The Roots - The Tipping Point

The Tipping Point, named after Malcolm Gladwell’s 2000 pop-sociology classic in which he explored how minor movements and behaviors can proliferate, was where the Roots really honed their sound and messaging.

The Philadelphia rap crew, led by MC Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, were at a crossroads, with acclaimed albums like 1996’s Illadelph Halflife and 1999’s Things Fall Apart under their belt, but were still five years away from their national TV turn on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon.

On highlights like "Star", "Don’t Say Nuthin’"and "Guns Are Drawn", The Roots did what they do best: blending multifarious influences from soul, funk and jazz music, funneled through a canny social conscience and kinetic musicians: bassists Adam Blackstone and Leonard “Hub” Hubbard, guitarists Anthony Tidd, “Captain” Kirk Douglas and Martin Luther, keyboardists Kamal and Omar Edwards and more, helmed by producers Questlove and Scott Starch. 

This 2LP vinyl edition by Geffen Records in 2025.

TRACKLISTING:

RECORD ONE

1. Star (Side A)
2. I Don't Care (Side A)
3. Don't Say Nuthin' (Side A)
4. Guns Are Drawn (Side A)
5. Stay Cool (Side B)
6. Web (Side B)
7. Boom! (Side B)

RECORD TWO

1. Somebody's Gotta Do It (Side A)
2. Duck Down! (Side A)
3. Why (What's Goin On?) (Side A)
4. The Mic (Side A)
5. Melting Pot (Side B)
6. Din Da Da (Side B)