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.
Distortion to Static
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
That's the way it is, when ya gotta be
Indeed as I distort I proceed, I need
Gettin' hotter than sacks of boom, in my room at the Ramada
Four tanks in your memory banks to fill up
I provide the static, with scratch to match, while you catch the vibe
Most can play high post, but yo that don't mean shit
Because my click'll make a motherfucker sick
(It's Bob Powers) With the snares and kicks to fix
Rhythmically, you got ta be, static-why
Magically I appear, spark a L and drink a beer
With air smooth, takin' niggas loot with dice
Then shoot The Roots, poetic, courageously kinetic
Vagabond, versatile and various, plus rap styles
Of mine are blunt, pain is in the mind, so I'm fine and five
Foot seven, inches in height
My mission to strike mics and lighten your tights
Ridin' in, like lightning
Fluorescent, incandescent, effervescently
I represent, Foreign Objects and Ill Elements
Very relevant, plus intelligently managin' matter
That's makin' tracks fatter, revolve around
Saturn like rings and brings swings when I sings with bass
Then distort up in your face like mace
Bustin' your dreams, I gasp with loaded magazines
I'm on the rap scene, re-color fellas like a vaccine
As I, rocks from under blunderin' I'm not, lyrically
Ya get, shot, get caught so distort with thought, for real
It's the illest out the Phi, short for Philidelph-iada-fly
Money makin' move fakin' I isn't
niggas can nah front, I'm poetically exquisite
Wicked, with the visit while you're wonderin' what is it
Dig it, yo, my mellow, um, what up for the night?
Like that y'all, and yo, I'm flowin', my part of the song
It's goin, it's goin, it's gone
Now, go get your dictionary and your Pictionary
Cause much affliction with my diction friction slips and carries
Words and hers like some cattle in the steeple
People, there's no equal, or no sequel
SO policies, of equalities, get abolished
Demolished, distortion of the static's gettin' polished
Urges of splurge and words will just be merged
Together, damn it's quite clever, however
You never, can sound alike, lyrics don't be poundin' like
These, troops, who be's, Roots
Insult ya, mellow of culture, rhythmical vulture
Approach ya, with Magnetic shit that's Ultra
I make MC's dangle like a bangle
Strangle from every angle, my lingo hingles and it jangles
Under Kangols, nah them niggas don't want to tangle
'Cause Roots get loose, negroes get juiced like the mango
To be particular, extra-curricular, for pleasure
Measure, in any weather, value more than the treasure
Baby, you say you maybe, then come in to flex
Now you wonder what's next
In "Distortion To Static," The Roots's lead MC Black Thought showcases his lyrical prowess with a dynamic flow and clever wordplay. The song uses distortion and static as metaphors for the noise and chaos in society and the music industry. Black Thought asserts himself as the master of interpreting and manipulating that noise, and as an MC who can control the vibe and make others sick.
The song's lyrics are dense and complex, touching on themes of power dynamics, social inequality, and the struggle for artistic integrity. Black Thought's lyricism is showcased through various literary devices, such as personification ("four tanks in your memory banks"), alliteration ("rhythmically you got to be static-why"), and clever wordplay ("make MCs dangle like a bangle").
Overall, "Distortion To Static" is a powerful statement from The Roots, showcasing their unique blend of socially conscious lyrics and innovative musical arrangements.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, I'm every MC, it's all in me
I am a versatile MC who can adapt to any style.
That's the way it is, when ya gotta be
When it comes to being an MC, one must be adaptable.
Indeed as I distort I proceed, I need
As I continue with my unique style, I require more energy.
Gettin' hotter than sacks of boom, in my room at the Ramada
My rhymes are heating up and intense, like explosions that might occur in my hotel room.
Four tanks in your memory banks to fill up
My rhymes are complex and require your full attention to understand and remember.
I provide the static, with scratch to match, while you catch the vibe
I create the background noise, while you catch my rhythm.
Most can play high post, but yo that don't mean shit
Just because most MCs claim to be at the top doesn't mean they have real talent.
Because my click'll make a motherfucker sick
My crew can make anyone feel ill with our rhymes.
I flips, redder than pork, comin' to New York to mix
When I arrive in New York, I change things up with my intense style.
(It's Bob Powers) With the snares and kicks to fix
Bob Powers is with me to provide the beats with snares and kicks.
Rhythmically, you got ta be, static-why
One must hone their rhythm skills to be successful, and stick to their unique flow.
Magically I appear, spark a L and drink a beer
I magically appear, light a joint, and drink beer.
With air smooth, takin' niggas loot with dice
I'm cool, and I gamble and win against others.
Then shoot The Roots, poetic, courageously kinetic
My rhymes come out quickly and confidently.
Vagabond, versatile and various, plus rap styles
I can take on any style, and my rhymes are unique and distinct.
Of mine are blunt, pain is in the mind, so I'm fine and five
My rhymes are unforgiving and direct, the pain I feel is only in my mind, and I am not hindered by it.
Foot seven, inches in height
I am only five foot and seven inches tall.
My mission to strike mics and lighten your tights
I aim to amaze crowds and be their guilty pleasure.
Ridin' in, like lightning
I come in quickly, and my presence is immediately felt.
Fluorescent, incandescent, effervescently
My presence is bright and noticeable.
I represent, Foreign Objects and Ill Elements
I represent these groups.
Very relevant, plus intelligently managin' matter
My rhymes are current, relevant, and thoughtful.
That's makin' tracks fatter, revolve around
My music is becoming more popular, and other artists are starting to use similar rhythms and styles.
Saturn like rings and brings swings when I sings with bass
My music is out of this world and brings excitement to the crowd.
Then distort up in your face like mace
My unapologetic lyrics come right up to the microphone and confront the listener.
Bustin' your dreams, I gasp with loaded magazines
I put down other MCs and destroy their dreams with my superior rhyming.
I'm on the rap scene, re-color fellas like a vaccine
I am a force in the rap world and have the power to create changes.
As I, rocks from under blunderin' I'm not, lyrically
My presence in the rap game is solid and unyielding.
Ya get, shot, get caught so distort with thought, for real
If you are not careful, my rhymes can have a powerful effect on you.
It's the illest out the Phi, short for Philidelph-iada-fly
I am the best rapper to come out of Philly.
Money makin' move fakin' I isn't
I am not in the rap game for money-making and I stay true to myself.
niggas can nah front, I'm poetically exquisite
I am confident in my abilities and others cannot deny my talent.
Wicked, with the visit while you're wonderin' what is it
I surprise listeners with my unorthodox rhymes.
Dig it, yo, my mellow, um, what up for the night?
What are my friends up to tonight?
Like that y'all, and yo, I'm flowin', my part of the song
I am in my element and in the flow with this song.
It's goin, it's goin, it's gone
The song is coming to an end.
Now, go get your dictionary and your Pictionary
My rhymes are complex, and you might need to look up some of my references.
Cause much affliction with my diction friction slips and carries
My intense and distinct rhymes can have a challenging effect on the listener
Words and hers like some cattle in the steeple
My rhymes are like cattle in a church steeple, chaotic and unconventional.
People, there's no equal, or no sequel
No one can match me, and there will never be another like me.
SO policies, of equalities, get abolished
I disregard any notion of equality when it comes to my rhymes.
Demolished, distortion of the static's gettin' polished
I take the existing norms of rap and disrupt them with my unique style.
Urges of splurge and words will just be merged
I have an urge to free my thoughts through my rhymes.
Together, damn it's quite clever, however
My rhymes come together perfectly, although they may be unconventional.
You never, can sound alike, lyrics don't be poundin' like
No one can replicate my style, and their rhymes don't compare to mine.
These, troops, who be's, Roots
Referring to The Roots as a crew.
Insult ya, mellow of culture, rhythmical vulture
I am an insult to the established culture of rap music, but my rhymes are powerful and predatory.
Approach ya, with Magnetic shit that's Ultra
I approach the listener with powerful and unique rhymes.
I make MC's dangle like a bangle
My rhymes can leave other MCs feeling helpless and weak.
Strangle from every angle, my lingo hingles and it jangles
My rhymes have the power to dominate and leave others at a loss for words.
Under Kangols, nah them niggas don't want to tangle
Others don't want to challenge me and my crew.
'Cause Roots get loose, negroes get juiced like the mango
The Roots have the ability to get wild and crazy, and it excites their audience.
To be particular, extra-curricular, for pleasure
My rhymes are unique and unconventional, and convey my own enjoyment.
Measure, in any weather, value more than the treasure
The true value of my rhymes can't be measured in currency, and they remain valuable in all situations.
Baby, you say you maybe, then come in to flex
If you're unsure, then challenge me to a battle.
Now you wonder what's next
You might not know what's coming next from me and my rhymes.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ahmir K. Thompson, Leonard N. Hubbard, Malik Smart, Scott Spencer Storch, Tarik L. Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
jthscrdzo
[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Yo, I'm every MC, it's all in me
That's the way it is, the way it gotta be
Indeed as I distort, I proceed, indeed
Gettin' hotter than sacks of boom in my room at the Ramada
For tanks in your memory banks to fill up
I provide the static a scratch to match, while you catch the vibe
Most can play high-post, but yo, that don't mean shit
Because my clique will make a motherfucker sick
I flips, redder than pork, comin' to New York to mix
(It's Bob Power) With the snares and kicks to fix
Rhythmically, you got-ta be, static-y
Magically, I appear, spark a L and drink a beer
With Air Smooth, takin' niggas loot with dice
Then shoot, The Roots, poetic, courageously kinetic
Vagabonds, versatile and various
Trust rap styles of mine are blunt, pain is in the mind
So I'm fine and five-foot seven, inches in height
My mission to strike mics, enlightenin' tykes
Frightenin' like lightnin'
Fluorescent, incandescent, effervescently
I represent, Foreign Objects and Ill Elements
Very relevant, plus intelligently managin' matter
That's makin' tracks fatter
Revolve around Saturn like rings
And brings swings, when I stings with bass
Then distort up in your face like mace
Bustin' your dreams like gats with loaded magazines
I'm on the rap scene, repellin' fellas like a vaccine
As I, rocks from under, blunderin' I'm not
Lyrically, ya get shot, get caught, so distort with Thought, for real
It's the illest out the Phi, short for Philidelph-iada-fly
Money makin', move fakin', I isn't
Niggas cannot front, I'm poetically exquisite
Wicked, with the visit while you're wonderin', what is it?
Dig it, yo, my mellow, um, what up for the night?
Malik B., get on the mic, get on the mic like that, y'all
And yo, I'm flowin', my part of the song
It's goin', it's goin', it's gone
[Verse 2: Malik B]
Now, go get your dictionary and your Pictionary
'Cause much affliction with my diction friction slips and carries
Words and herds like some cattle in the steeple
People, there's no equal, or no sequel
So policies of equalities get abolished
Demolished, distortion of the static's gettin' polished
Urges of splurgin' words will just be merged together
Damn, it's quite clever, however
You never can sound alike, lyrics don't be poundin' like
These, troops, who be's, Roots
Insult ya, mellow by culture, rhythmatic vulture
Approach ya with Magnetic shit that's Ultra
I make MC's dangle like a bangle, strangle from every angle
My lingo jingles and it jangles under Kangols
Nahhh, them niggas don't wanna tangle
'Cause Roots get loose, negros get juiced like the mango
To be particular, extra-curricular, for pleasure
Measure, in any weather, value more than the treasure
Baby, you're sayin' maybe, then comin' to flex
Now you wonder what's next
Limits98
Lyrics
[Intro]
(Laughter)
[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Yo, I'm every MC, it's all in me
That's the way it is, the way it gotta be
Indeed as I distort, I proceed, indeed
Getting hotter than sacks of boom in my room at the Ramada
For tanks in your memory banks to fill up
I provide the static a scratch to match, while you catch the vibe
Most can play high-post, but yo, that don't mean shit
Because my clique will make a motherfucker sick
I flips, redder than pork, coming to New York to mix
(It's Bob Power) With the snares and kicks to fix
Rhythmically, you got-ta be, static-y
Magically, I appear, spark a L and drink a beer
With Air Smooth, taking niggas loot with dice
Then shoot, The Roots, poetic, courageously kinetic
Vagabonds, versatile and various
Trust rap styles of mine are blunt, pain is in the mind
So I'm fine and five-foot seven, inches in height
My mission to strike mics, enlightening tykes
Frightening like lightning
Fluorescent, incandescent, effervescently
I represent, Foreign Objects and Ill Elements
Very relevant, plus intelligently managing matter
That's making tracks fatter
Revolve around Saturn like rings
And brings swings, when I stings with bass
Then distort up in your face like mace
Busting your dreams like gats with loaded magazines
I'm on the rap scene, repelling fellas like a vaccine
As I, rocks from under, blundering I'm not
Lyrically, ya get shot, get caught, so distort with Thought, for real
It's the illest out the Phi, short for Philidelph-iada-fly
Money making, move faking, I isn't
Niggas cannot front, I'm poetically exquisite
Wicked, with the visit while you're wondering, what is it?
Dig it, yo, my mellow, um, what up for the night?
Malik B., get on the mic, get on the mic like that, y'all
And yo, I'm flowing, my part of the song
It's going, it's going, it's gone
[Hook]
(Laughter)
[Verse 2: Malik B]
Now, go get your dictionary and your Pictionary
Cause much affliction with my diction friction slips and carries
Words and herds like some cattle in the steeple
People, there's no equal, or no sequel
So policies of equalities get abolished
Demolished, distortion of the static's getting polished
Urges of splurging words will just be merged together
Damn, it's quite clever, however
You never can sound alike, lyrics don't be pounding like
These, troops, who be's, Roots
Insult ya, mellow by culture, rhythmatic vulture
Approach ya with Magnetic shit that's Ultra
I make MC's dangle like a bangle, strangle from every angle
My lingo jingles and it jangles under Kangols
Nahhh, them niggas don't wanna tangle
Cause Roots get loose, negros get juiced like the mango
To be particular, extra-curricular, for pleasure
Measure, in any weather, value more than the treasure
Baby, you're saying maybe, then coming to flex
Now you wonder what's next
[Outro]
(Laughter)
土井翔太
0:45
Yo,i'm every mc,it's all in me
0:48
That's the way it is,way it gotta be
0:51
Indeed as i distort i proceed,indeed
0:53
Gettin hotter than sacks of boom,in my room at the ramada
0:56
Four tanks in your memory banks to fill up
0:58
I provide the static and scratch to match,while you catch the vibe
1:02
Most can play high post,but yo that don't mean shit
Because my click'll make a mother//// sick
I flips,redder than pork,comin' to New York to mix
1:10
(It's Bob powers)With the snaresand kicks to fix
Rhythmically,You got ta be,static_way
1:15
Magically I appear,spark a L and drink a beer
With air smooth,takin'ni...s loot with dice
1:20
Then shoot The Roots,poetic courageously kinetic
Vagabond,versatile and various,
1:25
Trust rap styles
Of mines are blunt,pain is in the mind,
so I'm fine and five
Foot seven,inches in height
Rap Box
Dope! Classic!
WildfireWiffler44
RIP Malik B 🙏 One of his most iconic verses right here.
Fennec Fanatic
Yes he did but so did Black Thought.
WildfireWiffler44
Dakota Steinmeier What?
GHOSTlY VIEWS:BULLET PROOF TUXEDO
That’s,peace!
summer allthetime
So many of em
Stan Martin El
It’s hard to tell him and Black Thought apart…
Chancey H
This album was unreal. My top 5 of all time
Einherjar
Yep, this is my favorite album of them.
summer allthetime
Absolutely