The Roots' original lineup included Black Thought (MC vocals) and Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drums), who were classmates at the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts. As they began to play at school and on the streets, they added another MC named Malik B., bassist Leonard Hubbardand keyboardist Scott Storch. Another MC, Dice Raw, frequently made album appearances with the group from 1995 to 1999 before leaving to record a solo album. Scott Storch also left to pursue career as a producer following the Do You Want More?!!!??! album, He produced songs such as Still D.R.E. by Dr Dre. The Roots filled his void with another keyboardist, Kamal who is still a member. A beatboxer named Rahzel also joined the group and contributed from 1995-1999. Alongside Rahzel was vocal turntablist, Scratch who greatly contributed to The Roots' sound, most notably in live concerts. He left the group in 2003. Malik B. left the group in 2000. A guitarist, Ben Kenney, enjoyed a short stint with the group and contributed to their Phrenology album, but left to join Incubus. A percussionist, Knuckles, was added in 2002 and guitarist, Kirk Douglas (a.k.a. "Captain Kirk") repleaced Kenney. A vocalist, Martin Luther toured with The Roots in 2003 and 2004 and contributed to their album The Tipping Point. The current members of The Roots are Black Thought (MC vocals), ?uestlove (drums), Hub (bass), Kamal (keyboard), Knuckles (percussion), and Captain Kirk (guitar).
The Roots' debut album, Organix released in 1993, was actually a live recording from a concert in Germany that the Roots sold at their shows. The album earned enough industry buzz to earn the Roots offers from major record labels, and they signed with DGC records, which at the time was better known for its grunge music releases.
The Roots' first album for DGC, Do You Want More?!!!??! (recorded live without the use of samples), was a moderate hit on alternative radio. Their 1996 release Illadelph Halflife was the group's first album to crack the Top 40 on Billboard's album chart, spurred in part by MTV's airplay of the video for "What They Do", a parody of rap video clichés such as the "beatdown shot," and "Clones" which was their first to single to reach the top five on the rap charts.
In 1999, The Roots released Things Fall Apart (named after a novel by Chinua Achebe), their breakthrough album. The track "You Got Me", duet with R'n'B singer Erykah Badu, earned them a Grammy award for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group.
In 2000, Dice Raw left the group to record his solo debut album, Reclaiming the Dead.
The Roots' reputation as a hip-hop live band made Jay-Z call on them for his MTV Unplugged album in 2002. The album featured good recreations of many of his great songs, played by the band with a little help from female vocalist Jaguar Wright.
2002's Phrenology introduced a more mainstream sound for the Roots, earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. The album's sales were boosted by radio and TV airplay for two duets on the album, "Break You Off" (featuring Musiq Soulchild) and "The Seed 2.0" (featuring Cody ChestnuTT). The video for "The Seed 2.0" earned a nomination for the MTV2 Award at the 2003 MTV Video Music Awards. "The Seed" was also featured on the soundtrack to the Mandy Moore movie Chasing Liberty. Phrenology was certified gold (signifying U.S. sales of at least 500,000 units) in June 2003.
The Roots' 2004 release, The Tipping Point, took its name from a 2000 book by Malcolm Gladwell. The album earned two more Grammy nominations: one for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for the track "Star", and another for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group for the track "Don't Say Nuthin'". The album was an immediate hit, debuting at #4 on the Billboard album chart and selling over 100,000 copies in its first week of release.
On November 15, 2005 The Roots released two compilation albums, Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide To Understanding The Roots, Volumes 1 & 2. These two separately sold discs are a compilation of past hits, live performances, and rare remixes compiled by ?uestlove himself. They also feature 70 pages of liner notes written by ?uestlove. These two albums marked the Roots' last releases on Geffen Records.
The Roots' album, Game Theory, was released on August 29, 2006. The album, which features a track that samples the song "You and Whose Army" by Radiohead, was released on Jay-Z's Def Jam.
The Roots next album 'Rising Down' was released on April 29th 2008. Features tracks with Common, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Saigon, and other greats.
The Make Me Songfacts reports that The Roots' eleventh album, undun, is their first concept album. It tells the story of a man called Redford Stephens who died in 1999 at the age of 25. We hear Redford retelling his life post-mortem and attempting to deconstruct what led to his undoing.
The Roots are also the house band on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airing first on March 2nd, 2009.
100% Dundee
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
P-P-5-D
Yeah, yeah, P-P-5-D
I'm sayin, yo
Touch this yo, nahmsayin what?
Yo-yo, yo, 100%
Yo! On these seventy-three keys, of ivory and ebony
People want to know where Malik? He right next to me
The weaponry, the secret recipe
Hard to peep this, deep shit, shows I eat with
Contaminated thoughts I walk the street with
I bayonet cassettes and chop beats with
This olympic lyricism you can't, compete with
Globe travelin', throwin' your verse like a javelin
Things Fall Apart and MC's unravelin'
Backstage whisperin' to management like
"Change the order, it's no way that we can rock after them"
My man sport the 'fro like 'What's Happenin?'
From the latest hi-atus, The Roots back again
Your crew practicin' to catch this natural blend
They packages read "care when handlin'"
It's all soft shit, batteries not included with
Matter of fact, your whole front's a re-enactment
I blow your ba-tty ass into fragments, P-5-D
The new testament, mic specialist, what?
Yeah
Check it out, yo
Yo yo, Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
The Milli-illitant-tant, 'pon cock, ready to rock
Power out, in the clout, it seems out, all through your block
Posse don't play the cut, but what, you get sheist
Got the personality named trife, ready to heist
Smashin 'graphs, snatch the ice, crush your mental device
Thought twice, shoulda thought once, got played for the dunce
Dialogues I moderate, cool out, we outta state
Just blendin' in the great, give me room to ventilate
Most niggaz is fraudulent, the rap sergeant
Bargin', through your regiment, call your president
Hittin' all targets 'cause it's a cause that's lost
Between the killers when they probably Teddy Ruxpin talk
Droppin' tears of steel, two drops up in the bucket
Facin' three ? and a cop so yo fuck it
If I get abducted, trapped up in the belly
Wacked up my celly, get known like Dawn Stanley
You know the deally on the daily in the ?
If I sense you got a bend to your kite, then send it up
We press up on your corner with windows they're tinted up
Lay our props face down on the ground and get it up, what?
Face on the ground and get it up
Yo yo, Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
Check it out
While you pose for pictures, I'm the invisible enigma
Down low, scope you off the roof like the fiddler
Cage you up in the vocal booth, you're held prisoner
Watch, while I'm bangin' out this hot shit from Sigma
Illa-del-P-A, live without a DJ
And it's been that way, since Sergio Vallente
Yo, The Roots holdin' it down, is all you can say
Plus the Black Thought em-cey, professional-lay
Push pen to paper like Chinua Achebe
Thumpin', what was your assumption
I lace your function, make it a Black Thought production
Word up I'm on somethin', stellar hold off course
I'm gone bluntin', travel light and broadcast
Via satellite, Illa-Fifth Dynamite
Lyrically calculus in this arithmetic hip-hop metropolis
But loyal fiends coppin this hot shit
Yaknahmsayin? Hot shit, word up
Illa-Fifth hot shit y'all
Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
The Roots's song "100% Dundee" is a powerful rap song that showcases the group's lyrical skill and storytelling ability. The song starts with a sample from a vintage Beat Street scene, where two characters are talking about the power of records and how they can change lives. The song then goes into a series of verses that describe the band's experience in the music industry, their relationships with their fans, and their thoughts on what it takes to be successful as a hip-hop artist.
The first verse is performed by Black Thought, and it details his commitment to the craft of rapping and his desire to remain relevant in the crowded hip-hop landscape. He describes himself as a "mic specialist" and a "lyrical click" member who is always ready to rock. He also talks about the challenges of being a hip-hop artist, including the pressure to keep up with new trends and the fear of losing touch with his fanbase.
The second verse is performed by Malik B, and it focuses on his experience with the P-5-D collective, which he calls a "guerilla click". He talks about how the group has had to fight for respect and recognition in the hip-hop world, and how they have had to work harder than more established groups to get their music heard. Malik B also mentions the dangers of the music industry, and how some artists will do anything to get ahead.
In conclusion, "100% Dundee" is a powerful and thought-provoking song that showcases The Roots's lyrical proficiency and their ability to tell a story. The song touches on a range of themes, from the pressure to succeed in the music industry to the importance of staying true to oneself.
Line by Line Meaning
One one one one two
Counting in a fun and repetitive way
P-P-5-D
Referencing the Philadelphia hip hop crew P-5-D
Yeah, yeah, P-P-5-D
Reiterating the reference to P-5-D
I'm sayin, yo
Introducing the upcoming lyrics with a casual greeting
Touch this yo, knahmsayin what?
Asking the listener if they understand the following lyrics
Yo-yo, yo, 100%
Exclaiming enthusiasm with a familiar hip hop phrase and a proud declaration
Yo! On these seventy-three keys, of ivory and ebony
Referring to the piano and emphasizing the importance of musical instruments
I swear solemnly that I'll forever rock steadily
Promising to consistently produce good music
People want to know where Malik? He right next to me
Addressing the curiosity of fans about a band member's whereabouts and reassuring them
The weaponry, the secret recipe
Metaphorically describing the band's skills and music formula as powerful tools
Hard to peep this, deep shit, shows I eat with
Boasting artistic complexity and implying that only attentive listeners can fully appreciate the music
Contaminated thoughts I walk the street with
Acknowledging that the band's lyrics and music reflect reality, including some negative aspects of society
I bayonet cassettes and chop beats with
Continuing the military-inspired metaphors and describing the band's music production process
This olympic lyricism you can't, compete with
Claiming superiority in the art of rap
Globe travelin', throwin' your verse like a javelin
Boasting international recognition and influence
Things Fall Apart and MC's unravelin'
Referencing the band's critically acclaimed album and implying that other rappers are inferior or falling apart
Backstage whisperin' to management like
Mocking the cowardliness of other rappers who complain to organizers
"Change the order, it's no way that we can rock after them"
Imitating a whiny voice and quoting the complaints of other performers
My man sport the 'fro like 'What's Happenin?'
Paying homage to an iconic 70s TV show and referencing the band member's hairstyle
From the latest hi-atus, The Roots back again
Announcing the band's return to music after a hiatus
Your crew practicin' to catch this natural blend
Suggesting that other rappers are trying to imitate the band's style
They packages read "care when handlin'"
Making a wordplay on the fragility of other rappers' careers while also referencing care instructions that come with fragile objects
It's all soft shit, batteries not included with
Calling out other rappers for making weak music and also making a humorous reference to toys that require batteries
Matter of fact, your whole front's a re-enactment
Insinuating that other rappers are not original or authentic
I blow your ba-tty ass into fragments, P-5-D
Threatening violence against anyone who disrespects the band and using the crew's name as a battle cry
The new testament, mic specialist, what?
Claiming that the band's music is groundbreaking and the rappers are skilled
Yeah
Ending a verse with a simple affirmation
Check it out, yo
Inviting the listener's attention again
Yo yo, Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Introducing the rapper's stage name and crew affiliation
Lyrical click, 100% Dundee
Describing his rap group and praising their excellence
Malik B, I represent the P-5-D
Introducing another band member and his crew
Guerilla click, 100% Dundee
Describing the toughness and dedication of his group
Black Thought, I represent the Fifth Dynasty
Repeating the rapper's name and crew for emphasis
The Milli-illitant-tant, 'pon cock, ready to rock
Boastfully describing his readiness to perform
Power out, in the clout, it seems out, all through your block
Dominating local hip hop scene and gaining fans from all over
Posse don't play the cut, but what, you get sheist
Asserting his crew's seriousness and loyalty while warning enemies
Got the personality named trife, ready to heist
Claiming a rebellious and daring personality while referencing criminal activity
Smashin 'graphs, snatch the ice, crush your mental device
Threatening to damage not only physical possessions but also mental stability
Thought twice, shoulda thought once, got played for the dunce
Mocking anyone who underestimates his intelligence or power
Dialogues I moderate, cool out, we outta state
Referring to his role as mediator and peacekeeper while also claiming mobility
Just blendin' in the great, give me room to ventilate
Enjoying new locations and asking for space to express himself
Most niggaz is fraudulent, the rap sergeant
Accusing many rappers of being fake or deceitful while claiming to be a leader
Bargin', through your regiment, call your president
Disregarding authority and threatening to bypass regular channels
Hittin' all targets 'cause it's a cause that's lost
Continuing the rebellion theme and implying that mainstream hip hop is failing to address important issues
Between the killers when they probably Teddy Ruxpin talk
Metaphorically describing other rappers as toys or puppets who are not taken seriously
Droppin' tears of steel, two drops up in the bucket
Making a wordplay on steel and sorrow while implying emotional strength
Facin' three ? and a cop so yo fuck it
Referencing a difficult situation with uncertainty and detachment
If I get abducted, trapped up in the belly
Using a metaphorical language to describe the feeling of being trapped or controlled
Wacked up my celly, get known like Dawn Stanley
Hoping to become famous and referencing a WNBA coach who was known for coaching the band's hometown team
You know the deally on the daily in the ?
Referring to the rapper's understanding of the urban reality and leaving the location vague
If I sense you got a bend to your kite, then send it up
Warning to be alert and observant of other people's intentions
We press up on your corner with windows they're tinted up
Implying the use of intimidation tactics and secrecy
Lay our props face down on the ground and get it up, what?
Asking for respect and obedience from others
Face on the ground and get it up
Repeating the previous line for emphasis
Check it out
Returning the listener's attention to the song
While you pose for pictures, I'm the invisible enigma
Referencing the rapper's tendency to stay out of the media spotlight while also claiming to have a mysterious persona
Down low, scope you off the roof like the fiddler
Using a simile to describe the rapper's stealthiness and readiness to attack
Cage you up in the vocal booth, you're held prisoner
Metaphorically claiming to control other rappers' music career and creativity
Watch, while I'm bangin' out this hot shit from Sigma
Boasting his skill and ability to create good music
Illa-del-P-A, live without a DJ
Representing his city and claiming to not need a DJ to perform
And it's been that way, since Sergio Vallente
Referencing a 70s fashion model and implying that his style has always been unique
Yo, The Roots holdin' it down, is all you can say
Acknowledging the band's consistent performance and success
Plus the Black Thought em-cey, professional-lay
Repeating the rapper's stage name and claiming professionalism
Push pen to paper like Chinua Achebe
Comparing his own craft to a famous African writer
Thumpin', what was your assumption
Asking rhetorically how anyone could underestimate his abilities
I lace your function, make it a Black Thought production
Boastfully claiming to take over another rapper's song or performance
Word up I'm on somethin', stellar hold off course
Claiming to be in a state of inspiration and greatness
I'm gone bluntin', travel light and broadcast
Encrypting the message of being high on drugs while also claiming to move easily and transmit messages
Via satellite, Illa-Fifth Dynamite
Using another metaphor to describe his skill and impact
Lyrically calculus in this arithmetic hip-hop metropolis
Metaphorically comparing his rap to a difficult academic subject and emphasizing the competitive nature of hip hop
But loyal fiends coppin this hot shit
Appreciating his faithful fans who buy his music
Yaknahmsayin? Hot shit, word up
Rhetorically asking if the listener understands and confirming the quality of the music
Illa-Fifth hot shit y'all
Repeating the band's name and using it as a final signoff
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY
Written by: Ahmir Thompson, Jimmy Gray, Karl Jenkins, Leonard Hubbard, Malik Smark, Rahzell Brown, Tarik Collins (aka "trotter")
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Ball
on Proceed V (Da Beatminerz remix)
So after purchasing “Do You Want More” the day it dropped, my guy the upped me from jump (pass the popcorn obvi) found this join on a European release and pressed play…the rest is history. But there in lies my question…what IS the history, the story on how, where, when, this was created? I need to know for context. Drop a link if there is one out there PLEASE! V 5 is a masterpiece!