Essaywhuman
The Roots Lyrics
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Keys check 1-2
Drums check 1-2
Its the roots,
Now what we want y'all to do is sit back y'all, and just relax y'all,
Sit back y'all, and just relax y'all,
Sit back y'all, and just relax y'all,
And if you dig it let me hear your mega snap y'all,
Lenoard Hubbard y'all he's on the bass right,
y'all, he's on the drums right,
Now who I am
(beat box)
Black thought.
(beat box)
Everybody say the name of this jam y'all
[Chorus]
Essaywhuman, essaywhuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman,
Essaywhuman, essaywhuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman,
Essay whuman,essay whuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman
Essay whuman,essay whuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman
I'm the
(beat box)
Rhyme displayer.
The vocal
(beatbox)
Player.
(beatbox)
I won't chill,
(beatbox)
So show us some freakin skill.
Now, wait a sec,
You got a
(beatbox)
Rep.
So, the jam,
The name of this jam,
[Chorus]
We got to blah, bring it on,
Steve cole is, on the horn.
In case you thought my guard was caught,
My name is
(beatbox)
Black thought.
I'm from the...roots clan,
Say common is my
(beatbox)
Man.
We got to
(beatbox)
Rock the jam!
[Chorus]
Be-doop get a taste,
Of leonard, bang! hubb on the base.
He, plays it sweet,
He doesnt boom, don't lose the beat.
Your words you heard just what I said.
So leonard's freakin' with my head,
But yo he's boom, bang still my man.
Rockin' the
(beatbox)
The name of this jam
[Chorus]
The song "Essaywhuman?!!!?!" by The Roots is a funky, upbeat track that is an ode to their own skills and abilities. The lyrics start with a call and response, as each member of the band checks their instruments before bringing in the beat. They then instruct the listener to sit back and relax before launching into their rhymes. Black Thought, the lead vocalist, introduces himself and his talent as a "rhyme displayer" and "vocal player," challenging others to "show us some freakin skill." The band then brings in some guest musicians and continues to rock the jam.
The lyrics are delivered with a playful and confident attitude, with the band members taking turns showing off their skills. They reference their own reputation as part of the "roots clan," and mention collaborating with other artists like Steve Cole and Common. Throughout the song, the band is clearly having fun and enjoying the groove, inviting the listener to join in the fun with the repeated chorus "essaywhuman, essaywhuman."
Line by Line Meaning
Bass check 1-2
Let's make sure the bass is working properly, let's test it.
Keys check 1-2
Let's make sure the keys are working properly, let's test it.
Drums check 1-2
Let's make sure the drums are working properly, let's test it.
Its the roots,
The Roots are here, ready to perform.
Now what we want y'all to do is sit back y'all, and just relax y'all,
We want the audience to sit back and relax, and enjoy the show.
And if you dig it let me hear your mega snap y'all,
If you're enjoying the performance, show it by snapping your fingers loudly.
Gods thought y'all, he on the keys right,
The musician called Gods Thought is playing the keyboard right now.
Lenoard Hubbard y'all he's on the bass right,
The musician named Lenoard Hubbard is playing the bass right now.
y'all, he's on the drums right,
Lenoard Hubbard is also the drummer for this performance.
Now who I am
I am about to introduce myself.
(beat box)
A beatbox sound effect.
Black thought.
The performer's name is Black Thought.
Everybody say the name of this jam y'all
The audience is asked to say the name of the song they are about to hear.
Essaywhuman, essaywhuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman,
The name of the song is "Essaywhuman?!?"
I'm the
Black Thought is about to describe himself.
(beat box)
Another beatbox sound effect.
Rhyme displayer.
Black Thought is a rapper, displaying his lyrical abilities.
The vocal
Black Thought is a vocalist.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
I won't chill,
Black Thought is ready to perform energetically.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
So show us some freakin skill.
Black Thought is calling on the other musicians to show off their skills.
Now, wait a sec,
Wait just a moment.
You got a
Referring to another musician.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
Rep.
This musician has a reputation for being talented.
So, the jam,
The song being performed right now.
The name of this jam,
The song being performed is called "Essaywhuman?!?"
We got to blah, bring it on,
We have to bring our best performance tonight.
Steve cole is, on the horn.
The musician Steve Cole is playing the saxophone.
In case you thought my guard was caught,
Just in case you think I'm not paying attention.
My name is
Introducing himself again.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
Black thought.
Repeating his name.
I'm from the...roots clan,
Black Thought is part of The Roots collective.
Say common is my
Referencing another artist.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
Man.
Common is someone Black Thought admires.
We got to
We need to.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
Rock the jam!
Let's give a great performance!
Be-doop get a taste,
Another sound effect, leading into a description of the bassist's playing.
Of leonard, bang! hubb on the base.
Mentioning the bassist's name, saying that he plays forcefully.
He, plays it sweet,
Suggesting that while the bass can be forceful, it is also played melodically.
He doesnt boom, don't lose the beat.
The bassist is able to play melodically without losing the rhythm.
Your words you heard just what I said.
The audience should be listening closely to what is being said.
So leonard's freakin' with my head,
The bassist is playing so well that Black Thought is impressed.
But yo he's boom, bang still my man.
Despite being impressed, Leonard is still part of the collective and a friend.
Rockin' the
Performing the music.
(beatbox)
Another beatbox sound effect.
The name of this jam
Referring to the song being performed, "Essaywhuman?!?"
Essaywhuman, essaywhuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman,
Repeating the name of the song.
Essaywhuman, essaywhuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman,
Continuing to repeat the name of the song.
Essay whuman,essay whuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman
Continuing to repeat the name of the song.
Essay whuman,essay whuman, essaywh-uman, essay whuman
Continuing to repeat the name of the song.
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, TARIK L. COLLINS, LEONARD N. HUBBARD, STEVE COLEMAN, JOSH ABRAMS, SCOTT SPENCER STORCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
atamagashock
still one of my favorite rap albums all-time. still have my original cassette i got when this album came out
Rashaan Butler
I really love this track. It was different than most of "Do You Want More?!!!??!". While the other tracks on this album were mellow and made you want to relax (not to mention being tight as all get out), this one just makes me want to bounce off the walls and shit.
Joshua Warren
The infusion of Jazz & rap incredible!!!!!
flipazn65
the roots is the only hip hop band that can have their lead jus say a bunch of gibberish and still make it freakin' awesome
Julian Kantor
I had the privilege of playing under the direction of Steve Coleman a couple times in high school. Always loved this song, when the chorus hits 🔥🔥🔥
Polydectus
This used to be the song that we would test our highs and lows in our car audio systems.
Boba Te
This is what I've been missing. I can't get enough of the Roots!
noeffin weigh
Pure musical passion and talent.
Artie Denman
This is truly the most amazing thing I have ever heard.
sbusiso mtimkulu
Still gives me chills