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.
Baby
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Call me baby, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah
Runnin' around jet
Choke that neck
Fuck your ex
Sign those checks
Screamin' out max
Dice a hex
Gimme some, gimme some
Call me baby, yeah
Like that time when you did before
Like that time when I felt alone
Yeah, call me baby, yeah
Hop out of that island
I want you back now
I know I'm better than her
She gone mad now
Call me baby
Yeah, shit's so brazy, I know, I know
But call me baby like before
This shit's so brazy, I know, I know
Yeah, she gone mad now
She be on shopping spree
She know that cashy a bee
Just tryna get that honey
She mixin' that juice with Henny, yeah
She crazy, I know why she brazy
I'm still on your feed ain't lately
Still callin' me when you boozy, yeah-yeah
Just call me baby like you did last time
Leave that scenery making you cry
Say it to her now, goodbye
It's gonna worth every single fight
You don't have to do it, but at least just try
I know you still want to hop on this tide
I know you want to come again on this ride
It ain't just me, no
Runnin' around jet
Choke that neck
Fuck your ex
Sign those checks
Screamin' out max
Spreadin' those legs
Dice a hex
Gimme some, gimme some
Call me baby, yeah
Like that time when you did before
Like that time when I felt alone
Yeah, call me baby, yeah
Hop out of that island
I want you back now
I know I'm better than her
She gone mad now
Call me baby, like before
Shit's so brazy, I know, I know
Call me baby, like before
Yeah shit's so brazy, I know, I know
I'll call you baby
지금 부터 baby call me daddy
On my way to you, where are you baby?
알잖아 내 style, don't make me say it twice
가끔은 참지 못해 난 baby
Baby, don't test
Baby, don't ask, just spread your legs
기나긴 race 지나친 pace
Can't take it no more, nah
Runnin' around jet
Choke that neck
Fuck your ex
Sign those checks
Screamin' out max
Spreadin' those legs
Dice a hex
Gimme some, gimme some
Call me baby, yeah
Like that time when you did before
Like that time when I felt alone
Yeah, call me baby, yeah
Hop out of that island
I want you back now
I know I'm better than her
She gone mad now
Call me baby, like before
Shit's so brazy, I know, I know
Call me baby, like before
Yeah, shit's so brazy, I know, I know, oh
In The Roots's song Baby, the lyrics describe a series of events involving different characters struggling in their relationships. The first verse references being careful when driving and not spilling cognac on a pricey suit. The next lines are a plea to stop being a "backseat driver," indicating a feeling of being controlled or micromanaged. The second verse shifts to a different perspective, with a reference to an older generation not understanding or appreciating hip hop music. The lyrics go on to explore the complex feelings of infidelity, with a young girl caught in a "crime of passion" and a partner who realizes too late what they had and leaves a "trail like Charlie tracks." The repeated phrase "baby, baby, baby" is a plea for forgiveness, a desire to be let go and to have a chance at redemption.
Overall, the song is about relationships that are messy, complicated, and sometimes painful. It speaks to the universal experiences of love and loss, betrayal and regret, and the struggle to find forgiveness and move forward.
Line by Line Meaning
Slow down when you're hitting them corners
Be careful and cautious when taking risks or making moves to avoid any negative repercussions.
Fuck around, spill this 'gnac on my two hundred dollar suit
Don't be so careless and reckless in your actions that you destroy something of value or importance.
(Stop being a backseat driver man)
Stop being overly controlling or critical of someone else's actions or decisions, and let them take the lead.
(Turn him up)
Increase the volume or energy in the music, possibly referring to the rapper's delivery or the beat of the song.
Your ma don't like to jitterbug, said this unholy music
The older generation doesn't approve of the new music or culture, finding it sacrilegious or immoral.
Hip hop just so ridiculous, everything sounds so confusing
To some people, hip hop seems foolish or absurd, making it difficult to understand or relate to.
Nowadays ain't nothing like it was, one thing that showed the blues
The present day is vastly different from the past, but the pain and struggles expressed in blues music remain the same.
Is this system so mysterious, can't let that stop the movement
The social or political system is difficult to comprehend or navigate, but that shouldn't hinder progress or activism.
Can't get no satisfaction, they all laughing, glad it's happening
Despite feeling unfulfilled or unsatisfied, others may still take pleasure or amusement in one's misfortunes or struggles.
All wings hot for the main attraction
Everyone is hyped and excited for the main event or the center of attention.
Acting a fool with a lust for action
Behaving recklessly or foolishly due to a strong desire for excitement or adventure.
Young girl caught in a crime of passion
A young woman is involved in a reckless or impulsive act motivated by strong emotions, such as love or anger.
Sitting there crying in designer fashion
Even while experiencing emotional distress, someone may still place importance on their outward appearance or social status.
Didn't blow, didn't have time for asking
Someone didn't have the chance to fully explain themselves or defend their innocence before being accused or judged harshly.
Somebody call for the ambulance, girl
A situation has escalated and medical attention is immediately required.
Baby, baby, baby
A repeated refrain or plea, possibly indicating the artist's desperation or sincerity.
Baby let me live, please girl let me slide
Asking for forgiveness or leniency in the face of potential consequences or punishment.
Baby if you let me go, I swear I'll change, just change your mind
Offering to make amends or improve oneself if someone gives them another chance or reconsiders their stance.
Your old man don't like to jitterbug, said this old dirty music
The singer's previous line is repeated, indicating the generational or cultural divide that exists.
Them stories too confusing
Repeating an earlier sentiment that the narratives within hip hop are complicated or hard to follow.
Nowadays he ain't loving you like he was
The love or affection someone once received is no longer present or apparent.
And you ain't there just for using
The artist implies that someone is not only present for their partner's benefit or pleasure, but has their own agency and intentions as well.
Could have sworn that was him with another girl
The singer suspects or has evidence that their partner is cheating or being unfaithful.
And they wasn't out just for cruising
The partner and the other woman were not simply sightseeing or hanging out innocuously.
He out late nights, probably smashing
The partner is out all night, presumably engaging in sexual activity with someone else.
Leaving a trail like Charlie tracks
The partner is leaving behind evidence of their behavior, perhaps unintentionally or carelessly.
Or the train on the ground, downtown Manhattan
Another simile suggesting that the partner's actions are obvious or blatant.
Everybody seen him run around and you bound to catch him
The partner's infidelity is well-known or obvious to others, and it's likely that they will eventually be caught or confronted.
The condoms, you found and asked him, was all this just for practice?
The evidence of the partner's affair has been discovered, and the artist demands an explanation or justification.
He didn't realize what he had
The partner took for granted or failed to appreciate what they had, and the singer is left feeling hurt or betrayed.
Now your heart got fractured girl
The singer's heart is broken or wounded as a result of the partner's actions and infidelity.
Lyrics © Songtrust Ave
Written by: Chae Ryeong Park, Jung Jinhyeong
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Delightfully_Bitchy
This is one of those songs that the more I listen to it, the more I realize I don't know what it's about. I at first I thought it was about black music through the ages, then I thought it was about how "the more things change, the morr it stays the same", THEN I thought it was a piece on world building on a 'hood that tied to the theme of the album, now I KINDA think it's about how things go unappreciated because people are too impulsive or too superficial to give things a chance and everyone suffers for it.
Seems to me no one really knows what this tune is about. Even Genius.com, at the time of typing this, mostly just covers the opening line and even that little bit only covered very obvious things like what a jitterbug is. I think that might be why a lot people may have been turned off this clearly talented group: They're really hard to decipher, and not in a Earl Sweatshirt "What is he saying?" verse sense, but in a "What was that about?" Narrative sense. It could just be me though.
Thomas Greene
Or i just hear it different and i know how my parents and grandparents talk and i take the lyrics like "yo mom dont like the jitterbug" and those lines are saying "things aint like they used to be" etc
The music references and speaking on how it changed refers to how the music she dont like is a mirror to the youth of today being so different morally which seaways into the storie of the chick killing her cheating dude then later they do it again in a different perspective and leads to her tricking
Delightfully_Bitchy
@Thomas Greene That ignores most of the song's lyrics.
Thomas Greene
Its about a girl killing her cheating dude,he's begging her to let him live
williehopscotch
Man it's been ages since I've heard this! Still one of my favorites.
eli firmeza
Despite it's to short... I could listen for a 10 minutes extended vs over n over...
eli firmeza
Same here
MrNecmergitur
The roots are the best, most musical, instrumental, stable and creative hip hop group ever. Since first album to today, every song is a peece of love to music, words and rythme.
Liz Partrick
I love the Roots..amazing, complex, simple music.
Richard Carter
You cant tell me this doesnt sounds like roots on a outkast beat Good Music Forever