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.
Act Fore… The End
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Check it out, yo yo
Arigato, to all my people in Japan
Whether you rockin Cartier or Pierre Cardin
I'm barging in like excuse, I beg your pardon
To crush carbon copy MC's wit clone jargon
Move the crowd to leave the microphone sparkin'
Leave you caught inside the lines of my page beneath the margin
I personally would rather keep things peace, but it's your option
I hit the block wit hip-hop, it's like oxen
Stampede wit lyrical heavyweight boxing
Yo, just give thanks it's the new shit
For y'all to ever try to sleep on this is stupid
My thought's deep like the upright acoustic
Bass, Cold Crush like Charlie Chase
To keep the ladies grindin like a slow jam
You just a sloe gin fizz kid, get wit the program
My style hundred proof, I pause for no man
The Fifth Dy-nas-ty, that's the slogan
From S-P to West-P to Logan
The planet is a parachute, I got em open
Ayo I'm out there, ayo I'm still out there
Worldwide yo I'm still out there, Roots Crew forever out there
Ayo I'm out there, SP to the, out there
Ayo I'm out there, what, I'm still out there
Check it out yo (worldwide) I'm still out there check it out
C'mon, yo I'm out there, ayo I'm still out there
Roots crew to the to the to the to the
Y'all know the name, I got game like an Evangelist
Relax to my man D'Angel-ist, who could ever cancel this
Music growth, it's cancerous not glamorous
Yo the lifestyle I embrace to some scandalous
I chop joke MC's like choke sandwiches
And backslap the snare drum open-handed wit my vo-cal
So I'm far from lo-cal
My peoples got to keep me in they fo-cal
Perform Al Jarreau style, then act like you know now
Surf the internet, inspect my profile
Return to menu if you miss this
Your girlfriend said my music is futuristic
Then kissed me on my neck, left marks of lipstick
Then came to the spot and we got lifted
I rip shit on the solo unassisted
Or wit Malik and the Fifth Click, so y'all should keep your lips zipped
Y'all don't know what it's about, get on route
I hold it down wit no doubt and sip Stout
And got the hot record out
Y'all need to let your necks snap back, check it out, word up
Yo I'm out there, ayo I'm still out there
Worldwide son I'm still out there, check it out
Roots crew forever out there, you know I'm still out there
What what what out there, knamsayin
To you out there, P-5-D out there
What what, S-P out there yaknamsayin (S-P forever)
Philly out there, ayo I'm still out there (2-1-5th)
S-P to the, to the to the to the
Ayo so what's the Fifth then? The Million Dollar Question
We veterans, lyrically threatening freshmen
Y'all lookin at next year, I see the next ten
And front on me strategically, plan positioning
Out there, steppin' into your world I'm visitin'
Discography time less you keep listenin'
Within the crevices these clones is missing in
Action, mysterious magnetic attraction wit that thing
My melody like Nat King, and MC's is so un-inter-esting
Forever givin' y'all the next best thing
I give it to you like pink champelle and ink bing
I drink Yuengling, JaRoots and Ginseng
You testin' me, ock? yo what was you thinkin
You buggin' off the energy the king bring
A delivery that you're forever remembering
Ayo I'm out there, ayo I'm still out there
S-P (worldwide) out there, check it out
It's the Roots, we out there
Ayo I'm still out there, Roots Crew out there
Check it out, ayo I'm out there
We infinitely out there, worldwide son check it out
Out there check it out (S-P), ayo I'm out there
Ayo I'm still out there, what what (P-5-D, Roots Crew out there)
Check it out, it's like
In these lyrics, The Roots's song "Act Fore... The End," the artist showcases their unique style, lyrical prowess, and dedication to their craft.
The first paragraph begins with a shoutout to the Japanese audience and their diverse sense of style. The artist asserts their dominance in the rap game, dismissing any imitators with their originality and skill. They describe their ability to captivate the crowd, leaving a lasting impression. They also express a preference for promoting peace rather than engaging in unnecessary conflict. Their love for hip-hop is compared to powerful oxen in a stampede, emphasizing their weight and impact in the industry. The artist concludes by acknowledging their unique music and encouraging listeners not to overlook its quality.
The second paragraph starts with the artist reiterating their constant presence in the music scene globally. They emphasize their dedication to their crew, The Roots, and their tireless commitment to their craft.
In the next paragraph, the artist establishes their dominance once again, comparing their talent to an evangelist who possesses a natural charm and charisma. They distance themselves from the glamorous side of the music industry, focusing on the growth of their craft and their dedication to their hip-hop roots. They highlight their ability to effortlessly dismantle lesser MCs and deliver captivating performances. The artist mentions the positive reception they receive from fans and a romantic encounter that ensued as a result. They emphasize their ability to leave a lasting impression and their unique musical style.
The final paragraph addresses the question of what makes The Roots unique within the music industry. The artist asserts their veteran status and their ability to surpass upcoming talent. They express their commitment to their craft, envisioning their influence and impact for years to come. They mention the lack of originality and depth in other artists' music and emphasize their own magnetic and irresistible energy. The artist highlights their memorable delivery and connects it to their longevity in the industry.
Overall, this song showcases The Roots's confidence, lyrical skill, and dedication to originality, while also acknowledging their global reach and significant impact on the hip-hop community.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah yeah yeah, yes I, no doubt yes I (P-5-D)
Yes, I am confident without a doubt
Arigato, to all my people in Japan
Thank you to all my fans in Japan
Whether you rockin Cartier or Pierre Cardin
Regardless of whether you're wearing luxury brands like Cartier or Pierre Cardin
I'm barging in like excuse, I beg your pardon
I'm entering boldly and unapologetically
To crush carbon copy MC's wit clone jargon
To defeat imitator rappers with their unoriginal language
Move the crowd to leave the microphone sparkin'
I deliver such an electrifying performance that the crowd is left amazed
Leave you caught inside the lines of my page beneath the margin
My lyrics are so powerful and captivating that they leave a lasting impact
Now we could mud-sling to cease the foul-talkin
We could engage in verbal attacks to stop the disrespectful talk
I personally would rather keep things peace, but it's your option
I prefer maintaining peace, but it's up to you if you want to escalate things
I hit the block wit hip-hop, it's like oxen
When I bring hip-hop to the streets, it becomes powerful and unstoppable
Stampede wit lyrical heavyweight boxing
I come with a fierce and dominant lyrical style
Yo, just give thanks it's the new shit
Be grateful for the innovative and groundbreaking music I bring
For y'all to ever try to sleep on this is stupid
It would be foolish for anyone to underestimate or ignore this music
My thought's deep like the upright acoustic
My ideas and thoughts are profound, like the sound produced by an upright acoustic bass
Bass, Cold Crush like Charlie Chase
The bass in my music hits hard and resonates, similar to Charlie Chase's Cold Crush Brothers
To keep the ladies grindin like a slow jam
My music keeps the women dancing sensually, like they would to a slow jam
You just a sloe gin fizz kid, get wit the program
You're a naive and inexperienced person, so get familiar with what's happening
My style hundred proof, I pause for no man
My style is strong and authentic, and I don't hesitate or show any weakness
The Fifth Dy-nas-ty, that's the slogan
I represent the Fifth Dynasty, it's our motto or catchphrase
From S-P to West-P to Logan
From South Philly to West Philly to Logan neighborhood
The planet is a parachute, I got em open
I have the world captivated and excited, like a parachute opening in mid-air
Y'all know the name, I got game like an Evangelist
You're familiar with my name, and I possess skills and talent like a preacher spreading the gospel
Relax to my man D'Angel-ist, who could ever cancel this
Take it easy and enjoy the music of my friend D'Angelo, no one can stop us
Music growth, it's cancerous not glamorous
The evolution of music can be destructive and harmful, not always glamorous
Yo the lifestyle I embrace to some scandalous
The way I live my life may be seen as controversial to some
I chop joke MC's like choke sandwiches
I effortlessly defeat mediocre rappers like slicing through a poorly-made sandwich
And backslap the snare drum open-handed wit my vo-cal
I skillfully play the snare drum with an open hand while singing with my vocals
So I'm far from lo-cal
I'm far from ordinary or insignificant
My peoples got to keep me in they fo-cal
My fans need to keep their attention on me
Perform Al Jarreau style, then act like you know now
I perform in the style of Al Jarreau, and expect you to recognize and appreciate it
Surf the internet, inspect my profile
Go online and explore my online presence and information
Return to menu if you miss this
If you overlook or ignore my music, you're missing out on something important
Your girlfriend said my music is futuristic
Your girlfriend thinks my music is innovative and ahead of its time
Then kissed me on my neck, left marks of lipstick
Then she showed her affection by kissing my neck, leaving lipstick marks
Then came to the spot and we got lifted
Then she joined me at the venue, and we got high together
I rip shit on the solo unassisted
I deliver outstanding performances on my own, without any assistance
Or wit Malik and the Fifth Click, so y'all should keep your lips zipped
Or with Malik and my crew, the Fifth Click, so you better not talk negatively
Y'all don't know what it's about, get on route
You don't understand what's happening, you need to get on the right path
I hold it down wit no doubt and sip Stout
I confidently handle my responsibilities and drink Stout beer
And got the hot record out
I have released a popular and successful song
Y'all need to let your necks snap back, check it out, word up
You all should loosen up and enjoy the music, pay attention
Ayo so what's the Fifth then? The Million Dollar Question
So what is the Fifth Dynasty all about? It's the question everyone wants to know
We veterans, lyrically threatening freshmen
We are experienced and skilled, intimidating the new generation of rappers
Y'all lookin at next year, I see the next ten
You're only thinking short-term, while I'm envisioning what's coming in the next decade
And front on me strategically, plan positioning
If you underestimate my abilities, I will strategically position myself to prove you wrong
Out there, steppin' into your world I'm visitin'
I'm out there, exploring and entering different musical territories
Discography time less you keep listenin'
The music I create will stand the test of time if you continue to listen to it
Within the crevices these clones is missing in
While other artists lack creativity and uniqueness, I fill those gaps
Action, mysterious magnetic attraction wit that thing
My music creates a mysterious and captivating attraction with its unique sound
My melody like Nat King, and MC's is so un-inter-esting
My melodic style is reminiscent of Nat King Cole, while other rappers are uninteresting
Forever givin' y'all the next best thing
I always provide you with the next amazing and innovative thing in music
I give it to you like pink champelle and ink bing
I deliver it to you with the elegance and sophistication of pink champagne and the permanence of ink
I drink Yuengling, JaRoots and Ginseng
I enjoy drinking Yuengling beer, JaRoots (a play on Jay-Z's name) and Ginseng (a reference to herbal energy)
You testin' me, ock? yo what was you thinkin
If you challenge me, my friend, what were you expecting?
You buggin' off the energy the king bring
You're amazed and impressed by the amazing energy I bring as a king in the music industry
A delivery that you're forever remembering
My delivery is unforgettable and will stay with you forever
It's the Roots, we out there
It's The Roots, we are present and active
We infinitely out there, worldwide son check it out
We are always out there and present globally, so pay attention
What what (P-5-D, Roots Crew out there)
P-5-D and The Roots Crew are out there, representing and making an impact
Check it out, it's like
Take a look and see
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Written by: Ahmir K. Thompson, Tariq 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!