Unless you have been living under a rock for the past six months, you've heard the buzz surrounding the hip-hop band "The Roots." The word band is appropriate seeing as they actually play real instruments as well as use the hip-hop standard of drum machines and human beatboxes. The Roots describe their music as organic, which is definitely heard on their fourth release, "Things Fall Apart."

The album combines infectious jazz grooves with tribal hip-hop beats to create the perfect "organic" sound for the band. Each song has its own style and sound that is unique to itself. On the song "Double Trouble," "The Roots" demonstrate their dueling vocal harmonies, reminiscent of the classic Run DMC style that they made popular. The track "The Next Movement" enlists the help of DJ Jazzy Jeff to drop his classy scratching style over choir vocals that ride throughout the cut. "The Roots" even pay homage to the classic days of rap by sampling Schooly D's classic beat from "Saturday Night," and using it with their own style and flair on "Without A Doubt."

The record spawned it's first hit with "You Got Me," a love song that flows straight from the heart and features guest vocals by Erykah Badu. Badu's vocal, combined with the stellar keyboards and the stylish beats, equal the perfect combination for a hit single. The song was at the top of the r&b charts and amassed a whole new breed of fans for the group.

With "Things Fall Apart," "The Roots" finally begin to get the recognition that they deserve, taking the world of hip-hop to a new level. The album is chock full of great songs that take the listener on a musical journey into the world of "The Roots." From the opening cut to the fading beats of the last song, "The Roots" trap you in their grasp, don't let you go, and show that the future of the art of hip-hop music is in good hands.