The third Roots album (counting Organix) is still criminally slept on. Thankfully DGC has given it a proper vinyl reissue so more heads can get up on this 1996 hip-hop classic. Illadelph Halflife is the starting point of the sound that has dominated their subsequent records: half live, half studio with a thin line in between. Illadelph captures that dynamic in its rawest state, when The Roots still flaunted home studio-type EQs and non-radio hooks (waaay before the Tonight Show era). This aesthetic is best captured on the album's many standouts like "Concerto of the Desperado," "Respond React," "Push Up Ya Lighter," "Clones," "Universe At War" featuring Common, "Ital" featuring Q-Tip, and "What They Do." 20 tracks on double vinyl, recommended. 

• black double vinyl pressing
• gatefold sleeve
• original release year: 1996
• music label: DGC 2016

reviewed by the mgmnt 11/2016