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.
Can't Stop This
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Who came up poor, grits and government cheese
The only thing I ever really loved in my life, was a mic
Some of my niggaz fell in love with MP's, come on
Work the bass, nigga, juggle them keys
I'm tryin'a get a piece of this government green
And smack 'em in the melon with another LP
C'mon, help a couple people in the struggle get free
And it's hard, 'cause opportunity be scared to knock
And mo' people in the 'hood found dead from cops
Than guns that drop, that sprayed off random shots
But what'cha know good, people say they in the hood fo' good
You ain't a prisoner, the world got mo' to it
Sky's the limit, it don't take but a minute
Don't fear for your people, nigga, my hood's yo hood
Yeah, we did it
I know in these tryin' times it feels confusin'
That's why I came to y'all to dance to the music
Unless, we face it first and try not to lose it
Even if it gets worse, they Can't Stop This (stop this)
Can't Stop This, I want my peoples to rock this
Bang this music in your speakers and boxes
Legs and users, 'bout as a deep as my thoughts is
Sit back and I'mma paint you a portrait
This stuff can make you think you are lost
This shit can have you exhausted
Just, picture the planet and imagine it's yours, kid
Don't ever let nobody knock you outta your orbit
I never seen a bridge we couldn't shuffle across it
We got a lotta people livin' a life, that's pure trivia
Real hip hop, I ain't tryin'a get rid of ya
Can't have that, because here come, the city of Philly
Put an end to all the trivia, really
Where I'm walkin' everybody ain't pretty or friendly
It's work, my whole life they ain't give me a penny
Comin' up between a rock and a hard, watchin' for God
People, hip hop, and with no option at all
Yo, it's how it's goin' down
I know in these tryin' times it feels confusin'
That's why I came to y'all to dance to the music
Unless, we face it first and try not to lose it
Even if it gets worse, they Can't Stop This (stop this)
We bring the ? part of raps, the special sounds
The robe's long enough to be considered a gown
Thought's pen is sharp enough to be considered a crown
When the plate come, take some, pass it around
It's the last of the hip hop lovin' emcees
In front of an audience that never been pleased
I'm comin' from all the streets that never been cleaned
And speakin' for any faith that never been seen
This debeneir style of my words is high-caliber
Speakin' my mind for every day that's on the calendar
Cause I'll'a been quiet, about as long as I can handle it
Walked a mile in these boots that I'm standin' in
Mellow soul brother with his lyrical dean on
The stages I'm seen on, mic I fiend on
When it's all full of soul, that's when it means more
I never hesitate to give a shoulder to lean on, yo
Check it out, man
I know in these tryin' times it feels confusin'
That's why I came to y'all to dance to the music
Unless, we face it first and try not to lose it
Even if it gets worse, they Can't Stop This (stop this)
The Roots' song "Can't Stop This" is an ode to the triumphs and struggles of being an emcee, as well as a call to action for those who come from the gritty streets of the hood. The opening verse describes the singer as being "the last of the red hot lovin' emcees" who grew up poor and surviving off of government cheese. Despite this, the singer's love for the mic is the one thing in their life that they truly cherish. The song speaks to the harsh realities of the block, where opportunities are limited and deaths by cops outnumber deaths by random gun violence. Even still, the singer reminds listeners that they are not prisoners and that the world has much more to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
Last of the red hot (red hot), lovin' emcees
I am one of the last and most passionate emcees who came from poverty.
Who came up poor, grits and government cheese
I grew up poor and had to rely on government assistance for meals.
The only thing I ever really loved in my life, was a mic
Out of everything in my life, the one thing I'm truly passionate about is the microphone and the music I can make with it.
Some of my niggaz fell in love with MP's, come on
Some of my friends were lured by the allure of money, power, and fame that comes with becoming a politician or police officer.
Work the bass, nigga, juggle them keys
I am trying to create music that is both upbeat and complex, using various instruments and techniques to do so.
I'm tryin'a get a piece of this government green
I'm trying to make it big in the music industry so that I can earn a share of the government money that comes with success.
And smack 'em in the melon with another LP
I want to release another hit album that will make waves in the industry and garner critical acclaim.
C'mon, help a couple people in the struggle get free
I want to use my success and platform to help those who are still struggling and in need of support.
We from the block, where people stay prepared to rock
We grew up on a tough block where everyone is ready to fight or succeed at any moment.
And it's hard, 'cause opportunity be scared to knock
It's challenging because even though we are prepared for success, opportunity doesn't always present itself in our lives.
And mo' people in the 'hood found dead from cops
Many people in our community have lost their lives at the hands of the police, which is a major issue that needs to be addressed.
Than guns that drop, that sprayed off random shots
More people are dying from police brutality than from random gunfire and violence.
But what'cha know good, people say they in the hood fo' good
Despite these challenges, many people in our community are trying to make a positive difference and create change.
You ain't a prisoner, the world got mo' to it
We are not imprisoned by our circumstances or situations. There is more to the world than what we see in our daily lives.
Sky's the limit, it don't take but a minute
We can accomplish anything we want if we have a positive attitude and the drive to succeed.
Don't fear for your people, nigga, my hood's yo hood
We are all in this together, and my success and support extend beyond my own community to anyone who needs it.
Yeah, we did it
We have accomplished so much despite the obstacles and challenges we have faced. We should be proud of all we have achieved.
I know in these tryin' times it feels confusin'
Times are tough and it can be hard to make sense of everything that is happening around us.
That's why I came to y'all to dance to the music
But music can be a way to escape and find joy, even in difficult times.
Unless, we face it first and try not to lose it
We need to confront our problems head-on and not let them defeat us.
Even if it gets worse, they Can't Stop This (stop this)
Even in the face of adversity, we should never give up or let anyone else stop us from chasing our dreams.
Can't Stop This, I want my peoples to rock this
I want my community to embrace this music and feel empowered by it.
Bang this music in your speakers and boxes
Turn up the volume and let this music be heard loud and clear.
Legs and users, 'bout as a deep as my thoughts is
This music is meant to be felt just as deeply as it is thought about and analyzed.
Sit back and I'mma paint you a portrait
Let me tell you a story through my lyrics and music.
This stuff can make you think you are lost
Music can be confusing and overwhelming, and make us feel lost or uncertain.
This shit can have you exhausted
The struggles and challenges we face in our lives can be exhausting and draining.
Just, picture the planet and imagine it's yours, kid
Imagine a world in which you have the power to make a positive impact and change.
Don't ever let nobody knock you outta your orbit
Don't let anyone derail you or take away your dreams and aspirations.
I never seen a bridge we couldn't shuffle across it
We have the resilience and perseverance to overcome any obstacle, no matter how daunting it may seem.
We got a lotta people livin' a life, that's pure trivia
There are many people in our society who are obsessed with trivial things and are not focused on what truly matters in life.
Real hip hop, I ain't tryin'a get rid of ya
I am a true hip hop artist and I will never betray or abandon the genre that made me who I am.
Can't have that, because here come, the city of Philly
We are proud of our roots and our city, and will never forget where we came from.
Put an end to all the trivia, really
We are here to make a change and elevate our community, focusing on things that truly matter.
Where I'm walkin' everybody ain't pretty or friendly
Life can be tough and not everyone we encounter will be kind or welcoming.
It's work, my whole life they ain't give me a penny
We have had to work incredibly hard to get to where we are, and have not been handed success or financial stability by anyone else.
Comin' up between a rock and a hard, watchin' for God
We have faced many challenges and obstacles throughout our lives, and have had to seek strength and guidance from a higher power.
People, hip hop, and with no option at all
Despite these challenges, we have always had an unwavering dedication to hip hop and to our community, with no other options or paths to take.
We bring the ? part of raps, the special sounds
We bring a unique and special element to rap music through our style and sound.
The robe's long enough to be considered a gown
Our robes, or lyrics, are so intricate and developed that they could be considered a type of formal attire.
Thought's pen is sharp enough to be considered a crown
Our lyrics and thoughts are so powerful and refined that they could be considered a type of royal headpiece.
When the plate come, take some, pass it around
When success and wealth come our way, we want to share it with others and give back to our community.
It's the last of the hip hop lovin' emcees
As one of the few remaining hip hop artists who truly love the genre and care about its future, I am dedicated to preserving its integrity and authenticity.
In front of an audience that never been pleased
Despite the challenges and high expectations of our audience, we will continue to create music that is both innovative and true to the hip hop genre.
I'm comin' from all the streets that never been cleaned
My music and lyrics are inspired by the realities and hardships of life in impoverished, neglected communities.
And speakin' for any faith that never been seen
I am using my platform to speak for marginalized communities and faiths that are often overlooked or neglected by mainstream society.
This debeneir style of my words is high-caliber
My lyrical style is refined and sophisticated, and reflects my passion and dedication to the craft of hip hop.
Speakin' my mind for every day that's on the calendar
Through my music, I am able to express my thoughts and ideas about issues, events, and experiences that are relevant to people's daily lives.
Cause I'll'a been quiet, about as long as I can handle it
I have been silent for too long and am ready to speak out and fight for justice and change.
Walked a mile in these boots that I'm standin' in
I have experienced many of the same struggles and hardships as the people I am speaking to and for, which makes my message and lyrics more authentic and impactful.
Mellow soul brother with his lyrical dean on
As a hip hop artist, I am both soulful and reflective, while also being a leader and inspiration to others in the genre.
The stages I'm seen on, mic I fiend on
Performing on stage and using the microphone to express myself is one of my greatest passions and sources of joy.
When it's all full of soul, that's when it means more
When my music is infused with soul and passion, it becomes much more meaningful and impactful to both myself and my audience.
I never hesitate to give a shoulder to lean on, yo
I am always willing to support and help others in need, both in my music and in my personal life.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: TARIK L. COLLINS, BRIAN HOLLAND, MICHAEL LOVESMITH, KARL B. JENKINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Taxidermistification
This song is one of the greatest samples and most uplifting things I've ever heard. How poignant. It never gets old.
J Dilla R.I.P
The GREAT
Yes
I so much agree 💯 I
Zinskey
Yes yes yes J Dilla aint no one more real'a
okagaming
For real
2piecewithabiscuit
never
roboque88
💯
arch
The way Black Thought flows on this is so amazing .. Donuts always help overcome bad mood n shit.. Thanks Dilla
Timo van Galen
"It's very easy to say he's in a better place, but I personally just want to be selfish enough to say I wish he was still here."
PanthaDoggTV
Who said that? 👊
Pelle Stroika
Its okay to be selfish at times...