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.
Break of You
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Bad misses, throwin' raspberry kisses on me
You looking for directions girl?
I feel your vision on me
Just don't let him see you sweatin'
And we ain't spose to be involved
Knowing when we get it off, Girl I mean it off
Keeping you fiending 'til you taking it tossed
And when I'm breaking it off
Its no denying the fact it's wrong
Cause you got a man who's probably playing his part
You probably breaking his heart
He trying to figure the reason, Uh
Is it because he's superficial
Or is he too submissive
Or did I come along and hit you with the futuristic
Or is it 'cause you really couldn't see a future with him
All he about is paper, never took the time with you to listen
You want it gripped up, flipped, and thrown
And get stripped and shown, the way the getting is on
The cost, dealing with this you only taking a loss
You need to leave him alone
And go with the one who breaking you off
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
Brother down the hall
The one you bound to call
Workaholics are really I'm rarely around at all
What we started got serious repercussions in court
We had a chance to turn back, but love that was all
Late nights twistin' something
Listenin to Neicey sing
She got the beef for you telling me you deeply
Appreciate the company, time we spend
I feel the same, it's a shame you ain't my girlfriend
Cause listen, you need a brotha with the physical fix
Who come through in the mix
For you with no head tricks or fraud
You need a new position and who can get you open
Like eucalyptus and have ready to go for yours
Come on and work with me, you won't get hurt with me
Just keep it real and you'll get broken off certainly
Dealing with this you won't be taking a loss
You need to leave him alone and roll
With the one who's breaking you off
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
Rolling down the highway
Listening to Sade sing
"The way the smooth operator move my way"
You sitting beside me
Looking like Friday Foster
Pam Grier structure look at your body
Keep each other thirsty
Kisses like Hershey
But lips is sealed
Cause we don't need the controversy
I say I'm in town, You say you want it in the worst way
You probably told your man it was your it was ya lil's birthday
Meanwhile, its champagne chilling in ice
You ready for the freakiest stage you done in ya life?
We breakin' down like we grove dogs pulling a hike
You making sounds like a vive got you reaching your height
Prepare for flight, this is your captain
I'm getting strapped in
There's no denying the strength
That its attraction girl
Workin' with this you won't be taking a loss
So stop fooling your man and roll with the one
Who's breaking you off
Baby, baby, baby, don't you worry bout
Nothing 'cause I'm coming to handle you
Whenever you want, that thing you need, I got it
I'm there and I aim to please
I'm coming over to give it to you
Baby, baby
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
Yeah baby
The Roots's song Break You Off is about a man who's trying to persuade a woman already in a relationship to leave her partner to be with him. The song is set in a testy and alluring mood, backed by a luscious beat layered with deep bass, strutting guitar riffs, and languorous keys. Black Thought's lyrics are sly and come off about his interest in the woman, playing on her insecurities on the side, aware that she's game but somewhat tepid about the decision she's made. He acknowledges that he has no business encroaching on someone else's relationship, but he urges her to see how much better the potential of them being together can be. He notes that breaking up with her current partner would be difficult, but in the end, it will be worth it.
Black Thought opens the tune with a rallying cry of "Comin‘ to break you off," at which point the song establishes an immediate mood of lovestruck seduction. Black Thought sings "Bad misses, throwin' raspberry kisses on me," referencing the woman in question's flirtatious behavior, which drives Black Thought's innermost desire.
Line by Line Meaning
Comin' to break you off(beat started, start-started)
I'm coming over to have sex with you
Bad misses, throwin' raspberry kisses on me
Other women are flirting with me
You looking for directions girl?
Are you interested in hooking up?
I feel your vision on me
I sense you're attracted to me
Just don't let him see you sweatin'
Don't let your man know that you want me
And we ain't spose to be involved
We're not supposed to be together because you have a man
Knowing when we get it off, Girl I mean it off
When we have sex, it'll be great
Keeping you fiending 'til you taking it tossed
I'll keep you wanting more until you're completely satisfied
And when I'm breaking it off
When I'm having sex with you
Its no denying the fact it's wrong
We both know what we're doing is cheating and unethical
Cause you got a man who's probably playing his part
Because you're in a committed relationship
He trying to figure the reason, Uh
Your boyfriend is trying to understand why you're not happy with him
Is it because he's superficial
Is he only focused on superficial things like money?
Or is he too submissive
Is he too passive and not assertive enough?
Or did I come along and hit you with the futuristic
Did I appeal to your desire for something new and exciting?
Or is it 'cause you really couldn't see a future with him
Maybe you realized you don't have a future with your boyfriend
All he about is paper, never took the time with you to listen
Your boyfriend is only concerned with money and doesn't listen to you
You want it gripped up, flipped, and thrown
You want to have sex with me in different positions
And get stripped and shown, the way the getting is on
You want me to take off your clothes and show you a good time
The cost, dealing with this you only taking a loss
You're risking everything for a short-lived pleasure
You need to leave him alone
You should break up with your boyfriend
And go with the one who breaking you off
And be with me for great sex
Brother down the hall
I'm your neighbor
The one you bound to call
You'll call me when you're feeling lonely
Workaholics are really I'm rarely around at all
I'm usually too busy to be around
What we started got serious repercussions in court
If we get caught, there will be legal consequences
We had a chance to turn back, but love that was all
We could have stopped cheating, but we didn't
Late nights twistin' something
We smoke marijuana together at night
Listenin to Neicey sing
Listening to music together
She got the beef for you telling me you deeply
My ex-girlfriend is jealous of you because I like you more
Appreciate the company, time we spend
I enjoy spending time with you
I feel the same, it's a shame you ain't my girlfriend
I have feelings for you but we can't be together
Cause listen, you need a brotha with the physical fix
You need a man who satisfies you sexually
Who come through in the mix
Who can come over anytime
For you with no head tricks or fraud
Someone who is honest and upfront
You need a new position and who can get you open
You need to try new sex positions and be satisfied
Like eucalyptus and have ready to go for yours
I'm always ready to have sex with you
Come on and work with me, you won't get hurt with me
Trust me and have sex with me, you won't regret it
Just keep it real and you'll get broken off certainly
Just be honest with me and I'll satisfy you completely
Dealing with this you won't be taking a loss
Having sex with me won't hurt you in the long run
You need to leave him alone and roll
You should leave your boyfriend and be with me
With the one who's breaking you off
Be with me for great sex
Rolling down the highway
Driving on the road
Listening to Sade sing
Listening to romantic music
"The way the smooth operator move my way"
The way someone smooth approaches me
You sitting beside me
You're next to me
Looking like Friday Foster
You look like a detective from a 1970s movie
Pam Grier structure look at your body
You have a body like the actress Pam Grier
Keep each other thirsty
We keep each other sexually aroused
Kisses like Hershey
Our kisses are sweet like chocolate
But lips is sealed
We can't tell anyone about our affair
Cause we don't need the controversy
We don't want any negative attention
I say I'm in town, You say you want it in the worst way
When I'm in town, you want to have sex with me badly
You probably told your man it was your it was ya lil's birthday
You lied to your boyfriend and said it was your child's birthday
Meanwhile, its champagne chilling in ice
We have champagne on ice
You ready for the freakiest stage you done in ya life?
Are you ready for the wildest sex you've ever had?
We breakin' down like we grove dogs pulling a hike
We're having sex intensely
You making sounds like a vibe got you reaching your height
You're moaning with pleasure
Prepare for flight, this is your captain
Get ready for a wild ride
I'm getting strapped in
I'm ready for sex
There's no denying the strength
We both know the sexual attraction is strong
That its attraction girl
Our sexual attraction to each other
Workin' with this you won't be taking a loss
Having sex with me won't hurt you in the long run
So stop fooling your man and roll with the one
Stop cheating on your boyfriend and be with me
Who's breaking you off
Who will satisfy you sexually
Baby, baby, baby, don't you worry bout
Don't worry, I'll take care of you
Nothing 'cause I'm coming to handle you
I'm coming over to have sex with you
Whenever you want, that thing you need, I got it
I'll give you whatever you need sexually
I'm there and I aim to please
I'm there for your pleasure
I'm coming over to give it to you
I'm coming over to have sex with you
Baby, baby
Affectionate term for a lover
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, BENJAMIN KENNEY, JILL H. SCOTT, JIMMY GRAY, KYLE JONES, LEONARD N. HUBBARD, TAALIB JOHNSON, TARIK L. COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@eddieglover7774
Who else still coming to break em off in 2024… 💪🏽❤️💯
@mellowsmooth7
💪🏾💪🏾❤❤🔥🔥
@thequeendiva72
Damn rightttt 🤣 🤣.
STAY SAFE. GOD BLESS 🙏🏾 🙏🏾.
@redlove2575
2023 and this still stay in my rotation heavy 💯🙌🏾
@originals4614
12/18/23 baby
@CC-vl9xo
12/27/23
@66kalele
01.04.24@@CC-vl9xo
@Ariell848
2024 🩷🙏🏽💃🏽💃🏽💃🏽
@adriantimberlake2529
Facts 2024 as well
@calilove4438
I wish so badly that we could go back to this type of music. REAL MUSIC.