The Tipping Point
by The Roots
  • Record Label: Geffen
  • Release Date: Jul 13, 2004
Metascore
72

Generally favorable reviews - based on 24 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 24
  2. Mixed: 10 out of 24
  3. Negative: 0 out of 24
  1. Dot Music
    80
    It's a smart, self-aware and consciously direct album.
  2. AllMusic
    70
    What the album lacks in ambition and social commentary it makes up for with deep soul.
  3. ShakingThrough.net
    74
    Ultimately, The Tipping Point is an ironic title, given the fact that the Roots sound like a group recharging its batteries rather than triggering a momentous shift in how it approaches its music and the world at large.
  5. Austin Chronicle
    78
    Already heralded as Black Thought's coming out, TP finds the always-dependable MC stepping up his game with the hunger of a neglected thoroughbred.
  6. E! Online
    100
    Following 2002's experimental Phrenology, which featured all manner of drum 'n' bass and techno influences, the real-instrument-playing Philadelphia hip-hop collective ditches the frills on Tipping Point.
  7. Village Voice (Consumer Guide)
    91
    Foolhardy though it was to saddle such an uncrucial record with a title that dares the young and the restless to bitch about how it doesn't change the world, the rest of us are free to enjoy how confidently it develops a groove.
  8. Billboard
    80
    Returns to hip-hop basics.
  9. The A.V. Club
    80
    The Tipping Point may not boost The Roots' Soundscan numbers to a point commensurate with the acclaim and respect it commands, but the set marks another triumph from a group that seems incapable of producing anything less.
  10. PopMatters
    70
    In terms of their own oeuvre, it's certainly a solid addition, even if it suffers from the molting pain that comes from incorporating music that's so stylistically against their own grain.
  11. New Musical Express (NME)
    80
    The Tipping Point has more soul, vision and musicianship than most bands muster in a lifetime. [31 Jul 2004, p.41]
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  12. Vibe
    80
    Opting for politically charged rhymes and melodic, accessible beats, [The Roots] overflow with potential singles. [Aug 2004, p.141]
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  13. Filter
    64
    Avant-garde impenetrability has been passed over for hallmark accessibility. [#11, p.92]
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  14. Entertainment Weekly
    83
    An eclectic and often breezy reimagining of hip-hop's energetic essence. [16 Jul 2004, p.76]
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  15. Spin
    75
    With Black Thought carrying the weight, the record buckles. [Aug 2004, p.101]
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Awards & Rankings

81
#81 Most Discussed Album of 2004
65
#65 Most Shared Album of 2004

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 51 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 51
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 51
  3. Negative: 0 out of 51
  1. PabloG.
    Apr 26, 2008
    5
    Easily their worst album. But seeing that it's a 5/10 and not a 0/10, that shows you how good they are even when they're bad. While Easily their worst album. But seeing that it's a 5/10 and not a 0/10, that shows you how good they are even when they're bad. While the previous album Phrenology was very Outkast/Beatles-like in their experimentation(and how they succeeded in it), this album regresses. It's just a pop-album with a few good songs. Luckily for The Roots, their last two albums after this one have been very, very good and continue to push hip-hop instead of what this album did: nothing.… Full Review »
  2. RonaldOVOXO
    Feb 24, 2012
    5
    When i heard undun i became a huge Roots fan. But when i heard this album i was a little disappointed with the work on this album. This albumWhen i heard undun i became a huge Roots fan. But when i heard this album i was a little disappointed with the work on this album. This album doesnt have the caliber that would match with any of The Roots albums or any other album for a matter of fact. Thank God I listened to Undun before The Tipping Point Or i would have never of had listened to the Roots.… Full Review »
  3. j30
    Sep 28, 2011
    5
    Just an average score here for the Hip-Hop kings. A pretty big disappointment considering (the classics, 10/10's) Phrenology and Things FallJust an average score here for the Hip-Hop kings. A pretty big disappointment considering (the classics, 10/10's) Phrenology and Things Fall apart came before this.… Full Review »
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