Crate Digging: The Roots - Come alive (20 years later)

These days The Roots are known as “the band on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon”, for us fans they’re simply one of the greatest collectives of talent in hip-hop. Since their first studio project “Organix” released in 1993, the group has since been heavy hitters in hip-hop collaborating with the likes of Jay-Z, Common, and J Dilla.Humble beginnings for band leaders Amir “?uestlove” Thompson and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter out of South Philadelphia in 1987, they sought to combine jazz and break beats to create a unique sound that only The Roots have been able to perform. With album releases in 1993 “Organix”, ‘94 “Do you want more ?!!!??!”, and ‘98 “Things Fall Apart” , the cumulation of these albums hit a peak with the live recordings of shows in New York, Switzerland, and Zurich titling the project “The Roots Come Alive” in 1999. 

“Come Alive” starts off fast with “The Next Movement”, setting the tone for these recorded shows. Rich sounds, deep bass, and Black Thought’s MC skills are in full display throughout the whole album, as if you were  in the front row of the show. The crowd noises are clear as day and it only enhances the listening experience, especially when they interlude into “Silent Treatment” and “You Got Me” featuring Jill Scott. 

The Roots has proved throughout this album that they have perfected this combination of jazz and hip-hop with a master wordsmith in Black Thought that cannot be duplicated. 

It’s been 20 years since this album was released, my first listen was back in 2001 as a high school freshman. While I've been a fan of The Roots since middle school, I never had a full appreciation for this album until after high school. In the years since and into my 30s, my love and appreciation for this group has grown and “Come Alive” is by far my favorite from The Roots.

This album is a classic much like one of those books where you learn something new in different phases of your life. Every time I’ve  listened to, this album, it continues to teach something new. In today’s hip-hop, or rather, Rap, real artistry is what’s needed on the forefront. Longevity and timelessness like what The Roots have provided is what I’m seeking these days, so whenever I feel like Hip Hop is in trouble, “Come Alive” saves the day and let’s me know everything is going to be alright.