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.
In The Music
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
So if you into sight seein' don't visit there
It's somewhere between Jersey and Delaware
Philly never scared and them niggas ain't timid there
Them young triggers lose lives by the minute there
It might start but the fight never finish there
They all fucked up tryin' to get the gingerbread
A few stacks be the price for a nigga's head
Clips and revolvers and George's and Benjamin's
A celebration of the loss of your innocence
To you old self you've lost any resemblance
They say the city make a dark impression
The youth just lost and they want direction
But they don't get the police, they get the protection
And walk around with heat like Charlton Heston, man
It's in the music, turn it up let it knock
Let it bang on the block till the neighbors call the cops
The cops gone come but they ain't gone do shit
They don't want no problems, what are y'all stupid
It's in the music, turn it up let it knock
Let it bang on the block till the neighbors call the cops
The cops gone come but they ain't gone do shit
They don't want no problems, what are y'all stupid
It's all in the music
It's kinda ill how we grip these bitches in the Bonneville
It's kind of a thrill, my mind it will spill, my nine it will kill
Of course bro like crossbow, I bring the force though
Hittin' your guts splittin' your torso
It's colder than the North Pole livin' unlawful
I'm giving you a jawful Of somethin' awful
Yo my theoretic is leaded, Will come and set it
The shit bang and leave you diabetic for paramedics
I spit flames and get dames to get change
With pit bull bark and lock the shock
Don't bother me Och, don't you dare lie to me Och
I don't know, who's this nigga that you try to be Och
Benefit of doubt had me think you in it for clout
Big shit, send it for route and finish him out
Joints stiff from rigor mortise
While we swimmin' in waters, women with daughters
Will have us niggas sinnin' with orders
It's in the music, turn it up let it knock
Let it bang on the block till the neighbors call the cops
The cops gone come but they ain't gone do shit
They don't want no problems, what are y'all stupid
It's in the music, turn it up let it knock
Let it bang on the block till the neighbors call the cops
The cops gone come but they ain't gone do shit
They don't want no problems, what are y'all stupid
It's all in the music
The Roots and Porn's song "In The Music" describes the violent reality of inner-city life in Philadelphia. The opening verses set the tone with vivid descriptions of the hardships faced by the residents of the city's most dangerous neighborhoods. The lyrics paint a picture of a place where violence is a constant part of life and where young people lose their lives every day. Despite this harsh reality, the song also speaks to the power of music to provide a sense of solace and escape from the daily struggles of life in the city. The refrain "It's in the music, turn it up let it knock" suggests that music provides a common bond for those who live in challenging circumstances.
The lyrics also touch on the relationship between the police and the local community. The line "But they don't get the police, they get the protection" highlights the lack of trust that exists between law enforcement and the residents of the city's poorest neighborhoods. The song suggests that the police are not there to protect the community but merely to maintain order and quell any unrest. The line "They don't want no problems, what are y'all stupid" speaks to the idea that the police are more interested in avoiding conflict than addressing the root causes of the issues that exist in these neighborhoods.
Overall the song In The Music is a powerful commentary on the realities of life in inner-city Philadelphia. It speaks to the importance of music as a source of comfort and community for those who live with violence and uncertainty every day. The lyrics reveal the complicated relationship between the community and the police and provide a window into a world that is often overlooked by those who live outside of it.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah, I'm from the illest part of the Western Hemisphere
I come from a place that's considered the worst in the Western Hemisphere.
So if you into sight seein' don't visit there
If you like to go sightseeing, it's best not to go to this area.
It's somewhere between Jersey and Delaware
This area is located somewhere between Jersey and Delaware.
Philly never scared and them niggas ain't timid there
People from Philly aren't afraid and they're not shy either.
Them young triggers lose lives by the minute there
Young people are dying by the minute due to gun violence in this area.
It might start but the fight never finish there
Fights start, but they don't usually end because someone gets hurt or dies.
They all fucked up tryin' to get the gingerbread
People are getting messed up trying to get money.
A few stacks be the price for a nigga's head
Someone's life may be sold for a relatively small amount of money.
Cops and robbers, cowboys and Indians
The situation is like a game of cops and robbers or cowboys and Indians.
Clips and revolvers and George's and Benjamin's
Money and guns are driving the violence in this area.
A celebration of the loss of your innocence
People are celebrating losing their innocence in this area.
To you old self you've lost any resemblance
People in this area have lost their old, innocent selves.
They say the city make a dark impression
The city has a negative impact on people.
The youth just lost and they want direction
Young people in this area are lost and in need of guidance.
But they don't get the police, they get the protection
Instead of policing, the people in this area are getting protected by others.
And walk around with heat like Charlton Heston, man
People in this area are walking around with guns, just like Charlton Heston did in his movies.
It's in the music, turn it up let it knock
The violence in this area is being glorified and celebrated through the music.
Let it bang on the block till the neighbors call the cops
The music is so loud and aggressive that it's disturbing the neighbors and causing them to call the police.
The cops gone come but they ain't gone do shit
Even if the police come, they won't be able to do anything to stop the violence.
They don't want no problems, what are y'all stupid
The police don't want to get involved in the violence because it's too dangerous.
It's all in the music
The cycle of violence in this area is being perpetuated through the music people listen to.
It's kinda ill how we grip these bitches in the Bonneville
It's messed up how we treat women in this area.
It's kind of a thrill, my mind it will spill, my nine it will kill
It's exciting to be a part of the violence in this area and people are willing to kill to be a part of it.
Of course bro like crossbow, I bring the force though
I'm as powerful as a crossbow, and I bring a lot of force to the situation.
Hittin' your guts splittin' your torso
I'm going to violently attack you and cause serious damage to your body.
It's colder than the North Pole livin' unlawful
Living a life of crime in this area is extremely dangerous and cold-hearted.
I'm giving you a jawful Of somethin' awful
I'm going to hurt you badly and it's going to be very painful.
Yo my theoretic is leaded, Will come and set it
I have a lot of theoretical knowledge about violence and I'm willing to act on it.
The shit bang and leave you diabetic for paramedics
The violence is so intense that it will leave you in shock and potentially injure you badly enough to require medical attention.
I spit flames and get dames to get change
I'm using my violent behavior to get money and women.
With pit bull bark and lock the shock
I'm like a pit bull, barking loudly and intimidating others with my violent behavior.
Don't bother me Och, don't you dare lie to me Och
Don't bother me or try to deceive me or you will face serious consequences.
I don't know, who's this nigga that you try to be Och
I don't know who you are trying to be, but it's not impressing me.
Benefit of doubt had me think you in it for clout
I initially thought you were involved in the violence for the benefit of the community, but I was wrong.
Big shit, send it for route and finish him out
I'm going to escalate the situation and make sure the violence continues until someone is seriously hurt or killed.
Joints stiff from rigor mortise
People are dying so often in this area that it's becoming normal and people are becoming desensitized to it.
While we swimmin' in waters, women with daughters
While we are involved in violent behavior, young women with children are also affected.
Will have us niggas sinnin' with orders
The violent behavior is causing us to sin and do wrong things.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: OWEN BIDDLE, TARIK L. COLLINS, KEVIN HANSON, KARL B. JENKINS, PEDRO MARTINEZ, RICHARD NICHOLS, MALIK SMART, AHMIR K. THOMPSON
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@seasonedveteran3517
🗣 "[Malik B]
It's kinda ill how we grip these bitches in the Bonneville
It's kind of a thrill, my mind it will spill, my nine it will kill
Of course bro like crossbow, I bring the force though
Hittin your guts splittin your torso
It's colder than the North Pole livin unlawful
I'm giving you a jawful Of somethin awful
Yo my theoretic is leaded, Will come and set it
The shit bang and leave you diabetic for paramedics
I spit flames and get dames to get change
With pitbull bark and lock the shock
Don't bother me Och, don't you dare lie to me Och
I don't know, who's this nigga that you try to be Och
Benefit of doubt had me think you in it for clout
Big shit, send it for route and finish him out
Joints stiff from rigor mortis
While we swimmin in waters, women with daughters
Will have us niggaz sinnin with orders."
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
@detroitterrancethomas945
R.I.P
Malik B!💕🙏🏾🙌🏾☝🏾
Nothing But Love
From Tha D!💯🎶😎👍🏾
@Lamar1911
I'm from the deep east side of Detroit "Motown"...these are my two favorite Mc's of all Times even though Black Th-idought gets the most Love deserving so! Malik-B is my Most favorite Mc of all times and love so Many from 79' to Now!
@simtyr
Rest in power Malik B
@jddiesel2385
Malik verse on this one is crazy! Rest easy Malik B
@seasonedveteran3517
🗣 "[Malik B]
It's kinda ill how we grip these bitches in the Bonneville
It's kind of a thrill, my mind it will spill, my nine it will kill
Of course bro like crossbow, I bring the force though
Hittin your guts splittin your torso
It's colder than the North Pole livin unlawful
I'm giving you a jawful Of somethin awful
Yo my theoretic is leaded, Will come and set it
The shit bang and leave you diabetic for paramedics
I spit flames and get dames to get change
With pitbull bark and lock the shock
Don't bother me Och, don't you dare lie to me Och
I don't know, who's this nigga that you try to be Och
Benefit of doubt had me think you in it for clout
Big shit, send it for route and finish him out
Joints stiff from rigor mortis
While we swimmin in waters, women with daughters
Will have us niggaz sinnin with orders."
💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀💀
@santosdellior6917
Malik B always gave Thought that work on every track....my family just had a Major issue he was battling tht interfered is true recognition....one I can honestly say about Malik - pronunciation- (Mile-Lick) B....is tht he Loved Allahu Ta'ala.....hls Spiritua ran deep as well.....one thing I do know for certain is He never chased the Fame nor wanted it....The Roots did him dirty while he was alive, burning him out is money, checks and royalties....this is from his own mouth.....He was from the Streets and that's why his Lerics always had a edge to them.....I miss my Brother dearly 💔....May Allah Make his Grave Spacious... Ameen 🤲🏽
@jddiesel2385
@@santosdellior6917 Respect ✊
@jafrocubic2
One if the illest beats in the Western Hemisphere!
@Thatoneguy-12
If you’re into sight seeing don’t visit there
@omarrd33
Black Thought is the best rapper ever IMO. Much love.