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.
Intro/There's Something Goin'
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
About to witness
Some organic hip hop jazz
One hundred percent groove
And you don't stop, it's from The Roots
Philadelphia based rap group
Now, check check, I'ma start it like this
Yo, dig it!
Yo, something's going on (on)
There's something going on (on)
Yo, something's going on (yeah, queue me up)
There's something going on (yo, something's going on) (something's going on)
There's something going on (yo, something's going on) (something's going on)
Yo, something's going on (there's something going on) (something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (yeah yeah, something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (because there's something going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (yeah, something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (yeah, something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (y'all know when something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (because there's something going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (she know when something's going on)
There's something going on (there's something going on) (yeah, something's going on)
The Roots's song Intro/There's Something Goin' is exactly what the title implies; it's an introduction to the album, the band, and their unique sound. The lyrics are straightforward - the listener is about to experience some "organic hip hop jazz" from a Philadelphia based rap group, The Roots. The repetition of "there's something going on" serves as a nod to the underlying message of the song; there is something happening within the group that is unique to them.
The Roots are known for their live instrumentation and jazz-influenced style of hip-hop, and this song sets the stage for that. The opening line, "you are all about to witness," implies a sense of excitement and anticipation for what's about to come - something the band has been known to deliver time and time again. The use of the word "organic" further emphasizes the band's emphasis on live instrumentation and eschewing the use of samples.
The repeated chorus serves as a rallying cry of sorts; The Roots are here, and they're about to bring something new to the table. The use of repetition is also a hallmark of hip-hop, and The Roots use it to great effect here. The song may seem simple at first glance, but like many of The Roots's tracks, it's layered with meaning and intentionality.
Line by Line Meaning
And you are all, you are all
Addressing the listeners, acknowledging their presence.
About to witness
Indicating that something significant is about to take place.
Some organic hip hop jazz
Describing the musical style of the forthcoming performance, incorporating elements of jazz and hip hop that are created naturally and without artificial additives.
One hundred percent groove
Emphasizing the focus on the rhythm and beat of the music.
And you don't stop, it's from The Roots
Asserting that the forthcoming performance is attributed to The Roots, letting the audience know who is responsible for the music.
Philadelphia based rap group
Informing the listener of the origin and genre of the performers.
Now, check check, I'ma start it like this
Announcing the beginning of the performance and establishing a rhythmic pattern.
Yo, dig it!
Requesting the attention of the listeners and their understanding.
Yo, something's going on (on)
Suggesting that something of importance or significance is happening.
There's something going on (on)
Repeating the idea that something is happening, reinforcing its importance.
Yo, something's going on (yeah, queue me up)
Asking for technical assistance in preparing for the forthcoming performance.
There's something going on (yo, something's going on) (something's going on)
Repeating the phrase yet again, emphasizing the significance of that 'something.'
Yo, something's going on (there's something going on) (something's going on)
Again, reiterating the existence and importance of whatever 'something' is occurring.
There's something going on (there's something going on)
Stating again that something is happening, without providing clarification.
There's something going on (yeah yeah, something's going on)
Confirming that the previously mentioned 'something' is indeed taking place.
There's something going on (because there's something going on)
Providing a reason for the earlier claim that something is happening, but still not specifying what.
There's something going on (yeah, something's going on)
Again acknowledging that something is taking place, but not providing any additional information yet.
There's something going on (y'all know when something's going on)
Claiming that the listeners should be able to recognize when there is something of significance taking place.
There's something going on (because there's something going on)
Repeating a previous line, once again providing a vague reason for the existence of the 'something.'
There's something going on (she know when something's going on)
Alluding to the idea that there may be a particular individual who is aware of what is happening.
There's something going on (yeah, something's going on)
Finalizing the repeated acknowledgment that there is something taking place, leaving the listener intrigued and anticipating more information.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ahmir K. Thompson, Tarik L. Collins
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!