If The Roots have grasped ahold of their newly achieved "pop star status", you sure can't tell. The Philadelphia-bred definitive of live hip hop's ninth studio release How I Got Over is strong evidence that either they didn't get the memo, or chose to disregard its contents. There is no conformity here, and it still isn't as easy as it seems. Black Thought returns as the teacher and the lyrical spokesperson of the group. He reflects, he explains, and he scolds. He offers answers, provides suggestions, and allows you to develop your own conclusions. As always, he makes you aware of their plight and agenda, and both are addressed from the start on this album. The Roots are known for their introductions, and they hit the nail on the head again with A Peace of Light, a sort of call and response syncopation rounded out with quality percussion by original band member ?uestlove. Walk Alone features long-time accomplice Dice Raw, and reflects on the lonely journey of an underrated yet exceptional wordsmith/truth speaker ("I shed light upon the dark alone..."). Dear God (which was introduced as a commercial single and features the melancholy crooning of Monsters of Folk), Radio Daze, and Now or Never are all pallettes of expression on how deadened the world has become, and the ongoing struggle of the chosen leading the blind. The pace increases with Black Thought belting out a harmony reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield on title track How I Got Over, and Dillatude: Flight of Titus, pays brief homage to hip hop disciple J Dilla. On The Day, singer Patty Crash comes out of nowhere with her bluesy tinkle, Black Thought shows mood progression, and ?uestlove creates another track that bangs like you're live at the recording session. Phonte and Blu show up and bless this one as well. An unexpected Joanna Newsom sample serves as the hook on Right On, the tone (and the message) just as ethereal as the unique vocalist. Doing it Again and The Fire both solicit help from John Legend, but quickly become more of the same. The group is known for closing out with hidden bonus tracks and surprise guest appearances (we can't forget Dave Chapelle's presence on In Love With The Mic and remake Din Da Da), but Web 20-20 and bonus track are not quite the ending you expect this crew. However, The Roots overall aim is evident, and loyalty to their method is apparent. They take nothing for granted. They maintain longevity by never forgetting their origin. And they get over by ultimately staying true to the nature of their music.