Avg Rating: 
4.3 ( 27 total votes )
The Roots - How I Got Over
Artist: The Roots
Producer: ?uestlove
Album: How I Got Over
Label: Def Jam
Whatever your opinion is on Jimmy Fallon’s run as host of The Late Show, there’s no question that the program boasts the best house band in late-night television—and if you, like me, haven’t tuned in since the (painfully awkward, in my opinion) premiere episode, you likely missed out on the recent debut of How I Got Over, the official lead single/title track off The Roots’ forthcoming ninth studio album. Though the record/album title takes inspiration from the classic, Clara Ward-penned gospel hymn of the same name (and its famous Mahalia Jackson cover), the track’s sound owes more to a different musical great—the cut’s official LP version lacks the horn-driven bombast of the James Brown-style rendition performed on The Late Show two weeks ago, but the Godfather of Soul’s influence still shines through in ?uestlove‘s percussion-heavy instrumental, as well as the sung verses that sandwich Black Thought‘s rapped middle bars. Topped off with one of the most hummable hooks I’ve heard in a while, this energizing yet thought-provoking jam is sure to get fans hyped for the September 29th release of the Roots’ latest full-length.
This song first appeared on the
Rap Chart
on July 27, 2009
Listen to More: The Roots Written by richard
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Member Reviews and Ratings
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2281 |
Rating:
 This is fulla soul. The Roots have been so good for so long, and reinvent themselves so much that it is impossible not to mention them with the great Hip Hop groups in history. I am enjoying this track. I love live sounds, and the roots are the best at it.
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 11633 |
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Someone commented on Twitter today that The Roots were a better "band" than The Beatles. Taking this comment for face (or in this case "word") value, I disagreed. As much as I love The Roots (and I have seen them in concert 5 times), they aren't better than the Beatles.
However, they are the BEST band in hip hop. Ever. This goes to show exactly why. Hopefully, Def Jam doesn't ignore their release. 
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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Tastemaker |
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The Roots are a group that I have only heard of recently (in the past year I have been introduced to so much music it's not even funny - most of it attributed to the Booth). I would agree that they are one of the best bands in hip-hop (that I've heard thus far). That hook is nice and soulful and these guys flow great on this production. Nice!
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I feel that The Roots are always overlooked and that's such a shame, especially when they always create works of this caliber. Great sound and definitely a smooth listen.
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 4267 |
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.......
(Let rating speak for itself how much Im feelin this song) |
| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 1189 |
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Only rating today
3.5 |
| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 213 |
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This is tight! Black Thought killed this, and the production is good (although ive heard better from the Roots).
I have to agree that the Roots are the best BAND in hip-hop that ive ever heard. I also agree with MConfessionz that the Roots are often overlooked in hip hop today, but this track completely shows otherwise. |
| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 544 |
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I love this joint from them its so soulful and black thought never disappoints. I cant wait for the album. I like how the roots just do them and dont act like anyone else!
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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The Roots is so versatile. Love how they can flip their sound from Hip-Hop too Rock. This track is top notch from the flow to the lyrics. The lyrics are really good by the way.
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| Posted on Jul 22, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 33 |
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This is fresh. I digs this. So smooth.
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| Posted on Jul 23, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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the roots NEVER cease to surprise and deliver good music. black can adapt to any production and deserves a nod or two
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| Posted on Jul 24, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 908 |
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Aw man, this right here is my jam of the summer, and probably going to be played for a long time. Classic material, from a legendary group. What else?
To be honest, I never got in with the Beatles, so I would say The Roots > Beatles because of that fact. That might be different if I did ever attempt to listen to the Beatles properly, but I just never did. |
| Posted on Jul 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 128 |
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Definitely not better than The Beatles, but I could get it if someone said The Roots were The Beatles of hip hop.
Great song. |
| Posted on Jul 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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I love the roots. They always manage to release good music. They deserve so much more recognition then they recieve...
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| Posted on Jul 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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love the roots. in my eyes they can do no wrong musically
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| Posted on Jul 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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the roots are amazing!! love it. always great to hear
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| Posted on Jul 25, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Crew  Total Ratings: 267 |
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Agreed. The Roots are the best band in hip-hop. I even check out Jimmy Fallon's show for them..and we all know that's the only reason anyone watches it.
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| Posted on Jul 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member  Total Ratings: 54 |
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aaaaahhh, refreshing! Good job Roots. Always pushin for ya. Best, RHYTHMX
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| Posted on Jul 26, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 360 |
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Great song, listened to it a ton this weekend. I remember when a year ago the Booth heads pushed the last Roots album and I've since become a huge fan.
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| Posted on Jul 26, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Really feeling the track.
Love the live groove. |
| Posted on Jul 26, 2009 |
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| Posted on Jul 27, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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Really loving this. I have had this song on repeat this whole weekend and each and everytime I listen it takes me back to a memory from back in the days :)
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| Posted on Aug 09, 2009 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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classic
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| Posted on Oct 22, 2009 |
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Tastemaker  Total Ratings: 2065 |
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I couldnt exzpect anything less from The Roots, revolutionary but contemporary.
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| Posted on Oct 24, 2009 |
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| Posted on Feb 27, 2010 |
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DJ Booth Member |
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crazy good singing from black thought
its on repeat |
| Posted on Aug 07, 2010 |
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| Posted on Nov 24, 2012 |
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