In Brief

*** The Roots, “The Legendary,” MCA. This energetic, five-cut release (in stores Tuesday) serves as an appetizer for the live album the Philadelphia-based rap crew is scheduled to release in November. Consisting of concert renditions of songs from their “Things Fall Apart” album as well as new selections, the collection serves as a testament to the Roots’ international following--you can hear animated fans in Switzerland rapping along.

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Albums are rated on a scale of one star (poor), two stars (fair), three stars (good) and four stars (excellent).