The Roots "How I Got Over"

"How I Got Over" is the ninth studio album by American hip hop band The Roots. The album was released on June 22, 2010, by Def Jam Recordings. The album's production was primarily handled by band members Black Thought, Questlove, Dice Raw, and Rick Friedrich. The album features a subtle and somber sound and lyrics that deal with themes such as self-determination, existentialism, and African-American middle-class angst. Although primarily a hip hop album, it also draws on indie rock, soul, funk, gospel, and neo soul styles.

The album debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200 chart, selling 51,000 copies in its first week. It received widespread critical acclaim and was named one of the best albums of 2010 by several publications. Music critic Robert Christgau later called "How I Got Over" the Roots "most substantial" album and the best of the 2010s.

The album was recorded during The Roots tenure as the house band for Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, in sessions at several Philadelphia studios and MSR Studios in New York City. It features guest appearances from John Legend and alternative rock group Monsters of Folk. The album also features a track that samples Joanna Newsom's "Book of Right-On" and an updated version of the band's own song, "Dear God".

The album was initially set to be released in February 2010, but was pushed back to June 8, 2010. It was released on Def Jam Recordings. The album debuted at number six on the US Billboard 200 chart, and also entered at number three on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums and Rap Albums charts. It received widespread critical acclaim and was named one of the best albums of 2010 by several publications.