'Rising Down' is the eighth studio album from Philadelphia based hip hop outfit The Roots and once again sees them move further away from the generic 'gangsta' sound that dominates American mainstream hip hop. Produced by Questlove, 'Rising Down' has a more synth orientated sound while the addition of a horn section adds to The Roots' already unique form of hip hop. Usually shying away from collaborations, this album features a whole host of guest vocalists including Common, Talib Kweli, Mos Def and Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump.

Mar 2008

Grammy award winning hip-hop trailblazers The Roots are set to release 'Rising Down'. Known for their prolific lyrics and live instrumentation, the Legendary Philadelphia crew is composed of Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter (vocals), Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson (drums), Kamal Gray (keyboards), Frank Knuckles (percussion), Kirk “Captain Kirk” Douglas (guitar) and Owen Biddle (bass). Garnering critical praise throughout their career, The Roots have firmly established themselves as a band with uncompromised artistic control and integrity. With Rising Down, the band’s 10th album release, The Roots continue to take bolder steps adding new depths and range to their repertoire.

The Roots co-founder ?uestlove states, “This is probably our most political album to date dealing with addiction, nihilism, hypocritical double standards in the prison system and overall life in Philadelphia. I'd say it’s more mature and intense than all of our efforts but not a ‘downer’ as most people expect us to do.”

The political nature of 'Rising Down' is not only heard within the music. The title comes from William T. Vollmann’s treatise on violence entitled 'Rising Up and Rising Down', and the release date falls on the 16th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots sparked by the acquittal of the police officers accused of beating Rodney King.

Standout tracks include: 'Criminal' a reflection of life on the streets and unjust persecution, 'I Will Not Apologize' a tribute to Fela Kuti that discusses keeping dignity in the music biz and 'I Can’t Help It' a look at addictions and urges that compel us all. The pop-infused first single 'Birthday Girl'- features Fall Out Boy frontman Patrick Stump. Additional guests on the album include Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon, Dice Raw, Wale, Chrisette Michele and more.

Featuring an infamous human beatbox/turntable backing up three MCs, the Roots have elevated hip-hop music by using live instrumentation instead of samples. Performing in the underground hip-hop circuit since 1987, the group has made waves in both the rap and jazz scenes since their first album in 1995. In an era where hip-hop's classic elements have been swallowed in a vortex of cheap imitations, the Roots continue to redefine themselves as both musicians and storytellers, while still garnering the respect of hardcore fans and the press alike.