Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this album contains some mature content (sex, violence, drug abuse), but strays from the stereotypes that burden most commercial hip-hop. Instead, we get something more creative, intelligent, and eclectic.
Families can talk about their pick of interesting issues addressed by the album's lyrics: love, friendship, determination, sacrifice, drug abuse, violence, and sex in marketing.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: David Brown
The Roots are truly an anomaly in the world of hip hop. They pride themselves on being a live band. Their beats originate from drummer extraordinaire ?uestlove (questlove) who is supported by a guitarist, bassist, and keyboard player. Their lead emcee, Black Thought, is one of the most under appreciated rappers today, and their "vocal magician" Scratch uses his voice instead of turntables to fill the role of DJ.
PHRENOLOGY is a great album with plenty of variety. Tracks such as "Rock You" and "Thought @ Work" have driving beats and hard, direct lyrics. Other cuts such as "Sacrifice," "Break You Off" and "Complexity" are smoothed out with Neo-Soul singers and catchy hooks. Black Thought brings verbal agility and socially conscious lyrics, and the rest of the band backs it up well with creative compositions.
However, parents should be wary of a few songs. "The Seed" -- although talking about wanting to get a woman pregnant so he can have a family -- is quite graphic. The song "Water" addresses a band mate's drug abuse. And "P---y Galore" is explicit while exploring the ways sex is used to sell products. The topics are very mature for younger teens and kids, but older teens looking for talented musicians in the world of hip-hop will like this album.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentExplicit sexual references (especially "Break You Off," "The Seed," and "P----y Galore"). |
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ViolenceSome references to fighting and guns. |
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LanguageIt's no Quentin Tarantino film, but there's some swearing. |
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Message |
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Social BehaviorSocially conscious and positive most of the time. |
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CommercialismThe Roots avoid flaunting the gaudy lifestyle usually brandished in popular rap. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoReferences to marijuana, cocaine, and alcohol. |
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