Album Review: Deep Rooted - D.E.E.P.R.O.O.T.E.D. (2009)

Deep Rooted is a group comprised of emcee/producer Mr. Brady, emcee Johaz, and singer Brea. Based out of San Diego, the group originally formed with Mr. Brady and Johaz starting a group and making some soulful sounding hip hop and later adding Brea to create a unique blend of emcees with a singer. Deep Rooted recieved great critical acclaim in 2005 from their first album "A New Beginning" which won the San Diego Music Award for Album of the Year.

D.E.E.P.R.O.O.T.E.D. is their third album which features 15 tracks with production by the likes of Moka Only & Exile as well as appearances by the likes of Blu, Killah Priest and Sha Dula.

In the past, Deep Rooted was known, specifically on The Second Coming for their incredibly soulful sound. For their newest effort they push the hype meter quite a bit higher and it's evident right from the second track, "D.E.E.P.R.O.O.T.E.D." This is definitely an album that makes for a good listen in the car to roll too. My attention span for albums only lasts about a month if they are good and this one lasted about a full month. There are plenty of tracks for any of hip hop fan here. From bangers like "Crazy" to beautifully crafted soulful jam "Closer."

My biggest criticism of this album is directed almost entirely at Brea. I think she is the biggest weak link in the group as her singing ability on the album is extremely limited. She seems as though her singing range is miniscule. On tracks like "Sunshine" and "Closer," her lack of a range doesn't hurt the song because of their laid back feel, however on the majority of the tracks she really hurts the tracks with her lack of singing ability to really belt out the high and powerful notes. The a track where Brea's singing is virtually absent like "XL" it aids the songs immensely.

Despite this, it is certainly an album I would recommend picking up to listen to because it will provide you several great spins. The production is great and the songs change up enough that you won't get an overabundance of bangers or laid back songs - instead they provide a nice balance throughout.

Best Line: "Mr. Brady that's my partner in rhyme/ It's Deep Rooted like them mushrooms that alter your mind/ take seven emcees put them all in line?/ Got the whole industry ate up at the same time/" - Johaz XL
Best Song: XL (feat. Killah Priest & Sha Dula)
Rating: 8.0/10