If you’re looking to buy or identify the correct version on iTunes today, ensure the tracklist includes “Be Somebody” — that’s the clearest marker of the Deluxe Version . The standard 2005 release lacks it.
: One of the most politically potent tracks of the 2000s. Shinoda utilizes real audio interviews from his father and aunt to recount the harrowing experiences of Japanese-American internment camps during World War II. The Exclusive Deluxe Additions
The album birthed two of the most recognizable tracks of the 2000s. (featuring Styles of Beyond) became the ultimate sports, workout, and motivational anthem of a generation, breaking down the mathematical formula for success ("Ten percent luck, twenty percent skill..."). Meanwhile, "Where'd You Go" (featuring Holly Brook and Jonah Matranga) provided a hauntingly beautiful, vulnerable look at the families left behind by touring musicians, peaking at No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100. 2. Deeply Personal Storytelling
The Rising Tied proved that Mike Shinoda was not just a rock musician who could rap—he was a master hip-hop producer capable of commanding the respect of the genre's elite. The album perfectly balanced mainstream accessibility with conscious, underground lyricism. Fort Minor - The Rising Tied -Deluxe Version- -2005- Itunes
: Three tracks— "Be Somebody" (feat. Lupe Fiasco), "There They Go" (feat. Sixx John), and "The Hard Way" (feat. Kenna)—were originally limited to the physical Special Edition CD+DVD but were eventually integrated into broader digital deluxe listings.
Rather than relying on the nu-metal sound of his main band, Shinoda meticulously crafted an album rooted in classic boom-bap beats and thoughtful lyricism. He handled nearly all the production himself, alongside Mark Kiczula, and the album was mastered by the legendary Brian "Big Bass" Gardner. The result is a polished yet deeply personal record that balances radio-friendly anthems with raw, introspective storytelling.
, the album allowed Shinoda to explore his hip-hop roots alongside a diverse range of collaborators including John Legend Black Thought The 2005 iTunes Deluxe Highlights The original digital deluxe version offered on the iTunes Store If you’re looking to buy or identify the
In 2005, Linkin Park was at the absolute peak of its global powers. Having fundamentally shaped the nu-metal and alternative rock landscape with Hybrid Theory and Meteora , the band was on a brief hiatus. During this window, co-founder and multi-instrumentalist Mike Shinoda did something unexpected. Instead of resting, he returned to his foundational roots in underground hip-hop.
: Early digital editions on iTunes faced issues where tracks like "Remember the Name" were "single versions" that lacked the seamless transitions present on the physical CD. These were eventually corrected in digital updates years later.
Unlike Linkin Park, which blended rap with heavy metal and electronic rock, Fort Minor was a dedicated love letter to underground and alternative hip-hop. To ensure the project maintained authentic rap credentials, Shinoda brought in legendary roots-hip-hop icon as the executive producer. Jay-Z’s role was largely editorial, helping Shinoda trim the fat, sequence the tracks, and maximize the emotional impact of the record. What Made the iTunes Deluxe Version Special? Shinoda utilizes real audio interviews from his father
: A hard-hitting collaboration featuring Lupe Fiasco and Tak of Styles of Beyond, focusing on the relentless pursuit of identity and success.
When The Rising Tied dropped in late 2005, the digital music revolution was hitting its stride, driven primarily by Apple's iTunes Store. To incentivize digital purchases, Linkin Park and Fort Minor were notorious for hiding incredible material behind special editions.
The iTunes Deluxe Version in 2005 was highly anticipated, offering exclusive content to digital consumers. According to Linkinpedia, the deluxe edition typically included the standard tracklist, often 16 tracks or more, featuring the "Petrified (Los Angeles Remix)" as a standout bonus.
When The Rising Tied dropped on November 22, 2005, the music industry was in the middle of a massive digital shift. Apple’s iTunes Store was rapidly becoming the dominant marketplace for music. To capitalize on this, Shinoda released a special digital exclusive to iTunes.
: A commercially successful, emotionally raw track featuring Holly Brook (now Skylar Grey) and Jonah Matranga that peaked at #4 on the Billboard Hot 100.