What makes Rising Down by The Roots notable?

The album debuted at number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart and received significant critical acclaim, particularly for its tackling of pressing social issues. It also showcased a collaboration with various artists, solidifying The Roots' influence in the hip-hop community as they continued to push the boundaries of the genre. By the time 'Rising Down' was released in 2008, The Roots were transitioning into a more politically charged phase after their acclaimed album 'Game Theory.' This sixth studio album marked their first release under Def Jam Recordings, following a successful tenure with MCA, and presented a darker, more introspective sound in response to the sociopolitical landscape of the time.

Who is Rising Down for?

Rising Down works well if you're into thought-provoking lyrical exploration, dynamic emotional journeys and short, impactful listening sessions.

How many songs are on Rising Down?

Rising Down has 17 tracks, running approximately 53 minutes.

Rising Down

The Roots · 2008

53 min · 17 tracks · alternative rock

A gritty blend of socio-political commentary layered over complex rhythms and soulful instrumentation.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Rising Down — The title track encapsulates the album's themes of struggle and resistance, featuring a driving beat and incisive lyrics that address urban life.
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75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction) — This track stands out for its rapid-fire delivery and intricate wordplay, serving as a powerful critique on systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities.
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I Will Not Apologize — In this song, the defiance in the lyrics paired with bold instrumentation reflects an unapologetic stance against societal expectations and pressures.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album blends intricate rhythms with pointed lyrics, showcasing The Roots' evolution while addressing pressing social issues.

What we noticed

Lyrically, the album addresses socio-political themes directly, with verses that often feature multiple perspectives on issues like inequality and violence.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

thought-provoking lyrical exploration
dynamic emotional journeys
short, impactful listening sessions
layered, dense sonic textures

Where this album fits

Career context: By the time 'Rising Down' was released in 2008, The Roots were transitioning into a more politically charged phase after their acclaimed album 'Game Theory.' This sixth studio album marked their first release under Def Jam Recordings, following a successful tenure with MCA, and presented a darker, more introspective sound in response to the sociopolitical landscape of the time.
Stylistic neighbors: A Tribe Called Quest· The Black Seeds· J Dilla

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Moments worth listening for

Where the writing does something specific.

I Will Not Apologize

The verses confront external judgment directly while asserting personal identity without compromise.

This direct engagement challenges listeners to consider their own relationships with societal norms, making it a pivotal moment in the narrative arc.