“Right Round” – Review Of Flo Rida’s R.O.O.T.S. (Route Of Overcoming The Struggle)
ALBUM REVIEWS By Patrick M. on March 31, 2009 at 3:49 pm
The title to Flo Rida’s new album R.O.O.T.S. (Route of Overcoming the Struggle,) conjures up visions of a lost Tribe Called Quest album. But have no fear Flo fans — R.O.O.T.S. is full of the saccharine club Hip-Pop we’ve come to expect from Miami’s favorite hunk rapper. There’s little room on the album for intellectual stimulation or exhibition of lyrical virtuosity, and most of the songs seem crafted for those with attention spans of 90 seconds or less.
But there’s a demand for this kind of music, and Flo Rida and his slew of producers (will.i.am, Danja and Timbaland are the biggest names) effectively feed the monster. The ubiquitous lead single “Right Round,” coldly capitalizes on 80’s nostalgia, updating the Dead or Alive original with modern synths. Flo Rida helps the cause with his easy on the ears staccato sing-song flow, even if the lyrical content rarely rises beyond “She’s amazing/the fire blazing hotter than Cajun.” Like many other songs on the album, “Right Round,” can be appreciated as a well-crafted Pop track — you find yourself singing along despite hating yourself for doing so.
R.O.O.T.S. moves quickly from club hit to (hopeful) club hit. The pulsating dance bass of “Jump,” stands out and a guest appearance from Nelly Furtado suggests future chart success. “Shone” finds Flo Rida looking for “girls with that thickness,” utilizing the standard methods of 2009 pimpitude (chains, money and/or Patron.) There’s absolutely no subtlety in the seductive methods of Flo Rida and his cohorts. “Shone” guest Pleasure P clears up any confusion with the lyric “when I say ‘Shone’” I’m talking about sex, and Ne-Yo and Flo Rida summon their inner Ron Burgundy with a chorus of “I want to be on you.” Romantic it’s not, but the combination of R&B hooks, Flo Rida’s rhymes and dance beats will appeal to those just looking to have a good time.
Occasionally, there are moments where the dance party stops and Flo Rida hints at having the ability to branch out lyrically. “R.O.O.T.S.” is a frank, if unoriginal look back at his past and how success has changed his life. “Never” is an attempt to pass on wisdom and inspire to those that follow behind him. But ultimately Flo Rida’s afraid to take too many lyrical or musical risks that could tarnish his well-polished image of a slightly thuggish party rapper. This may limit his artistic potential and offend Hip-Hop purists, but it’ll make him a shitload of money as the singles off this album last well into the summer. Consider the struggle overcome.
BONUS
Previously Posted — “Poe No Mo’…” Flo Rida’s “Gotta Get It (Dancer)” | Popular Musician… | “Poe Budget…” | King Of Click
Posted in ALBUM REVIEWS, AUDIO, GENERAL, LOOSIES, MUSIC — Tags: Flo-Rida, R.O.O.T.S (Route Of Overcoming The Struggle), Right Round
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23 Comments
Can’t stand the man, can’t stand his music, it all sounds the same, and it’s all cheesy.
The man is successful because the shit is all catchy too.
Good review, can’t agree with the 3/5 but a good review
Sickology 101 – Tech N9ne feat. Crooked I and Chino XL
http://www.zshare.net/download/57991022a36fbe83/
a digits and letters collaboration !
yo but what is dat ‘101′ thang, like i remember that with da jeezy’s thug motivation, too. thx
Ball Greezy has to be the Pause worthiest name of all time
Yeah, it’s 3 cig worthy. Half this album will get rotated as I DJ. Can’t deny nursery rhymes.
@ Bigga: HA HA HA!!! I was thinking the EXACT same thing man.
Flea Great Minds think alike
lol
@ Bigga: No doubt my ninja, not only does “Ball Greezy” get a serious pause it sounds kind of grimey and nasty. Greezy balls = not fresh.
That Chris Brown featured joint shoulda made the cut.
But I understand why it didn’t.
i liked the first song on the album that was the only thing worth a shit on there to me.
i think drumma boy produced it.
When I see or hear anything by this guy, I just feel bad for Nelly…
R.O.O.T.S….
*wipes brow with funky old bandana*
Thank the Lawd… for a minute there I thought I was gonna hafta pauss and rub a couple braincells together or something.
These pseudo edumacated abulm titles bein’ scurrin’ iggas, know?
Back to the clubs, the bootys, the paper, the flossin’ and the foolishness.
The city of Ignorance is still in the state of Bliss and life is still good.
Hall-lay-loo-yah!
Greums: 101 is the number for entry-level classes in college
See here’s the problem I have with some hip hop fans (most are on the internet). Judging from these comments above no one really likes Flo Rida, and that’s fine, however. You can’t deny that he makes good music for the masses, if you do you’re just going against him unbiasedly, plain and simple. Sure he’s no world-renown lyricist but I’ll be damned if his music doesn’t grab my attention and make me want to dance or sing a long. I forget what legendary rapper just said it but Hip Hop fans have to stop taking music so damn seriously. We all know that in order to be popular you need a good beat, a good flow, and a catchy hook. There’s no problem with liking this guy or anyone associated to him, at least that’s how I feel. Hip Hop is starting to move towards “Electro Pop” (mainstream wise) and that’s what Flo Rida is offering, he definitely has a dirty flow and if you don’t agree listen to “Right ‘Round” (that’s flow). I haven’t listened to the album yet but I look forward to it. I also see Flo Rida being a top superstar if he can keep this up. See I like underground artists like Wale, Immortal Technique, Jedi Mind Tricks, Little Brother, etc. But I also like Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Flo Rida, Plies (yeah I said it), etc. It’s called having a variety/balance.
- Barry Washington
going against him biased*
Elbows…….too pointy
no homo at that cover.
3 cigs sounds about right.
I’m not a big Flo-Rida fan, but his music will definitely get the party started.
“I know Kunta Kinte. The real Kunta Kinte”-YN
i’d go with 2 to 2.5 loosies based on absolutely no listening whatsoever to the album…dude makes catchy club music but for some reason his shit has an even shorter shelf life than most club hits/radio joints i can think of…not sure why…also, all of his shit sounds the same to me…one hunnit
I remember when “Be On You” used to be Niggalas Cage’s song… pour some out for the dumbass.
http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2009/01/gone-in-60-seconds
sorry, i love tss, but i don’t even think this abomination deserved a review, let alone a 3!
You hip haters kill me man, I think yall cause FLo came out of nowhere and won, he got smart, he from the same place as most zaggin tryin to make it, he saw a lane and killed it, he didnt pull a NELLY and try to be hard after getting money with the first albums, nope that fool made the same album again, and its gone hit…again, cause that round and round is crazy
And yes i like the “Back Pack Stuff” too. I think it all has its place, Music will continue to change, and yall better change with it, cause we are in transition now
Forch Fabalon
Myspace.com/fandf
H-Town 4eva, Get money for Now
Shoutz to Imperial Hwy and Crenshaw
You hip haters kill me man,
============
I stopped reading right about there lol.
Stick w/myspace folk.