The Roots make kind of a return to their own roots with Tipping Point – a loose, funky, hip hop soul opus from the legendary Philly crew! The record's got a much more streamlined and focused ambition than Phrenology or Things Fall Apart – and it's a brilliant extenuation of their established style of live funky soul under the forceful rhymes of Black Thought and soulfully sung hooks and choruses. There's that elongated, swirling psych-soul feel that trips it out in spots, but it remains a focused effort, even if the groove is loose. Nothing on the album betrays the crew's now classic approach to hip hop – no trendy concessions or a sad attempt at a radio single to be found. This, kids, is the Roots – they're not pandering to anyone. Tracks include "Star", "I Don't Care", "Don't Say Nuthin'", "Guns Are Drawn", "Stay Cool", "Somebody's Gotta Do It", "Duck Down!", "Why (What's Going On)" and a couple unlisted bonus tracks. CD
An incredible pairing of talents – and a record that proves once again that the vibes of Roy Ayers are maybe one of the most powerfully soulful forces in the universe! It's no surprise that Roy's old records have formed the building blocks of key hip hop tracks over the years – and year, Ayers serves up vibes alongside fresh production from Oh No – in a set of all instrumental tracks that are overflowing with sweet vibes from the master, plus a blinding array of beats, samples, and other great production elements! Tracks are short and to the point, yet still deliver plenty – and titles include "Another Two 4", "Ice Cold Coolers", "Penthouse Elevators", "Intended Mayhem", "Short Tempers", "Dead Ringers", "Unbeautiful", "Leeches" and "Problems & Solvers". CD
The third album from Eric B & Rakim – absolute classic MC/DJ duo hip hop and maybe their most solid from beginning end, as impossible as that should've been after high bars they set with Paid In Full & Follow The Leader! By this point, Rakim was firmly established as one of hip hop's greatest rhymers, but he still steps to a higher level here, with a more forceful approach on some grittier material and his trademark cool and measured flow on others. "Let The Rhythm Hit Em" and "In The Ghetto" strong enough to call this a classic on their majesty alone, but this one's got one should-be standout track after another including "Mahogany", "No Omega", "Keep Em Eager To Listen", "Step Back", "Run For Cover" and more. CD
15 tracks, counting the interludes and such, including "I'm A Swing It", "On Point", "Word Is Bond", "Keep It Comin", "Same As It Ever Was", "Still Gotta Lotta Love" and "Who's The Man". CD
A masterpiece from prime era Tribe Called Quest! Midnight Maurauders was Tribe's third LP, and even though there were no tracks yet credited to the Ummah, this is pretty much the beginning of Tribe's transition to that sound – with the same mellow, laid back vibe as their best early material, but less of an overtly jazzy reference in their sound. Phife and Tip are still on point lyrically, and honestly, this is pretty much the last LP that Tribe dropped that's got nearly all hits and no misses on it. With the cuts "Award Tour", "Midnight", "Electric Relaxation", "Clap Your Hands", "Oh My God", "The Chase, Part II", and "Keep It Rollin". CD