Album Review

Panos Nikolos

5/9/11

How I Got Over: Album Review

Rating: 4.5/5

            The Legendary Roots Crew has done it again. How I Got Over  is arguably the group’s most spiritual album. The album features the likes of Blu (from Los Angeles), Phonte (Foreign Exchange), Dice Raw, and John Legend, among others. From beginning to end, every song guarantees satisfaction. Practically every song deals with some sort of world problem, whether it is poverty, racism, etc. In the song titled “How I Got Over”, Black Thought describes the problem with murder in the world: “When you on the corners too much drama/Livin’ with the police right behind ya’/It’s always more than a slight Rwanda.” By comparing the genocide that occurred in Rwanda to the murders that occur every day, Black Thought is able to bring out the severity of the problem.

            Needless to say, the album is a prime example of how hip-hop is influenced by jazz and soul music. Many songs that are labeled as “hip-hop” do not necessarily fit into the Hip-Hop category. This album is reminiscent of 1990’s Hip-Hop, with some exceptions, mainly with the song titled “The Fire”, which features pop sensation John Legend. However, this album should be listened by all who listen to rock, hip-hop, rap, soul, jazz, and even pop. This album is truly entertaining and enjoying to listen to.