsense on the mic, and I love it.11.
11. There's a Riot Going On
Why did this happen.
12. Popcorn Revisited
This is awesome. They realized that Pass the Popcorn would have been great without Kid Crumbs and ?uestlove, so that happened. It is nearly the same song, but this time it is nothing but Tariq, awesome
13. Peace
Just underlying beatboxing with Black Though talking over it, just a skit.
14. Common Dust
This is a reoccurring theme on the album; Black Thought is in the midst of killing a song, and Kid Crumbs sendsit all down the toilet. Damn you Kid Crumbs.
14. The Session (Longest Posse Cut in History 12:43)
As you can tell from the title, this is a long ass posse cut. Malik B makes an appearance as a member of Foreign Objects, along with a bunch of other replaceable 90's rappers. Despite being near the end, the insane length to this song isn't bad. It actually makes for a very good listen with Black Thought giving us the last verse.
15. Syreeta's Having My Baby
This is just music, boring.
16. Carryin' On
The Roots rarely disappoint, but ending the album with two instrumentals was pretty shitty of them to do.
Rating: 3.5/5
The Roots manage to put together this album with little resource, and it's actually dope. I really love this album, but I am a roots fan, and that may be the reason. This album wasn't necessarily popular or anything due to its lack of commercial release, but i recommend a listen. If you are unfamiliar with The Roots, then you might want to pick up one of their later albums just to get acquainted with the style. The biggest problem with this album is ending it with two instrumentals. Why the hell would they find that acceptable. Regardless this is a good listen.