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 Too
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Hip-hop check it out
It's like that uh and it sounds so nice
Hip-hop, you the love of my life
We 'bout to take it to the, to the, to the, to the, to the
to the, to the, to the, to the, to the, check it out
Yo, what, and it sounds so nice
Hip-hop, you the love of my life
Hip-Hop, hip-hop love
To the top hip-hop, check it out
It's like, word up, and it sounds so nice
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life, of my life
The anticipation arose as time froze
I stared off the stage with my eyes closed and dove
Into the deep cosmos
The impact pushed back, the first five rows
But before the raw live shows
I remember I's a little snot-nosed
Rockin' Cazal goggles and Izod clothes
Learnin' the ropes of ghetto survival
Peepin' out the situation I had to slide through
Had to watch my back, my front, plus my sides too
When it came to gettin' mine I ain't tryin', to argue
Sometimes I wouldn'ta made it if it wasn't for you
Hip-hop, you the love of my life and that's true
When I was handlin' the shit I had to do
It was all for you, from the door for you
Speak through you, gettin' paper on tour for you
From the start, Thought was down by law for you
Used to hit up every corner store wall for you
We ripped shit and kept it hardcore for you
I remember late nights, steady rockin' the mic
Hip-hop you the love of my life
So tell the people like that y'all
And it sounds so nice
Hip-hop, you the love of my life
We 'bout to take it to the top
I was speakin', to my guy 'Riq and
How she was desperately seekin' to Organize in a Konfusion
Usin' no protection, told H.E.R. on Resurrection
Caught up in the Hype Williams, and lost H.E.R. direction
Gettin' ate in sections where I wouldn't eat H.E.R
An under the counter love, so silently I treat H.E.R
Her Daddy'll beat H.E.R., eyes all Puff-ed
In the mix on tape, niggas had her in the buff
When we touch, it was more than just a fuck
The Police
In H.E.R. I found peace
Like Malcolm in the East
Seen H.E.R. on the streets of New York, trickin' off
Tried to make a hit with H.E.R. but my dick went soft
Movin' weight, losin' weight
Not picky with who she choose to date
To confuse the hate with her struggle I relate
Close to thirty
Most of the niggas she know is dirty
Havin' more babies than Lauryn
She started showin' early
As of late I realized, that this is H.E.R. fate
Or destiny that brin's the best of me
It's like God is testin' me
In retrospect I see she brought life and death to me
Peace to us collectively, live and direct when we perform
It's just coffee shop chicks and white dudes
Over H.E.R. I got into it with that nigga Ice Cube
Now the fight moved to in life, makin' the right moves
Besides God and family, you my life's jewel
Like that y'all, hip-hop
It's like, word up, and it sounds nice
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life, what
'bout to take you to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the, yo
Fifth Dynamite, and it sounds so nice
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life
I'm 'bout to take you to the top, love
Hip-Hop, word up, to the top (to the top)
Hip-Hop, check it out
It's like that, what
And it sounds alright
Hey, 'cause you the love of my life
I'm 'bout to take you to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the, check it out
What, yeah and it sounds so nice
Hip-hop, you the love of my life
'bout to take you to the top love
Hip-hop, hip-hop to the top (to the top) hip-hop (hip-hop)
Fifth Dynamite, and it sounds alright
Hey, cause you the love of my life
I'm 'bout to take you to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the, check it out, yo
Ye-yeh-yo, yo, and it sounds so nice
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life
We 'bout to take you to the top love
Hip-hop, hip-hop
To the top, to the top
Hip-hop, hip-hop
Check it out, it's like, yeah, and it sounds alright
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life
We 'bout, take it to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
To the, to the, to the, to the
The Roots's song "Act Too" is a love letter to the genre of hip-hop. The lyrics express a deep connection and affection for hip-hop, referencing the impact it has had on the artist's life and their gratitude for its influence. The lyrics speak to the artist's journey from being a young, inexperienced artist to becoming a seasoned professional, all for the love of hip-hop. The chorus is a repeated proclamation stating, "Hip-hop, you the love of my life," making it clear that hip-hop is not just a musical genre, but an important part of the artist's identity.
The first verse begins with a description of the anticipation before a live performance, leading to a journey through the artist's personal history with hip-hop. The artist describes their entrance into the hip-hop scene as a young, inexperienced artist, learning the ropes of "ghetto survival" and navigating the dangers that come with it. The artist acknowledges that without hip-hop, they might not have made it through those tough times. The second verse describes a relationship with hip-hop personified as a woman, with the artist revealing the ups and downs of their relationship, including the struggles and the joy it has brought them. The song continues to proclaim the importance of hip-hop and its influence on the artist's life, ultimately saying that hip-hop is their "life's jewel."
Overall, the song is a heartfelt expression of the artist's love and respect for hip-hop, and its role in shaping them as a person and an artist.
Line by Line Meaning
What? Hip-hop y'all, to the top y'all
Expressing excitement and determination to elevate hip-hop to the highest level
Hip-hop check it out
Drawing attention to the genre of hip-hop
It's like that uh and it sounds so nice
Admiring the pleasing and enjoyable qualities of hip-hop
Hip-hop, you the love of my life
Declaring deep affection and passion for hip-hop
We 'bout to take it to the, to the, to the, to the, to the
Preparing to bring hip-hop to greater heights and expand its influence
to the, to the, to the, to the, to the, check it out
Emphasizing the intention to showcase and promote hip-hop to a wider audience
Yo, what, and it sounds so nice
Expressing excitement and admiration for the pleasing sound of hip-hop
I'm 'bout to take it to the top, what
Determined to elevate hip-hop to the highest level of success
Hip-Hop, hip-hop love
Characterizing hip-hop as a beloved and cherished entity
To the top hip-hop, check it out
Acknowledging the desire to bring hip-hop to the pinnacle of achievement
It's like, word up, and it sounds so nice
Affirming the appeal and quality of hip-hop
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life, of my life
Expressing deep and profound affection for hip-hop
The anticipation arose as time froze
Experiencing excitement and anticipation as the moment becomes still and significant
I stared off the stage with my eyes closed and dove
Engaging in a focused and immersive performance
Into the deep cosmos
Entering a vast and expansive creative universe
The impact pushed back, the first five rows
Delivering a powerful and energetic performance that affects the audience
But before the raw live shows
Reflecting on the earlier experiences and challenges before performing live
I remember I's a little snot-nosed
Recalling a youthful and inexperienced stage in life
Rockin' Cazal goggles and Izod clothes
Describing the fashion style of the past, representing a specific era
Learnin' the ropes of ghetto survival
Acquiring knowledge and skills to navigate and overcome challenges in a tough environment
Peepin' out the situation I had to slide through
Observing and assessing the circumstances to make strategic moves
Had to watch my back, my front, plus my sides too
Being constantly vigilant and aware of potential threats from all directions
When it came to gettin' mine I ain't tryin' to argue
Avoiding conflicts or disagreements when pursuing personal success
Sometimes I wouldn'ta made it if it wasn't for you
Acknowledging that hip-hop played a significant role in overcoming obstacles and achieving success
Hip-hop, you the love of my life and that's true
Reaffirming the deep affection and devotion towards hip-hop
When I was handlin' the shit I had to do
Referring to the challenging responsibilities and tasks that needed to be managed
It was all for you, from the door for you
Undertaking efforts and sacrifices solely for the sake of hip-hop
Speak through you, gettin' paper on tour for you
Expressing oneself and earning income through hip-hop while on tour
From the start, Thought was down by law for you
Showing unwavering loyalty and commitment to hip-hop from the beginning
Used to hit up every corner store wall for you
Leaving graffiti and artistic expressions on walls as a tribute to hip-hop
We ripped shit and kept it hardcore for you
Delivering intense and authentic performances, staying true to the essence of hip-hop
I remember late nights, steady rockin' the mic
Recalling memorable moments of performing and captivating audiences
Hip-hop you the love of my life
Affirming hip-hop's status as the ultimate love and passion in life
So tell the people like that y'all
Encouraging others to spread the message and significance of hip-hop
And it sounds so nice
Appreciating the pleasing sound and quality of hip-hop
We 'bout to take it to the top
Preparing to elevate hip-hop to the highest level of success
I was speakin', to my guy 'Riq and
Having a conversation with a friend named 'Riq
How she was desperately seekin' to Organize in a Konfusion
Discussing how 'Riq was eager to join and find her place within the musical group Organize in a Konfusion
Usin' no protection, told H.E.R. on Resurrection
Engaging in risky behavior, confessing to 'H.E.R.' about it during a period of revival or change
Caught up in the Hype Williams, and lost H.E.R. direction
Becoming captivated by the allure and influence of Hype Williams, resulting in a loss of focus and direction for 'H.E.R.'
Gettin' ate in sections where I wouldn't eat H.E.R
Engaging in activities or situations that one wouldn't personally partake in
An under the counter love, so silently I treat H.E.R
Expressing affection for 'H.E.R.' that is kept hidden and discreet
Her Daddy'll beat H.E.R., eyes all Puff-ed
Describing a harmful and abusive relationship, with consequences reflected in 'H.E.R.' appearance
In the mix on tape, niggas had her in the buff
Hearing rumors and gossip about 'H.E.R.' being exposed or vulnerable
When we touch, it was more than just a fuck
Describing a physical relationship that was more meaningful and significant than mere sexual encounters
The Police
Referencing the band The Police
In H.E.R. I found peace
Discovering peace and solace in the presence and essence of 'H.E.R.'
Like Malcolm in the East
Comparing the impact and influence of 'H.E.R.' to the significance of Malcolm X in the Eastern hemisphere
Seen H.E.R. on the streets of New York, trickin' off
Encountering 'H.E.R.' engaging in questionable behavior on the streets of New York
Tried to make a hit with H.E.R. but my dick went soft
Attempting to collaborate and create a successful project with 'H.E.R.', but failing to maintain excitement and motivation
Movin' weight, losin' weight
Experiencing fluctuations in physical appearance due to involvement in illicit activities
Not picky with who she choose to date
Being indiscriminate and accepting of various romantic partners
To confuse the hate with her struggle I relate
Identifying with and understanding 'H.E.R.'s' challenges and adversity, leading to a mixed reaction of empathy and animosity from others
Close to thirty
Approaching the age of thirty
Most of the niggas she know is dirty
Being surrounded by untrustworthy and morally corrupt individuals
Havin' more babies than Lauryn
Having a substantial number of offspring comparable to Lauryn Hill, known for being a mother as well as a talented artist
She started showin' early
Becoming visibly pregnant at an early stage
As of late I realized, that this is H.E.R. fate
Recently comprehending that this is the predetermined destiny and path for 'H.E.R.'
Or destiny that brin's the best of me
Believing that 'H.E.R.'s' fate or destiny brings out the best qualities and attributes in oneself
It's like God is testin' me
Perceiving the challenges and circumstances as tests from a higher power
In retrospect I see she brought life and death to me
Reflecting on the significant impact 'H.E.R.' had on one's existence, representing both positive and negative aspects
Peace to us collectively, live and direct when we perform
Expressing a desire for peace and unity during live performances
It's just coffee shop chicks and white dudes
Describing the audience and ambiance at coffee shops, often attracting a diverse crowd
Over H.E.R. I got into it with that nigga Ice Cube
Getting involved in a conflict or disagreement with Ice Cube over 'H.E.R.'
Now the fight moved to in life, makin' the right moves
Shifting the battle to real-life situations, focusing on making the correct decisions
Besides God and family, you my life's jewel
Recognizing that apart from God and family, 'H.E.R.' holds immense importance and value in one's life
Like that y'all, hip-hop
Closing statement, reaffirming love and dedication to hip-hop
It's like, word up, and it sounds so nice
Expressing agreement and appreciation for the enjoyable sound of hip-hop
Hey, 'cause you the love of my life
Acknowledging hip-hop as the ultimate love and passion in life
I'm 'bout to take you to the, to the, to the
Ready to lead hip-hop to greater heights and achievements
Fifth Dynamite, and it sounds so nice
Referring to a specific artist or entity named Fifth Dynamite and admiring the pleasing sound of hip-hop
Hip-Hop, you the love of my life
Professing deep affection and admiration for hip-hop
I'm 'bout to take you to the top, love
Determined to bring hip-hop to the highest level of success
Hip-hop, word up, to the top (to the top)
Expressing agreement and determination to elevate hip-hop to the pinnacle of achievement
Hip-hop, check it out
Directing attention towards hip-hop, encouraging others to listen and engage
It's like that, what
Affirming a confident and assertive approach
And it sounds alright
Expressing satisfaction and approval for the pleasant sound of hip-hop
Hey, 'cause you the love of my life
Reiterating hip-hop's status as the ultimate love and passion in life
I'm 'bout to take you to the, to the, to the
Preparing to bring hip-hop to greater achievements and success
To the, to the, to the, to the
Emphasizing the intention to lead hip-hop to new heights
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: James Jason Poyser, Tarik L Collins, Leonard Hubbard, Lonnie Rashid Lynn, Ahmir K Thompson
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!