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.
Do You Want More?!!!??!
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
MCs repent from sins, God's comin' again
Original (what?), visionary individual
Original (what?), visionary individual
I proceed, as I give ya what you need
Like I'm a medical doctor, watch the damage
I inflict properly, ain't nobody risin' on top of me
I be droppin' while plotting my mic, monopoly
Black Thought be me, I groove, baby
Or like Luther say, "Baby"
Would you get with this? Not even maybe
It's the Mister Gravy and shit
To explain what's goin' on inside my brain
You're scared, jealous
No analyst can maintain or handle this
Mind train, yo
I'm on some old snap a rapper neck shit
You know what I'm sayin'?
So niggas best get out of my path
Kid, I'm on point like a gat
The basket case, I waste MCs with rapture taste
Facing these leads to cats diminished
They be pullin' the mic out that ass when I get finished
Administrative assistant I'm not, yo, I'm the principal
Nigga, takin' shots, like I'm invincible
Figure me to be hardcore, my input cuts your jaw
For real, for short, do you want more?
Yo, Philly in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
South Philly in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
West Philly in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
North Philly in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
G-Town in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Mount Airy in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Oak Lane in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Logan in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Jersey in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Uptown in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Brooklyn in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Manhattan in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
The Boogie Down in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
L.I. in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Come on, Queens in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
DC in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
West Coast in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Down South in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
London in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Germany in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Tokyo in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Africa in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Puerto Rico in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Yeah, we in the house, y'all (do you want more?)
Come on
Do you want more?
Do you want more?
Do you want more?
Do you want more?
In "Do You Want More?!!!??!", Black Thought of The Roots delivers a boastful rap about his skills as an MC. He describes himself as an "original visionary individual" and boasts of inflicting damage on competitors with his mic skills. Throughout the song, he lets his flow build up in intensity, accusing his rivals of being scared or jealous, and promising to waste them with "rapture taste."
The backdrop to Black Thought's rhyming is a sample of Grant Green's funk-jazz jam "Sookie, Sookie," a 1969 instrumental track that has also been sampled by Beastie Boys, LL Cool J, and De La Soul. The Roots's version adds a layer of percussion and a horn section to the original track, giving it a more frenetic feel that matches Black Thought's frantic lyrical intensity.
The title of the song, "Do You Want More?!!!??!," is both an invocation and a challenge. The Roots were introducing themselves to a larger audience, having just released their debut album Organix the previous year. The song is an announcement that the band is here, and they have more to offer.
Line by Line Meaning
Well I'm a fly Philly nigga, finger on the trigga
I am a confident and savvy person from Philadelphia, not afraid to take action when needed.
MCs repent from sins, God's comin again
Rap artists should confess their wrongdoings because they believe that God will come for all of humanity.
Original (what?), visionary individual
I am unique and forward-thinking in my approach to music and life in general.
I proceed, as I give ya whatcha need
I am providing my audience with the entertainment and knowledge they crave as I continue to do my thing.
Like I'm a medical doctor, watch the damage
I am skilled at my craft like a surgeon, and my performance can be powerful enough to make an impact.
I inflict properly, ain't nobody risin on top of me
When I deliver my message, I do it well enough to prevent anyone else from having the upper hand over me.
I be droppin more plot in my mic monopoly
I am constantly creating and innovating, securing a foothold on the music scene with my unique style.
Got to be, got to be reality, Stevie Wonder see
I firmly believe in being honest and true, and even Stevie Wonder, who is blind, can recognize this fact.
Black Thought be me, I groove ba-by
I am Black Thought, and I have a natural flow and rhythm to my music.
Or I clue they say baby
If anyone is unable to comprehend what I am doing, then they are not paying enough attention.
Would you get with this? Not even maybe
My style is not for everyone, and some people are not able or willing to appreciate what I have to offer.
It's the mister gravy and shit
I am Mr. Gravy, with a smooth and flavorful flow that is unique to me.
To explain what's goin on inside my brain
I want to share with my audience what thoughts and ideas inspire my music and creativity.
You're scared, jealous
Some people may be intimidated or envious of me and my talent.
No analyst can maintain or handle this...
Even experts cannot fully comprehend or analyze the complexities of my creative process and music.
Mind train, yo
My thought process and creativity are like a train that is always moving forward and cannot be stopped.
I'm on some old snap a rapper neck shit
I am completely unapologetic about my aggressive and confrontational approach to rap music.
You know what I'm sayin?
Do you understand and agree with my message and style of rap music?
So niggaz best get out of my path
Anyone who tries to stand in my way or oppose me will quickly regret it.
Kid, I'm on point like a gat
I am fully focused and ready to take action, just like a gun that is ready to fire.
The basket case, I waste MCs with rapture taste
I am the one causing chaos and destruction, able to easily defeat other rappers and leave them in awe of my skill.
Facing these leads to cats diminished
Anyone who tries to challenge me or go against me will inevitably suffer losses and setbacks.
They be pullin the mic out that ass when I get finished
After I am done performing, other rappers will feel so defeated that they may try to escape by pulling the microphone out from their own behinds.
Administrative assistant I'm not, yo, I'm the principal
I am not a mere underling or assistant but rather the leader and head of this scene.
Nigga, takin shots, like I'm invincible
I am confident in my abilities and ready to take on anyone who tries to oppose me.
Figure me to be hardcore, my input cuts your jaw
My music is unapologetically hardcore and intense, able to leave listeners reeling from the impact of my words.
For real, for short, do you want more?!!!??!
In summary, do you want more of the honest, original, and skillful music that I am providing to you right now?
Yo, Philly in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Philadelphia is well represented by me and my music, and I am ready to give them even more of what they want.
South Philly in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The southern part of Philadelphia is also part of the scene and deserves to receive more exceptional music.
West Philly in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The western part of Philadelphia is also part of this scene and deserves to receive more exceptional music.
North Philly in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The northern section of Philadelphia is also part of this culture and deserves to receive more exceptional music.
G-Town in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Germantown, a neighborhood in Philadelphia, is also an essential part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
Mount Airy in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Mount Airy, another neighborhood in Philadelphia, is equally important to the scene and should receive more exceptional music.
Oaklane in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Ogontz, a section of Philadelphia often called Oak Lane, is also part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
Lodan in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Logan is another Philadelphia neighborhood that is part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
Jersey in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
New Jersey is also part of this scene and deserves to receive more exceptional music.
Uptown in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The uptown area of Philadelphia is also important to this culture and should receive more exceptional music.
Brooklyn in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Brooklyn, a borough of New York City, is also part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
Manhattan in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Manhattan, another borough of New York City, is equally important to the scene and should receive more exceptional music.
The Boogie Down in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The Bronx, often called the Boogie Down Bronx, is also part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
L.I. in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Long Island, another location on the East Coast, is also part of this culture and should receive more exceptional music.
Come on, Queens in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Queens, a borough of New York City, is also part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
DC in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Washington, D.C. is also part of this culture and should receive more exceptional music.
West Coast in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The West Coast of the United States is also part of this scene and should receive more exceptional music.
Down South in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
The southern part of the United States is also an essential part of this culture and should receive more exceptional music.
London in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
London is part of the global hip hop culture and deserves to receive more exceptional music.
Germany in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Germany is also part of this scene and deserves to receive more exceptional music.
Tokyo in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Tokyo, a city in Japan, is another location where hip hop culture is thriving and should receive more exceptional music.
Africa in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Africa is the birthplace of a lot of hip hop culture and should always receive exceptional music.
Puerto Rico in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
Puerto Rico, another country with a strong hip hop culture, also requires people to receive more exceptional music.
Yeah, we in the house y'all (Do you want more?)
We, as a hip hop community, are here and ready to provide even more exceptional music to our followers.
Come on
Let's go, and be part of this community that is always inspiring and innovative.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: Ahmir K. Thompson, Scott Spencer Storch, Tarik L. Collins
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
KhingOfSwordz 43
America whats up its ua man Khing i got another one of my weekly game How Well You Know Your Hip Hop? O have 3 question for yaw this week...
Question1 - What 3 members of the Roots went solo.....?
Question 2 - Name a featured artist on any Roots album?
Question 3 - What was Quest Love other Name ?
Question 4 - Name any member of The Roots?.
I have 4 hints
Hint 1 - one goes by M- illtant and the other one from Logan & goes by god father of noise.
Hint. 2 - Quest in the begining known as .....
Hint 3 - Think of all the roots album name a featured artist ( Easy)....
Hint 4 - i give you one....Keyboardist Kamal McKeen.
Todd Dowey
"To explain; what's goin' on inside my brain is scandalous.
No analyst can maintain or handle this."
The Roots Crew own at least 4 of my favorite rap lines of all time and this is one of them.
Another is "corrupt like a president,
never benevolent but poetically prevalent,
cooler than peppermint"
Robert Johnson
I know what you mean.got a few myself i love
" i put tanks in your memory banks to fill up"
"Im complex, confusing....lyrically amusing"
Vincent Davis
The four people who gave this a thumbs-down should never be allowed to talk about hip-hop again.
George Nicholson
What YOU gonna Do wit that bagpipe?????
Live to Manifest
order in the court. i second that motion
Madu Nwagbo
I think they changed their minds
PHILLY MAMBA
This CD is a bonafide classic. Philly Roots baby
Musa Johnathan
Instablaster
Let's Get Lit
Legends
Ndea Monk
Lord knows bruh