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.
75 Bars
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
With hammers on their waist, yeah, waste rare niggas
And I race scared niggas, them snake head niggas
That take care of niggas who don't break bread with us
Niggas make dead niggas and hate black niggas
Brown niggas high yellow niggas and them red niggas
No telling when the bullet coming, be prepared niggas
Cause when it do it coming land, sea and air niggas
Yeah niggas, make it very clear niggas
Been looking at y'all in my rearview
Mirror niggas want to be a millionaire, I'm already there niggas
I'm the definiere nigga, a bear taking more than my share
Lookee here, yeah, I know it ain't fair nigga
Neither is a bar even with a hair trigger
Haystack, try and find a needle up in there nigga
Leave you up in there nigga, show me the puppet
That don't need a puppeteer nigga, shed another tear nigga
I'm in the field with a shield and a spear nigga
I'm in your girl with her heels in the air nigga
I am such a fair nigga, you in a battle telling
Me you not ready like you figured I'ma bear with you
I don't care nigga, you now listening to the sounds
Of the money making jam trillionaires nigga
Gentlemen of an extraordinary league
You never see me blowing on no ordinary weed
What I'm smoking ain't a product of no ordinary seed
Your boy is heavy treed, I'm feeling merry
As a Tyler Perry scene, that monetary gang green
We tried to launder the cash and never came clean
So now I'm in the story with all the cats before me
And smoke purgatory for doing the same thing
And them niggas ain't change, them niggas can't change
Their moms shake their heads saying it's such a dang shame
The train to the buck, did another dang plan
My stage and my government ain't the same name
I'm a rock star, love it that my wallet chain hang
I'm a modern day saint, I'm a modern day kane
My definition I can finally explain
Cold smooth like that dude Sean Connery was playing
I just got to be the man, I'm the father figure and
When I spit it's something like a psychology exam
If you stand where I stood, you could probably understand
How that mic feeling like a million dollars in my hand
It's the silence of the lamb, go and cop another gram
And twist with your zanny, work your set, work it down
What's your net working plan? You better look alive
Cuz them niggas outside looking desperate again nigga
And the blunts and liquor killing our lungs and liver
The asthmatic drug addict I function with it
I put a rapper in a hole where the dust will sit
For spitting played out patterns that once was hitting
I got news for you all, let me show you how to ball
See the legendary fall? I ain't heard of that
Y'all niggas is off the wall like Aresnio Hall
I'ma put you right back where the dirt is at
450 Fahrenheit on the thermostat
Somebody starving like a white girl runnin' that
But she not a earner yet, she couldn't put in no work,
Not earning that, the black microphone murder vet
I'm in a class of my own,
If I got beef with you, you the last one to know
I arrive on time, I'm never fashionable
You late, I'm already international-able
I done toured to Berlin, banged in Beijing
You never seen nothing can't say the same thing
Tell somebody Black Thought, yeah you know the name ring
So give him the game ring for bringing what them niggas can't bring
My hustle is long, my muscle is strong
My man put the paper in the duffel I'm gone
Y'all still a light year from the level I'm on
Just a pawn stepping right into the head of the storm
You been warned, I will blow y'all niggas and disintegrate
I'm a rebel, renegade must stay paid
In The Roots's song "75 Bars," Black Thought paints a vivid picture of the harsh realities of life in the streets. He speaks from the point of view of a true survivor, a man who has grown up in an environment where danger and violence are a constant threat. He describes a dangerous world filled with razor-wielding, hammer-carrying men who will stop at nothing to protect their own. He raps about the snake heads, those who take care of those who don't show respect, about the hate and envy among black niggas and brown niggas, high yellow niggas and red niggas.
Black Thought goes on to describe his legendary status in the game, how he's already a millionaire and a definition of a true bear who takes more than his share. He highlights the disparity between his life and the reckless and desperate behavior of others who are killing their lungs and liver from drugs and liquor. He talks about his powerful flow and his talent as a father figure for other rappers: "I'm the father figure and when I spit it's something like a psychology exam."
In the end, Black Thought asserts his status as a master rapper, a rebel, and a renegade, who always stays paid, never takes shortcuts, and is always on top of the game. The song is a sharp, lyrical masterpiece that showcases the abilities and talents of The Roots, one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm from the land of them straight razor face beard niggas
I come from a place where men carry straight razors and have beards.
With hammers on their waist, yeah, waste rare niggas
These men carry weapons, and they are not to be messed with.
And I race scared niggas, them snake head niggas
I intimidate people who are afraid and those who are sneaky.
That take care of niggas who don't break bread with us
If you don't share with us, there will be consequences.
Niggas make dead niggas and hate black niggas
Some people kill and hate others who look like them.
Brown niggas high yellow niggas and them red niggas
People of different skin tones experience this treatment.
No telling when the bullet coming, be prepared niggas
Violence can occur unpredictably, so be ready for it.
Cause when it do it coming land, sea and air niggas
Violence can come from anywhere, and anyone must be prepared.
That's everywhere niggas, Am I the motherfucking legendary?
I am well-versed in this life; am I seen as legendary?
Yeah niggas, make it very clear niggas
Agreed, let's make this very clear.
Been looking at y'all in my rearview
I have been observing you from afar.
Mirror niggas want to be a millionaire, I'm already there niggas
People want to be wealthy, but I have already attained that level.
I'm the definiere nigga, a bear taking more than my share
I am dominant; I take what I want.
Lookee here, yeah, I know it ain't fair nigga
I acknowledge that the situation is not fair.
Neither is a bar even with a hair trigger
Life can be unpredictable and unfair, even with quick action.
Haystack, try and find a needle up in there nigga
It is impossible to find what you're looking for in that situation.
Leave you up in there nigga, show me the puppet
I'll leave you to your fate; show me who's controlling you.
That don't need a puppeteer nigga, shed another tear nigga
Some people are in control of their own lives; others may need help.
I'm in the field with a shield and a spear nigga
I am prepared for battle with armor and a weapon.
I'm in your girl with her heels in the air nigga
I am sexually involved with your girlfriend.
I am such a fair nigga, you in a battle telling
I am fair, even in fights and competition.
Me you not ready like you figured I'ma bear with you
You underestimated me and now I'm going to hurt you.
I don't care nigga, you now listening to the sounds
I am indifferent; you're listening to my music.
Of the money making jam trillionaires nigga
I am part of a group that makes a lot of money.
Gentlemen of an extraordinary league
We are the best of the best.
You never see me blowing on no ordinary weed
I am not smoking regular marijuana.
What I'm smoking ain't a product of no ordinary seed
The marijuana I smoke is of high quality.
Your boy is heavy treed, I'm feeling merry
I have consumed a lot of marijuana and feel good.
As a Tyler Perry scene, that monetary gang green
I feel happy, like a scene from a Tyler Perry movie.
We tried to launder the cash and never came clean
We attempted to conceal our profits from illegal activities but couldn't do so effectively.
So now I'm in the story with all the cats before me
I am now in the same line of work as those before me.
And smoke purgatory for doing the same thing
We are punished for doing what others before us have done.
And them niggas ain't change, them niggas can't change
Those who came before us have not changed, and they cannot change.
Their moms shake their heads saying it's such a dang shame
Their mothers disapprove of their behavior.
The train to the buck, did another dang plan
We tried another way to make more money.
My stage and my government ain't the same name
My public persona is not the same as my real name.
I'm a rock star, love it that my wallet chain hang
I am popular and love to show off my wealth.
I'm a modern day saint, I'm a modern day kane
I am a hero and a villain.
My definition I can finally explain
I have come to understand who I am.
Cold smooth like that dude Sean Connery was playing
I am calm and collected like the character Sean Connery played.
I just got to be the man, I'm the father figure and
I am the authority figure, like a father.
When I spit it's something like a psychology exam
My rhymes are complex and require analysis.
If you stand where I stood, you could probably understand
If you were in my position, you would likely understand.
How that mic feeling like a million dollars in my hand
Rapping feels empowering and lucrative.
It's the silence of the lamb, go and cop another gram
It's quiet while I'm preparing; I'm going to buy more drugs.
And twist with your zanny, work your set, work it down
Take your medication and keep grinding.
What's your net working plan? You better look alive
What is your plan for making connections? Pay attention.
Cuz them niggas outside looking desperate again nigga
People are outside, and they are in need.
And the blunts and liquor killing our lungs and liver
Smoking and drinking are damaging our health.
The asthmatic drug addict I function with it
I have asthma, but I still use drugs.
I put a rapper in a hole where the dust will sit
I will defeat a rapper and leave them forgotten.
For spitting played out patterns that once was hitting
If you repeatedly use outdated rhymes, you won't be successful.
I got news for you all, let me show you how to ball
I am going to teach you how to succeed.
See the legendary fall? I ain't heard of that
Legendary people do not typically fail in my experience.
Y'all niggas is off the wall like Aresnio Hall
You are acting crazy and unpredictable.
I'ma put you right back where the dirt is at
I am going to defeat you and leave you in the dirt.
450 Fahrenheit on the thermostat
It's very hot here.
Somebody starving like a white girl runnin' that
Someone is very hungry.
But she not a earner yet, she couldn't put in no work
But she does not make enough money to buy food.
Not earning that, the black microphone murder vet
I am a skilled rapper, and I will defeat anyone.
I'm in a class of my own
I am unique.
If I got beef with you, you the last one to know
If I have a problem with you, you will be the last to find out.
I arrive on time, I'm never fashionable
I am punctual but not necessarily stylish.
You late, I'm already international-able
You are not successful yet, but I am.
My hustle is long, my muscle is strong
I work hard, and I am powerful.
My man put the paper in the duffel I'm gone
My associate placed the money in my bag, and I am leaving.
Y'all still a light year from the level I'm on
You have a long way to go to reach my level.
Just a pawn stepping right into the head of the storm
You are in the middle of a dangerous situation.
You been warned, I will blow y'all niggas and disintegrate
I have warned you; I will defeat you and leave you destroyed.
I'm a rebel, renegade must stay paid
I am a nonconformist, and I need to make money to survive.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, TARIK L. COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
The LR Project
Black thought is probably the MC in its purest yet best rounded form
Shortie
Coolest form
Rodney Warr
Most mystikal
mikeydeeznutz
Unquestionably
Rodney Warr
Agreed
God Positive7
The LR Project ....Exactly!!!!!!! Period.
Moroccophobic
Black Thought, of House Thought, the first of his name, the King of flows and the King of Studio 6B, Protector of the Mic, the unburnt and un-outrapped, sir regnant of the Philly, the Khal of the Roots, the breaker of beats, the father of freestyle.
Al Green
"Gentlemen of an extraordinary league, you never see me blowin on some ordinary weed, what I'm smokin ain't no product of no ordinary seed" This was and always will be legendary.
Dashill Smith
This is one of the dopest verses in hip-hop history. PERIOD!!!
Wize Hassan
Black is one of the best to ever clutch the mic! I still am having a hard time deciding what song is better, this one or "Web".