The Roots 'How I Got Over' NYC Listening Session Report

The Roots How I Got Over on Island/Def Jam/Okay Player arrives June 22.

In attendance, L.A. Reid, Zoe Kravitz and the rest of The Roots crew. Check out the photo links after the article.

via the Boom Box

Last night, New York City was blessed by the legendary Roots crew beyond their nightly in-house band duties for 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon.' The hip-hop band was hosting their first listening session at Legacy Studios for their ninth full-length studio album, 'How I Got Over,' an album reminiscent of 2002's 'Phrenology' with obvious natural progression.

"Contemporary" is the word that comes to mind when first hearing 'How I Got Over.' Not to suggest they've gone adult contemporary, but rather, it's the inevitable growth of a band who, after originally busting on to the scene with their crossover success, is now relishing in the collective genius of the entire group. Even friend and co-worker Jimmy Fallon was in attendance to support the Roots, eagerly awaiting to see what the select few in the media thought of their latest effort. 'How I Got Over' will undoubtedly be well-received, probably more so than 'Phrenology,' as the landscape of hIp-hop has significantly changed since then.

Here is the general rundown of 'How I Got Over':

1. 'Walk Alone' (feat. Truck North, Porn, Dice Raw, Mercedes Martinez):
This opening track follows a smoothed out intro and keeps the melodic momentum going in this neo-soul cut with former Jazzyfatnastees front woman Mercedes Martinez.

2. 'Dear God 2.0' (feat. Jim James, MOF):
This lead single is a reinvention of the Monsters of Folk classic 'Dear God,' only slightly darker and more intense than the original.

3. 'Radio Daze' (feat. Blu, Porn, Dice Raw, Mercedes Martinez):
A mellow Bass-heavy movement with Blu as the official scene stealer.

4. 'Now Or Never' (feat. Phonte Coleman, Dice Raw):
Modestly mature track with the quietly desperate hook, "Gotta get my shit together / it's now or never".



5. 'How I Got Over' (feat. Dice Raw):
The first leaked track and video off 'How I Got Over,' is jungle-tinged with jazz sensibility.

6. 'The Day' (feat. Blu, Phonte Coleman, Patty Crash):
This track resembles the 'Phrenology' cut 'Sacrifice' featuring Nelly Furtado, but with Blu's opening verse setting the stage for the whole song, as new school Roots affiliate Patty Crash provides a soulfully edgy hook.

7. 'Right On' (feat. Joanna Newsom, Sugar Tongue Slim):
Andy Samberg's girlfriend, pianist and singer/songwriter Joanna Newsom assists this thumping track with newcomer Sugar Tongue Slim, who sounds like a cross between Cypress Hill and the Pharcyde.

8. 'Doin It Again' (feat. John Legend):
A signature Roots sounding track, where John Legend sings the hook in a slightly rockier way than we're used to.

9. 'The Fire' (feat. John Legend, Rick Friedrich):
This keys-heavy closing track screams 'victory!' in its uplifting and triumphant production.

Bonus Cut #1:
A cypher meets posse cut amidst DJ scratched production, like the soundtrack to a schoolyard.

Bonus Cut #2:
Sugar Tongue Slim is on the hook and lends a verse to this song probably titled 'Hustler,' since STS repeats it throughout the cut along with "I hope my baby girl grows up to be a hustler."

Photo links:
Wire Image