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.
Kool On
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Stars are made to shine
I’m in the double G, three-piece tux
Screaming dressed to kill
Hope somebody call my bluff
It’s a full house, sipping on a royal flush
Good times is in the cards
Living on borrowed time
I’m paying the extra charge
To feel like something small is worth a hundred large
Swag is on retard, charm is on massage
Wit is on guard, I challenge you to a duel
Who needs a chain when every thought's a jewel
God bless the weirdo when everyone’s a fool
Fuck a genie and three wishes
I just want a bottle, a place to write my novel
I am heroin to those that hear a rhyme and think
How do you find this upper echelon this time
Let’s toast to better days, a beautiful mind, and a flow that never age
Come get your kool on, stars are made to shine
Stars are made to shine
Yo, I’m never sleeping like I’m on methamphetamines
Move like my enemy ten steps ahead of me
Say my reputation precedes me like a pedigree
Gentlemanly gangsta steez beyond the seventies
Holdin' fast money without running out of patience
Move in silence without running up in places
Cake by the layers
Rich but never famous
Hustle anonymous still remain nameless
In hindsight gold come in bars like a Klondike
The minute before the storm hit is what I’m calm like
Suited and booted for a shooting like it’s prom night
It’s suicide right pursuers tried like
To no avail and a heroes what they died like
I’ve got em waiting on the news like I’m Cronkite
Not in the lime light or needed for the crime right
No boasts, just bodied, and chalked close to the line tight
Come get your kool on, stars are made to shine
Stars are made to shine
Yeah, outside where the killers and the dealers swarm
And inside they dressed up like it’s a telethon
Black tie affair but they holding heavy arms
Straight cash with a stash in the cummerbund
More Bacardi and the bouncers of the party hum
Riots erupting around and still we party on
Made the quantum leap to a king from a pawn
But it was destined the conclusion was foregone
Serenade of the former slave promenade
Cause them long days in the sun
Have now become shade
So we doing high speeds in a narrow lane
Say cheese
Free falling from the aeroplane
Another feather in the cap for all the years
That we spent in luxuries lap
Without looking back
Cause memories could sting like hornet
Damn it felt good to see people up on it
Come get your kool on, stars are made to shine
Stars are made to shine
The above lyrics to The Roots's song "Kool On" touch on various elements like fashion, fame, worth, lifestyle and much more. The song talks about living in the moment and enjoying life to the fullest. The phrase "Come get your Kool On, stars are made to shine" is an invitation to take life by the horns and live it to the fullest, chasing one's dreams and reaching for the stars.
The first verse focuses on fashion and the showy lifestyle that comes with it. The rapper is dressed in a three-piece tuxedo, sipping on a drink, and letting his charm and wit do the talking. He challenges society's norms, suggesting that one does not need material possessions like jewelry to be valuable. The second verse, on the other hand, talks about the rapper's reputation, where he is perceived as a thoughtful and suave person. The use of metaphors like "move like my enemy ten steps ahead of me" and "gold comes in bars like a Klondike" show how the rapper deftly weaves his words to create imagery that reflects his point.
Overall, "Kool On" is an ode to living freely and enjoying life's little moments. The Roots's masterful blend of rap and soulful jazz is an excellent example of their signature sound.
Line by Line Meaning
Come get your kool on, stars are made to shine
This line is a repeated invitation to let loose and be cool, reminding listeners that everyone has innate qualities and talents that make them shine like stars.
I’m in the double G, three-piece tux Screaming dressed to kill Hope somebody call my bluff
The singer is dressed to impress and may be bluffing to seem more confident or important than they actually are.
It’s a full house, sipping on a royal flush Two queens is on my cuffs Good times is in the cards
The singer feels lucky or blessed to be in a good situation with great company, symbolized by the poker imagery.
Living on borrowed time I’m paying the extra charge To feel like something small is worth a hundred large
The artist is aware that life is short and precious, so they are willing to invest in experiences that make them feel rich and fulfilled despite their fleeting nature.
Swag is on retard, charm is on massage Wit is on guard, I challenge you to a duel Who needs a chain when every thought's a jewel God bless the weirdo when everyone’s a fool
The artist is confident, clever, and unafraid to stand out as different, recognizing that unique perspectives are valuable and deserving of respect.
Fuck a genie and three wishes I just want a bottle, a place to write my novel
The singer is not interested in traditional material desires or grandiose dreams, but instead finds fulfillment in simple pleasures and personal pursuits like writing.
I am heroin to those that hear a rhyme and think How do you find this upper echelon this time Let’s toast to better days, a beautiful mind, and a flow that never age
The singer's words and flow are addictive and admired by those who appreciate their artistry and skill, but they remain humble and grateful for their blessings.
Yo, I’m never sleeping like I’m on methamphetamines Move like my enemy ten steps ahead of me Say my reputation precedes me like a pedigree Gentlemanly gangsta steez beyond the seventies
The artist is always alert and on guard, viewing the world as a competitive and dangerous place, but they maintain a suave and sophisticated demeanor reminiscent of classic gangster films.
Holdin' fast money without running out of patience Move in silence without running up in places Cake by the layers Rich but never famous Hustle anonymous still remain nameless
The artist is successful and wealthy, but they do not flaunt their wealth or seek fame, preferring to stay low-key and strategic in their actions.
In hindsight gold come in bars like a Klondike The minute before the storm hit is what I’m calm like Suited and booted for a shooting like it’s prom night It’s suicide right pursuers tried like
The artist values foresight and preparation, recognizing the importance of staying calm and focused in high-pressure situations, whether they are literal or metaphorical.
Yeah, outside where the killers and the dealers swarm And inside they dressed up like it’s a telethon Black tie affair but they holding heavy arms Straight cash with a stash in the cummerbund
The singer observes the stark contrast between the dangerous world outside and the seemingly safe and formal world inside, suspecting that appearances can be deceiving and danger is always lurking.
Riots erupting around and still we party on Made the quantum leap to a king from a pawn But it was destined the conclusion was foregone Serenade of the former slave promenade
The artist acknowledges the inherent struggles and hardships in life, but they remain hopeful and celebratory in spite of adversity, recognizing the progress and triumphs that can be achieved with perseverance and resilience.
Cause them long days in the sun Have now become shade So we doing high speeds in a narrow lane Say cheese Free falling from the aeroplane
The singer reflects on the passage of time and how their experiences and environment have changed, but they continue to embrace excitement and adventure, even if it comes with risks and uncertainty.
Another feather in the cap for all the years That we spent in luxuries lap Without looking back Cause memories could sting like hornet Damn it felt good to see people up on it
The singer celebrates their accomplishments and those of their community, cherishing the positive memories and experiences that have brought them this far, but they also acknowledge that the past can be bittersweet and they must keep moving forward.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, THE ADMINISTRATION MP INC
Written by: D. J. ROGERS, GREG SPEARMAN, GREGORY ALLEN JR. SPEARMAN, JAMAL MILLER, NATHAN CLEMENS, 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!