#416 The Roots, 'Things Fall Apart' (1999)

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Kicking off with the voices of Denzil Washington and Wesley Snipes discussing the state of African American music (from Spike Lee’s ‘Mo’ Better Blues’), this album was the perfect end to the 20th Century. Black artists have had such a profound influence on popular music, from pioneering Jazz to Rock ‘n Roll to Hip Hop, a genre that has grown to dominate popular music of the 21stCentury. ‘Things Fall Apart’ has all of the above and more. The Roots don’t get nearly as much credit as they deserve but amongst them, they are some of the most talented musicians of our time. They’re more than just the house band on the Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon. If you ever get the opportunity to see them live, take it with both hands. Furthermore, if you ever have the chance to watch Questlove do a DJ set, do it. A human music encyclopaedia, his set seamlessly move from genre to genre mixing Nirvana in with Michael Jackson and then over to the Harlem Globetrotters theme.

But this review isn’t about their live music. It’s about ‘Things Fall Apart.’ One of the most cohesive and freeflowing Hip Hop records you’ll ever have the privilege of hearing. More than just a crew of rappers, The Roots is a band of musicians playing organic instruments. Making a statement before you’ve even heard a note, the cover is a photo taken during a riot in the Civil Rights Movement. A young black girl runs in terror from white policemen. And that sets the theme for the album.

It was recorded at Jimi Hendrix’s Electric Lady Studios around the same time as D’Angelo’s ‘Voodoo’ & Erykah Badu’s ‘Mama Gun’ (Questlove would play drums on both). Nominated for 2 Grammys in 2000, winning one. It’s difficult to single out songs on this album. They’re all just so good!

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