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.
Double Trouble
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Either stand tall, just sit the fuck down
All the way from the 2-1-5th to Bucktown
Brace yourself, it's about to go down
Runnin' one on one and only hip-hop bound
Yo Tariq (whassup?) How your micraphone sound?
(It sound tight) well aight, show 'em what it's about
We double (trouble) bubble (bubble) bubble (bubblin' hot)
Well it's like smack the track up and leave dents in it
The vocalist, bustin' this blunt, instrument spit
The magnificent, rapper's run from it
All fly girls, nipples and toes, numb from it
MC's in my circumference is confronted son
Get your growth stunted from this, you don't want it
(What nigga?) The Black Thought and M-O-S Def done it
Who the ultimate? Yo my man speak upon it
Aiyyo I stop fools and drop jewels but never run it
Rock mics so nice I make you stock price plummet
All you high noon riders better rally at the summit
It's me and Tariq and your fleet outnumbered
Cross the membrane barkin' big game and get hunted
Eyewitness account, say it happened so sudden
Just slid off to the side, didn't really say nuttin'
Then BLAOW, blew away the 1900th
You better get your rest 'cause the next day comin'
Oh yes, and MC's they scared to say sum'tin'
Stop frontin', I'm in the cut just onlookin'
Your get your kings, your rooks, rings and pawns tooken
Aiyyo, keep your tape rollin' so you catch every bar
of the Black Thought and the black man from Black Star
Illadelph and Vietnam we conference, accomplish
Even with stakes inclined, I get mine, regardless
Yo, a lot of Smurfette MC's carry purses
And rock, uniforms, that's made for nurses
I burst your verses, your words is worthless
Only touchin' surface, the fuck's the purpose?
I shot the Sherriff, the deputy, and head of bank treasury
So mounties in the county got a BIG bounty stressin' me
But tell 'em to hold off, they too short to measure me
Mos and Black Thought blast forth with the weaponry
Like blaow-ba-dow-da-da-dow-da-dah-ow
Either stand tall or sit the fuck down
All the way from the 2-1-5th to Bucktown
Brace yourself, it's about to go down
Yo Tariq (whassup?) How your microphone sound?
(It sound tight) well aight, show 'em what it's about
We got to blow up the spot because they must have forget
We double (trouble) bubble (bubble) bubble (bubblin' hot)
now check your stovetop before you take a listen
And make sure beans don't burn in the kitchen
These gassed-up niggaz just ain't fuel-efficient
I play the winter breeze to chokehold your piston
(eh-eh-eh-eh) Now you niggaz can't make pole position
Class E chassis can't hold the transmission
Crew pit, useless, they got they tools missin',
Watch me, grand prix, champy for wealth driven
Yo, you go one for my hustle (hustle)
Two to rock rhyme (two to rock rhyme)
From the muscle kid I'm one of the illets of all time
I swing from chandeliers and wall climb
And specialize in warfares of all kind
A lot of MC's said I'm a run it down rhyme
But half the time, they run it down one of mine
Thought suffocatin' 'em with yet another stunnin' line
You dumb and blind kid, it's enlarged and underlined
What I memorized leave your whole staff pressurized
Melt down all of your artificial lies
Y'all niggaz is faker than Yellow No. 5
Swine like mono and diglyceride
My vocals got texture, you just texturized
I'm nicer than your writtens even when I'm improvised
Step into my zone get flown like fly
by the b-boy Lazarus who just won't die
Yo, me and Kamal and Leanord Hubbard, ?uestlove and Malik
We go back to dollar hoagies and Tahitian Treat
Or like toast in the oven with government cheese bubblin'
Me and Dante like Marvin, The Troublemen travellin'
Give me the mic, we on that again
b-boy business, off the top actin and battlin'
Servin' them cats that forgot
But don't get too close, because you might get shot
Like blaow-ba-dow-da-da-dow-da-dah-ow
Either stand tall or sit the fuck down
All the way from the 2-1-5th to Bucktown
Brace yourself, it's about to go down
Yo Tariq (whassup?) How your microphone sound?
(It sound tight) well aight, show 'em what it's about
We 'bout to blow up the spot because y'all must have forget
We double (trouble) bubble (bubble) bubble (bubblin' hot)
We go blaow-ba-dow-da-da-dow-da-dah-ow
Either stand tall or sit the fuck down
All the way from the 2-1-5th to Bucktown
Went from Do You Want More?!??!! to what you want now?
Yo Tariq (whatup?) How your microphone sound?
(It sound tight) well aight, show 'em what it's about
We bout to blow up the spot because y'all must have forget
We double (trouble) bubble (bubble) bubble (bubblin' hot)
Say here's a little story that must be told
About two young brothers who got so much soul
They takin' total control, of the body and brain
Flyin'' high in the sky, on a lyrical plane
It's just two bad brothers who will never quit
Mos Def and Tariq from the 2-1-5th
They rock beginnin' to end, on a spiritual blend
And everybody who forgot then baby tell 'em again
It's just me and Tariq, with Ahmir on the beat
The Roots crew baby yo we got to make it unique
We got the soul-shockinest, body-rockinest
Non-stoppinest, Fortified Live survive the apocalypse
Rhymes we say, the perfect blend
Because we know how to rock when the beat come in
Like zen-zen-zen-zen-zen
Zen-zen-zen-zen-zen, zen-zen, zen-zen
Zen zen-zen, zen zen zen zen zen zen
Zen zen, zen zen zen-zen
Zen-zen-zen, ZEN zen zen zen
Here we go, here we here we here we go
Zen zen-zen, zen zen zen zen zen zen
Zen zen, zen zen zen-zen
Zen-zen-zen-zen-zen, zen-zen, zen-zen
Let the poppers pop, and the breakers break
Then zen-zen-zen-zen-zen
Zen-zen-zen-zen-zen, zen-zen, zen-zen
Two years ago, a friend of mine
Zen zen, zen zen, zen-zen zen-zen
Zen zen zen, zen-zen zen-zen and these are the zen
The Roots' song "Double Trouble" is a high-energy, boastful track that weaves intricate flows from MCs Black Thought and Mos Def over a funky, horn-laden beat. The overall message of the song is one of strength and confidence, with Black Thought and Mos Def essentially daring anyone to try to step to them lyrically. The chorus reinforces this attitude, repeating the phrase "Double (trouble) bubble (bubble) bubble (bubblin' hot)," with "double trouble" serving as a nickname for the duo.
While the verses of the song are largely made up of complex wordplay and references to hip-hop culture, there are a few key lines that stand out as particularly memorable. For example, Black Thought boasts that he "shot the Sheriff, the Deputy, and head of bank treasury," while Mos Def raps that he specializes in "warfares of all kind." These lines contribute to the song's overall tone of bravado and aggression.
Overall, "Double Trouble" is a classic example of The Roots' signature style, blending complex rhymes with live instrumentation to create a sound that is both intellectual and engaging. With its hard-hitting beat and confident lyrics, the song serves as a reminder of The Roots' status as one of the most innovative and respected acts in hip-hop.
Line by Line Meaning
We go wow, ba-da-da-dow-da-dah-ow
We are excited and ready to make an impact
Either stand tall, just sit the fuck down
You can either face the challenge head-on or step aside
All the way from the 2-1-5th to Bucktown
From Philadelphia to Bucktown, we are representing our respective hometowns
Brace yourself, it's about to go down
Get ready for something big to happen
Runnin' one on one and only hip-hop bound
We are focused on the true essence of hip-hop
Yo Tariq (whassup?) How your micraphone sound?
Tariq, how is your microphone sounding?
(It sound tight) well aight, show 'em what it's about
Great, now show everyone your skills
We got to blow up the spot, because they must have forget
We need to make a statement because they seem to have forgotten
We double (trouble) bubble (bubble) bubble (bubblin' hot)
We are bringing twice the trouble and heat
Well it's like smack the track up and leave dents in it
We are attacking the beat and leaving an undeniable impact
The vocalist, bustin' this blunt, instrument spit
We are rapping with a sharp and powerful delivery
The magnificent, rapper's run from it
Other rappers are intimidated by our greatness
All fly girls, nipples and toes, numb from it
Our music affects the sensual sensations of attractive women
MC's in my circumference is confronted son
Other MCs in my vicinity are challenged by my presence
Get your growth stunted from this, you don't want it
You will be limited in your progress if you can't handle this
(What nigga?) The Black Thought and M-O-S Def done it
It was achieved by the talented Black Thought and M-O-S Def
Who the ultimate? Yo my man speak upon it
Who is the best? Let my colleague testify
Aiyyo I stop fools and drop jewels but never run it
I enlighten people with wisdom while maintaining control
Rock mics so nice I make you stock price plummet
My performances are so impressive that your value will decrease
All you high noon riders better rally at the summit
If you claim to be the best, prove it at the top
It's me and Tariq and your fleet outnumbered
Tariq and I are outnumbered, but that won't stop us
Cross the membrane barkin' big game and get hunted
If you talk a big game, be prepared to face the consequences
Eyewitness account, say it happened so sudden
Witnesses will attest that our success was unexpected
Just slid off to the side, didn't really say nuttin'
We quietly prepared ourselves without making a fuss
Then BLAOW, blew away the 1900th
And then, we made a huge impact in the rap scene
You better get your rest 'cause the next day comin'
Prepare yourself because there is more to come
Oh yes, and MC's they scared to say sum'tin'
Other MCs are afraid to speak up
Stop frontin', I'm in the cut just onlookin'
Stop pretending, I'm observing from a distance
Your get your kings, your rooks, rings and pawns tooken
Your supposed powerful figures will be taken down
Aiyyo, keep your tape rollin' so you catch every bar
Record everything to appreciate the depth of our lyrics
of the Black Thought and the black man from Black Star
Black Thought and Mos Def representing their roots
Illadelph and Vietnam we conference, accomplish
We come together from Illadelph (Philadelphia) and Vietnam to achieve great things
Even with stakes inclined, I get mine, regardless
Despite the challenges, I will achieve success
Yo, a lot of Smurfette MC's carry purses
Many mediocre rappers lack authenticity
And rock, uniforms, that's made for nurses
They wear outfits that are not fitting for their profession
I burst your verses, your words is worthless
I expose the flaws in your lyrics, rendering them ineffective
Only touchin' surface, the fuck's the purpose?
You're only scratching the surface, what is your intention?
I shot the Sherriff, the deputy, and head of bank treasury
I metaphorically dismantle those in power
So mounties in the county got a BIG bounty stressin' me
Authorities are eager to capture me
But tell 'em to hold off, they too short to measure me
They are not capable of understanding my greatness
Mos and Black Thought blast forth with the weaponry
Mos Def and Black Thought come together with their skills
now check your stovetop before you take a listen
Make sure your situation is stable before you hear our music
And make sure beans don't burn in the kitchen
Don't neglect your responsibilities while indulging in our music
These gassed-up niggaz just ain't fuel-efficient
These overhyped individuals are not sustainable
I play the winter breeze to chokehold your piston
I use my words to disrupt your flow
(eh-eh-eh-eh) Now you niggaz can't make pole position
You can't achieve the top spot anymore
Class E chassis can't hold the transmission
Your mediocre skills cannot handle the message
Crew pit, useless, they got they tools missin'
Other crews are ineffective because they lack the necessary tools
Watch me, grand prix, champy for wealth driven
Witness my success as I race toward wealth
Yo, you go one for my hustle
You appreciate my hard work
Two to rock rhyme
And two for the art of rhyming
From the muscle kid I'm one of the illets of all time
I am one of the greatest of all time
I swing from chandeliers and wall climb
I perform with great agility and skill
And specialize in warfares of all kind
I excel in various types of battles
A lot of MC's said I'm a run it down rhyme
Many MCs claim I am the best
But half the time, they run it down one of mine
But most of the time, they are referring to my lyrics
Thought suffocatin' 'em with yet another stunnin' line
My impressive lines leave them breathless
You dumb and blind kid, it's enlarged and underlined
You are unaware of the true magnitude and significance
What I memorized leave your whole staff pressurized
My memorized lyrics intimidate your entire team
Melt down all of your artificial lies
Expose and destroy all of your fake stories
Y'all niggaz is faker than Yellow No. 5
You are more artificial than food coloring
Swine like mono and diglyceride
Your actions resemble unhealthy food additives
My vocals got texture, you just texturized
My voice has depth, while yours lacks substance
I'm nicer than your writtens even when I'm improvised
My freestyle skills surpass your written material
Step into my zone get flown like fly
Enter my domain and be overwhelmed
by the b-boy Lazarus who just won't die
By the resilient b-boy Lazarus who continues to thrive
Yo, me and Kamal and Leanord Hubbard, ?uestlove and Malik
Myself, Kamal, Leanord Hubbard, ?uestlove, and Malik
We go back to dollar hoagies and Tahitian Treat
We have a long history together, dating back to our humble beginnings
Or like toast in the oven with government cheese bubblin'
We have risen to success from humble beginnings
Me and Dante like Marvin, The Troublemen travellin'
Dante and I, like Marvin Gaye, are troubleshooters on a journey
Give me the mic, we on that again
Hand me the microphone, we are back at it again
b-boy business, off the top actin and battlin'
Engaging in true b-boy activities, freestyling and battling
Servin' them cats that forgot
We are reminding those who have forgotten
But don't get too close, because you might get shot
Be cautious, as you may face consequences if you cross us
Say here's a little story that must be told
Let me share an important story
About two young brothers who got so much soul
About two talented individuals with a lot of passion
They takin' total control, of the body and brain
They have complete dominance over their artistry
Flyin'' high in the sky, on a lyrical plane
Reaching great heights with their poetic skills
It's just two bad brothers who will never quit
They are two determined individuals who never give up
Mos Def and Tariq from the 2-1-5th
Mos Def and Tariq from Philadelphia
They rock beginnin' to end, on a spiritual blend
They bring a powerful and soulful experience from start to finish
And everybody who forgot then baby tell 'em again
Remind everyone who may have forgotten their greatness
It's just me and Tariq, with Ahmir on the beat
It's just Black Thought and Tariq, with Ahmir on production
The Roots crew baby yo we got to make it unique
The Roots crew is here to make a distinct mark
We got the soul-shockinest, body-rockinest
We bring the most soulful and energetic performances
Non-stoppinest, Fortified Live survive the apocalypse
We continue to thrive and entertain even in difficult times
Rhymes we say, the perfect blend
Our lyrics are a perfect mixture
Because we know how to rock when the beat come in
We know how to deliver our best when the music starts
Let the poppers pop, and the breakers break
Allow the dancers to do their thing
Then zen-zen-zen-zen-zen
Then we will enter a state of pure focus and skill
Two years ago, a friend of mine
Two years ago, I had a friend
Zen zen, zen zen, zen-zen zen-zen
In a state of pure focus
Zen zen zen, zen-zen zen-zen
In a state of pure focus
and these are the zen
These are the moments of pure focus
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Peermusic Publishing
Written by: Tarik L Collins, James Gray, Leonard Hubbard, James Jason Poyser, Dante Smith, Ahmir K Thompson
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Mike Ball
on Proceed V (Da Beatminerz remix)
So after purchasing “Do You Want More” the day it dropped, my guy the upped me from jump (pass the popcorn obvi) found this join on a European release and pressed play…the rest is history. But there in lies my question…what IS the history, the story on how, where, when, this was created? I need to know for context. Drop a link if there is one out there PLEASE! V 5 is a masterpiece!