The Tipping Point (2004)

If 2002's ''Phrenology'' was the Philly crew's left-field rock-rap opus, their sixth studio effort is an eclectic and often breezy reimagining of hip-hop's energetic essence. ''Boom'' is a lightning-paced evocation of late-'80s Rakim, while standout bonus track ''In Love With (the Mic),'' boasting assists from incorrigible scene-stealers Dave Chappelle and ODB, recalls the loose, amped-up collaborations of the Native Tongues movement (e.g., the Jungle Brothers and Black Sheep). One of hip-hop's premier album artists, the Roots could still stand to strengthen their singles prospects: Their most club-friendly track ever, the Scott Storch-produced ''Duck Down,'' has everything going for it -- except a chorus to sing along to.