The Roots

The Roots are a Philadelphia-based alternative rap group whose work has been met with much critical acclaim in recent years. Over several albums they have experimented with replacing sampling with live band music, and introducing rock elements into hip-hop, and seem to have finally found their perfect blend.

The Roots were formed in 1987 but took until 1993 to self-release a debut, called Organix. It earned them a deal with Geffen, who were better known at the time as Nirvana's label. Their second album, Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995), was praised for being played as a live band (rather than relying on sampling), and was widely considered an excellent album. It has now sold over half-a-million copies.

Illadelph Halflife (1996) was also praised, and featured guest appearances from Erykah Badu, Common, D'Angelo and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip. Their biggest breakthrough came in 1999 with Things Fall Apart, which peaked at No.4 on the Billboard charts and included a Grammy Award-winning single in "You Got Me".

Fifth album Phrenology (2002) saw a change in direction as The Roots eschewed jazz and soul in favour of rock influences. It was a big commercial success, but divided reviewers and fans, some of whom were not keen on the new direction. Similarly, The Tipping Point (2004) reached No.4 in the charts, but was met with a mixed reception. Finally, The Game Theory 2006 was widely acclaimed, with most reviewers deciding that The Roots had found their perfect mix of rock and soul-influenced hip-hop.

Their eighth studio album, Rising Down, was released in spring 2008.