The Roots have become a hip hop brand-name through their musicianship, lyrical prowess and dedication to their fans. The word 'root' is defined as "underground part of plant; source, origin; embedded portion of tooth, hair." The Roots do not lay this definition ill, as they are underground hip hop Gods of sorts. They hold the origin of hip hop close to their hearts while embracing it as the love of their life. Their songs often take from hip hop history and incorporate verses from the past. The Roots have definitely embedded themselves firmly in this art called hip hop. The Roots style features average beats, poetic lyricism and the human beat box known as Rahzel. Rahzel's vocal scratching ability far surpasses that of many a DJ. He goes far beyond amazing and will impress you.

For a group that has been together since 1987 and performs on average 250 nights per year, it only seems natural to release a live album. This however, is no ordinary live album. The Roots sought out the live tracks that stood apart from all the rest. Instead of using the most perfected tracks, this album is packed with the tracks where crew members went off and did something fresh and new with an existing track. None of the changes were planned at the time, they just flowed while live, onstage and in front of their audience.

The Roots provide several impressive live tracks. In most particular the amazing fan participation on "The Ultimate", as the portions of the chorus rely solely on the efforts of the crowd. "You Got Me" replaces Erykah Badu with Jill Scott, who, in my mind, does a much better job with the song. Jill Scott, who actually wrote the female verses in the track, provides the listener with an amazing aural display while simply spelling out her name and from where she reigns. "What You Want" is the latest Roots single off of the Best Man Soundtrack. This track features a very talented Jaguar, who laces the female chorus. The track is hot and is quite possibly one of the best Roots singles yet. "Love Of My Life" features Common and the Roots' love of their lives from and center – hip hop.

This album is a real treat for the hardcore Roots fan. For those outside this domain, it won't be quite as impressive. Several of the live tracks rise above the rest, but several fail to impress. I enjoyed this album, but was not captivated by it. As a result it falls a couple points shy of a perfect mark.

www.brockwayent.com

(Originally posted on HipHopCanada.com)

This review was written November 16, 1999