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.
I Can't Help It
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I, I, I can't help it, I, I, I can't help it,
I can't help it, I can't help, I can't help it, I can't help it
I, I, I, I can't help it, I, I, I can't help it,
I can't help it, I can't help it, I can't help it, I can't help it
[Malik B]
Live with it, thats how I survive with it,
Connive with it, depart and arrive with it,
Harsh thrive thats why its part I with it
I did it, make rhymes in 5 minutes,
Mind of a dentist, crimes of the diminished,
Press rewind see what you find in my image,
Take you nigga's back to that line of a scrimmage,
Riq you know we pull a freak with the flow,
Talks cheap thats why we speak with the dough,
Ill techniques sure I'm sleek with the flow,
Its cold outside niggas sleep with the snow,
I tweak in the low tone,freak when the o-zone,
I can't help hiding my seat oh its so known,
I only do what got to because its possible,
And climbing over whatevers known as an obstacle.
[Chorus]
(Black Thought)
I can't help it, maybe I'm selfish,
Maybe the way I'm running is becoming a hell freeze,
All I can see is smoke from tortoise shells that sell shit
50's I feel like I'm making a sales pitch,
My head already so heavy its making the scales tip,
I got my own pressure and got everyones elses,
I'm rehabilitating and still feeling rebellious,
Candidate of heart failure more pills than Elvis,
In a layer cake, half chocolate half velvet,
I'm listening to some howe Melvin,
I got so many options theres so many toxins yo,
Didn't really tell what we killing ourselves with,
I lit a cigarette and then held it,
I'm thinking of some rhymes more illa than a threatin' illment,
I'm on some bomb threat in the mail shit,
Because of all things I dealt with, nigga I can't help it
[Chorus]
[Porn]
I never said I'm ready to die, but I accept it,
Never said I"m ready for war, but I'm protected,
I don't even know when its coming but I expect it,
Lost thoughts innocent hopes an now I'm left with
Nervous conditions, addictions, in addition
To prisons that mixed in to the wrong crowd,
My life is on a flight that going down,
My mother had an abortion for the wrong child,
With the time I felt loved, thats gone now,
Thats replaced with purples rays some storm clouds,
Misery love Misery, so why make friends lets make enemies,
An now I got a habit thats wasn't meant for me,
Now I'm in a marriage that wasn't meant to be,
One more reason to change identity,
The cars, the crime, K's, penalties.
[Chorus]
I can't help it, I Can't help it
I can't help it, I Can't help it
I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I can't help it, I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I can't help it, I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I can't help it
I can't help it
I can't help it
I can't help it
I can't help it, I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I can't help it, I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I can't help it, I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I can't help it, I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
I, I, I, I, I can't help it
The chorus speaks to the idea of feeling trapped and unable to control certain aspects of one's life. Each verse builds on this theme with different examples of this feeling. Malik B speaks to the struggle of living with something that is difficult to manage or cope with and feeling as though it is a part of his identity. He also acknowledges the importance of money in his life but recognizes that it can sometimes drive people to do questionable things. Black Thought references his own struggles with mental health and addiction, feeling overwhelmed by the pressures of life and the toxicity of certain environments. Porn touches on themes of regret and feeling stuck in patterns of behavior that lead to negative consequences, regardless of his desire to change.
Overall, the song speaks to the human experience of feeling out of control and overwhelmed by external forces. It also touches on themes of identity, societal pressure, and the consequences of our actions.
Line by Line Meaning
I, I, I can't help it, I, I, I can't help it,
I can't help it, I can't help, I can't help it, I can't help it
I am unable to stop myself from doing something, no matter how hard I try. It is beyond my control and I cannot resist.
Live with it, thats how I survive with it,
I have learned to accept and endure my circumstances, because it is the only way to make it through life.
Talk jive with, you take dive with it,
I communicate and connect with others who understand my struggles and experiences, and we support each other through difficult times.
Connive with it, depart and arrive with it,
I am constantly scheming and strategizing to make the most of my situation, and I try to minimize the negative effects of my struggles when going places.
Harsh thrive thats why its part I with it
I have survived and thrived in harsh conditions, which has become a part of who I am and how I view the world.
I did it, make rhymes in 5 minutes,
I have honed my craft to the point where I can create music quickly and effortlessly.
Mind of a dentist, crimes of the diminished,
I possess the precision and attention to detail of a dentist, but have been forced into a life of crime and poverty.
Press rewind see what you find in my image,
If you look back at my past, you will understand the choices I have made and the struggles I have faced that have shaped who I am now.
Take you nigga's back to that line of a scrimmage,
I am reminding others of where we started, and how far we have come, and that we still have a long way to go.
Riq you know we pull a freak with the flow,
We are skilled and unique in our musical style and performance.
Talks cheap thats why we speak with the dough,
We prove our worth and value through our financial success and the income we generate from our music.
Ill techniques sure I'm sleek with the flow,
I have mastered my technique and delivery, and can perform with ease and confidence.
Its cold outside niggas sleep with the snow,
We are accustomed to and have adapted to the harsh realities and difficulties of our environment.
I tweak in the low tone,freak when the o-zone,
I adjust my sound and delivery based on the mood and style of the music, and can switch between different styles with ease.
I can't help hiding my seat oh its so known,
It is obvious and well-known that I have had to conceal myself and my identity for safety and protection.
I only do what got to because its possible,
I do not have the luxury of choice, and must do what I can to survive and make progress in my situation.
And climbing over whatevers known as an obstacle.
I am constantly faced with challenges and difficulties, but I persist and work to overcome them to achieve my goals.
I can't help it, maybe I'm selfish,
I may be acting out of selfishness, but I am unable to control my actions or behavior.
Maybe the way I'm running is becoming a hell freeze,
My actions and behavior may be leading me down a dangerous or destructive path that will result in negative consequences.
All I can see is smoke from tortoise shells that sell shit
I am surrounded by and affected by the consequences of drug dealing and addiction in my community.
50's I feel like I'm making a sales pitch,
Even when interacting with friends and acquaintances, I feel like I am constantly selling and pushing my product in order to make money and survive.
My head already so heavy its making the scales tip,
I am under immense pressure and stress, which is causing me to feel overwhelmed and out of control.
I got my own pressure and got everyones elses,
I am responsible for my own struggles and difficulties, but also feel the weight of those around me who are also struggling.
I'm rehabilitating and still feeling rebellious,
I am working to better myself and overcome my struggles, but still feel a sense of defiance and rebellion against societal expectations and norms.
Candidate of heart failure more pills than Elvis,
I am at risk of serious health issues and addiction due to my excessive pill use.
In a layer cake, half chocolate half velvet,
My life is a combination of both pleasure and pain, and both aspects are intertwined and inseparable.
I'm listening to some howe Melvin,
I am finding solace and comfort in music, and using it as a means of escape and distraction from my struggles.
I got so many options theres so many toxins yo,
I have many choices and opportunities, but many of them are harmful or dangerous to my well-being and survival.
Didn't really tell what we killing ourselves with,
It is difficult to determine exactly what is causing our harm and struggles, and what needs to be done in order to overcome them.
I lit a cigarette and then held it,
I am using smoking as a coping mechanism and distraction from my struggles.
I'm thinking of some rhymes more illa than a threatin' illment,
I am constantly thinking of ways to improve my music and elevate my skills, even in the midst of my struggles and challenges.
I'm on some bomb threat in the mail shit,
I am on guard and prepared for any potential dangers or threats that may come my way.
Because of all things I dealt with, nigga I can't help it
I am unable to control my actions and behavior due to the multitude of struggles and challenges I have faced and continue to face.
I never said I'm ready to die, but I accept it,
Although I do not wish to die, I have come to accept the possibility and reality of my own mortality.
Never said I'm ready for war, but I'm protected,
I do not seek out conflict or violence, but I am prepared and capable of defending and protecting myself.
I don't even know when its coming but I expect it,
I am always on guard and anticipating potential threats or dangers, even when I don't know where they may come from or when they may arise.
Lost thoughts innocent hopes an now I'm left with
I have lost my innocence and hopeful outlook, and am left with only negative and pessimistic thoughts and feelings.
Nervous conditions, addictions, in addition
I am dealing with both mental and physical health issues and dependencies, in addition to my other struggles and challenges.
To prisons that mixed in to the wrong crowd,
I have become entangled in a cycle of imprisonment and surrounding myself with people who contribute to my struggles and challenges.
My life is on a flight that going down,
My life feels like it is spiraling out of control and heading towards disaster or failure.
My mother had an abortion for the wrong child,
My family and upbringing have contributed to my struggles and difficulties, and I have been dealt an unfair hand in life.
With the time I felt loved, thats gone now,
There was a time when I felt loved and cared for, but that feeling has faded and disappeared as I have continued to struggle and face challenges.
Thats replaced with purples rays some storm clouds,
My life is now filled with pain, suffering, and negativity, and there seems to be no end in sight.
Misery love Misery, so why make friends lets make enemies,
It seems that we are drawn to and attract negativity and conflict, and instead of making friends, we often end up making enemies.
An now I got a habit thats wasn't meant for me,
I have developed a harmful habit or addiction that is damaging to my well-being and survival.
Now I'm in a marriage that wasn't meant to be,
My current situation, whether metaphorical or literal, is not ideal or desirable, and I am not in a place where I am happy or fulfilled.
One more reason to change identity,
I am considering making a major change in my life, possibly by reinventing myself or starting anew in order to overcome my struggles.
The cars, the crime, K's, penalties.
My life is surrounded by and affected by criminal activity and the consequences that come with it, including incarceration and violence.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Tarik L. Collins, Malik Smart, Ahmir K. Thompson, Richard Nichols, Karl B. Jenkins, Greg Spearman, Pedro Martinez
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Iszy Mahniggiy
Lyrics
[Hook: Truck North]
Monday they predict the storm
Tuesday they predict the bang
Wednesday they cover the crash
And I can see it's all about cash
And they got the nerve to hunt down my ass
And treat me like a criminal
[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Look, it is what it is because of what it was
I did what I did cause it does what it does
I don't put nothing above what I am, what I love
My family, my blood, my city and my hood
Hater for the greater good, I'm back from Hollywood
And I ain't changed a lick though I know I probably should
But what I'm doing is not a good look
I never did it by the good book as a lifetime crook
All the petty crime took a toll on me
I look around at my homies that's getting old on me
But still something gotta hold on me
Maybe it's fate
If it's coming, yo I'm willing to wait
I'm not running, I done ran through the muck
I done scrambled and such
I done robbed an odd jobbed and gambled enough
Until I'm put up in handcuffs and pissing in a cup
If there's a God, I don't know if he listening or what
[Hook]
[Verse 2: Truck North]
Yeah, it is what it is
And that's how it go
Get treated like a criminal if crime is all you know
Get greeted like a nigga if a nigga's all you show
A public enemy that's in the eye of the scope
My city like a island where you can't find a boat
Have you wishing for a raft
And praying that hope floats
Some real ethnic cleansing going down no soap
Who looking for a chair and some real strong rope
Just to end it all here
Screaming "fuck the mayor"
He see the faces at the bottom of the well clear
They act like I'm something to fear
Trapped in urban warfare
And putting triggers ahead a college career
Can't ignore the call of the wild
That's drawing them near
Try to make fast money last long some years
Try to laugh it off
Still couldn't lose the tears
To the rules, I will not adhere
Break the law, yeah
[Hook]
[Verse 3: Saigon]
Who want to challenge mine?
I'm sick of St. Valentine
I did the violent crimes
That's why I got this style of rhyme
Seek repentance to spitting them sentences that's senseless
Experience is the difference, you can't convince this
In a crime sense, niggas is infants
I'm like a senior citizen
Still living but getting benefits
Put emphasis on hitting my nemesis in high percentages
Crooked ass cops is the reason for my belligerence
And it gets deeper than that
There were nights I used to sleep with a gat
With a package of crack under my sneaker strap
D's sneak attack, arraign me, it took a week for that
Beat the rap, but you're saying "look, he think he the mack"
Fuck y'all!
Niggas who thinking they might try us
Watch us insight riots
Flip cars and light fires
We already been knocked, scrutinized
Plus cops rush to brutalize us
America is polluted by lust
Who could I trust?
If I can't trust you, then I might touch you
If I ain't got love for you
Then fuck you
lboog75287
One of the best tracks they've ever put out
Dave S
Still bangin in 2019.... I miss real hip hop not like hip pop that's out around
Jon Lothner
Finally people realizing that this is real hip hop, no dislikes is what i like to see.
BECINE93
Atmospherically this track is undeniably one of the darkest and lyrically one of the best off the album (Black Thought at work - with Porn delivering one of his best verses ever).
Jeff Heyer
I like this song. I can’t help it.
RobbinTheH0OD
I keep listening to this song because i-i-i can't help it!
jkn04
my fave Roots song. whole album is crazy tho...and every other song they ever made
Wrought Iron Hex
Such a badass song
lohengren
the beat is menacing
dethkon
The whole album was like this, like an extension of the darkest parts of Game Theory. My GF hated it at the time, and I only played it at night.