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.
Lazy Afternoon
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep pumpin' beats for your rump
In the summertime I'm risin' to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets are sunny, niggas is gettin' money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was doin' at six, she was invitin' me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss click Now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged 'til around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew and caught a page from the crew
Sayin' "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo it's Saturday, it's gonna be fat"
Now it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
Electric Relaxation from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, tokin', smokin', coolin' out
As I parlay in my room cause it's a lazy afternoon
It's a lazy afternoon
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep pumpin' beats for your rump
In the summertime I'm risin' to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets are sunny, niggas is gettin' money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was rappin' for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doin' at six, she was invitin' me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss click Now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged 'til around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew and caught a page from the crew
Sayin' "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo it's Saturday, it's gonna be fat"
Now it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
Electric Relaxation from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, tokin', smokin', coolin' out
As I parlay in my room cause it's a lazy afternoon
It's a lazy afternoon
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep pumpin' beats for your rump
In the summertime I'm risin' to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets are sunny, niggas is gettin' money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was rappin' for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doin' at six, she was invitin' me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss click Now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged 'til around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew and caught a page from the crew
Sayin' "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo it's Saturday, it's gonna be fat"
Now it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
Electric Relaxation from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, tokin', smokin', coolin' out
As I parlay in my room cause it's a lazy afternoon
It's a lazy afternoon
The Roots's song "Lazy Afternoon" is a laid-back tune that captures the essence of a relaxing, uneventful day in the midst of summer. The song begins with the singer sharing a message with his friend in the front seat of his Jeep who is enjoying the beats pumping from the stereo. The singer then begins to describe his day, full of uncertainty about what he should be doing. He contacts a woman he knows from Bora Bora and is invited to the movies later that evening. He takes a bath, dresses up, and spends his afternoon lazing around until he receives a page from his crew inviting him out to meet them at the Plat. Despite the invitation, he remains in his room, chilling out, listening to Electric Relaxation by A Tribe Called Quest and smoking.
The song's languid, smooth beats perfectly capture the essence of a lazy summer day spent lounging around with no particular purpose. The slow tempo and easy melody aptly convey the mood of relaxation and daylight ennui. The lyrics' strong sense of place and time, drawing on specific details like the warm sun on the streets and the cool breeze that accompanies nightfall, further reinforce the song's escapist vibe.
Line by Line Meaning
It's a lazy afternoon
The singer is describing a relaxed and leisurely day, where he has no pressing obligations or responsibilities.
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
The singer is addressing his friend in the passenger seat of his Jeep, letting him know that he has a message for him.
Of the Jeep pumpin' beats for your rump
The singer is playing loud music in his Jeep, which is causing the bass to vibrate and his friend's body to move to the rhythm.
In the summertime I'm risin' to the shine at 12:20
The artist enjoys the summer weather, and likes to wake up late and fully embrace the sunshine and good vibes at around noon.
Ghetto streets are sunny, niggas is gettin' money
Despite the poverty and hardships in the neighborhood, the sun is shining and people are making money and finding ways to enjoy themselves.
It's mad hot, and what I got to do I'm not sure of
The heat is intense and is causing the singer to feel a bit disoriented, and he is not sure what he needs to do with his day.
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
The singer calls a girl named Maura who he knows from a trip to Bora Bora, and they chat for a bit.
Was rappin' for a second about what I reckoned that I
Maura was talking to the artist about what he thought he would be doing at a particular time later in the day.
Was doin' at six, she was invitin' me to the flicks
Maura invites the artist to join her in watching a movie later that evening.
That I'm with, blew a kiss click Now I'm in the shower
The artist gets off the phone and decides to take a bath, during which he thinks about the plans for the evening and blows a kiss goodbye to Maura.
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
The singer stays in the bath for a while, enjoying the relaxation and taking his time to unwind.
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
After getting out of the bath, the artist gets dressed in clothes that will make him feel more confident and motivated.
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
The singer looks through his phone and makes a mental note of the numbers of women he likes and wants to potentially reach out to.
Laid around and lounged 'til around two
The singer spends some time relaxing and taking it easy, before eventually getting up around 2PM.
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew and caught a page from the crew
The singer gets up and has some food and a drink, and receives a message from his friends asking him where he is and if he wants to hang out.
Sayin' 'Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
The artist's friends want to meet him at a location called 'the Plat' later that day.
Bring a sack, ayo it's Saturday, it's gonna be fat'
The artist's friends suggest that he bring some drugs with him, as it is Saturday and they plan on having a good time.
Now it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
As the day progresses, the singer still hasn't left his house and is taking his time getting ready and enjoying himself.
Electric Relaxation from A Tribe Called Quest
The singer is listening to the song 'Electric Relaxation' by A Tribe Called Quest, which is a chill and soothing track.
With the boom, tokin', smokin', coolin' out
The artist enjoys the music while smoking marijuana and relaxing in his room.
As I parlay in my room cause it's a lazy afternoon
The artist continues to relax and take it easy in his room, enjoying the slow and leisurely pace of the lazy afternoon.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, ART PHILLIPS, LEONARD N. HUBBARD, RICHARD RUDOLPH, TARIK L. COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Limits98
Lyrics
[Intro]
(Everybody, wake up!)
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
(Summertime as I recline, lay back, and relax, let the sun shine)
[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep, pumping beats for your rump
In the summertime, I'm rising to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets is sunny, niggas is getting money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do, I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was rapping for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doing at six, she was inviting me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss, click, now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged till around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew
And caught a page from the crew
Saying, "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo, it's Saturday, it's gonna be phat"
Now, it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
Electric Relaxation from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, toking, smoking, cooling out as I parlay in my room
Cause it's a lazy afternoon
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon
[Verse 2]
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep, pumping beats for your rump
In the summertime, I'm rising to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets is sunny, niggas is getting money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do, I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I knew from Bora Bora
Was rapping for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doing at six, she was inviting me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss, click, now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged till; around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew
And caught a page from the crew
Saying, "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo, it's Saturday, it's gonna be phat"
Now, it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
"Electric Relaxation" from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, toking, smoking, cooling out as I parlay in my room
Cause it's a lazy aaaahhh!
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon
Badaba
[Verse 3: Black Thought]
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep, pumping beats for your rump
In the summertime, I'm rising to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets is sunny, niggas is getting money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do, I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was rapping for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doing at six, she was inviting me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss, click, I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged till around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew
And caught a page from my crew"
Saying, "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, nigga, it's Saturday, it's gonna be phat"
Now, it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
"Electric Relaxation" from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, toking, smoking, cooling out as I parlay in my room
Cause it's a lazy afternoon
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
Badaba
[Outro: Black Thought]
That's it, that's it, that's it
And then we'll start the next song right there
YOUTUBESUCKS
Black thought can make a whole album repeating this one verse and it'll still be able to smash a majority of the new shit coming out today
Calum Ferreira
All their albums are ridiculous in their own way. One of the most consistant in hip hop ever
NJ-AD
Just a lazy afternoon... crazy underrated song as well as album. Originality, authentic, style, beats are off the charts. Long live the Roots.
D Pat
I luv the Roots. I think Black Thought is a very slept on lyricist and The Roots is a very talented slept on hip hop group. They should of blew up way more than they have. They just bring a different element to hip hop that I think just isnt respected enuff. Theys guys are super talented. those who slept wake up and take sum no doz cause yall are missin out.
Bonita Applebum
I can’t comprehend how amazing they are
NJ-AD
Yes, beyond words.
WOLVESVIDS
thought is so underrated,his lyrics are consistently ill,delivery and versatility insane..and the roots are the best live show in hip hop!
𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗜𝗭𝗭𝗢𝕥𝕙𝕖𝑺𝑻𝑨𝑹𝑺𝑬𝑬𝑫
this song/vid needs more attention the Roots are legendary.
Limits98
Lyrics
[Intro]
(Everybody, wake up!)
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
(Summertime as I recline, lay back, and relax, let the sun shine)
[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep, pumping beats for your rump
In the summertime, I'm rising to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets is sunny, niggas is getting money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do, I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was rapping for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doing at six, she was inviting me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss, click, now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged till around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew
And caught a page from the crew
Saying, "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo, it's Saturday, it's gonna be phat"
Now, it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
Electric Relaxation from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, toking, smoking, cooling out as I parlay in my room
Cause it's a lazy afternoon
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon
[Verse 2]
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep, pumping beats for your rump
In the summertime, I'm rising to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets is sunny, niggas is getting money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do, I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I knew from Bora Bora
Was rapping for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doing at six, she was inviting me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss, click, now I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged till; around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew
And caught a page from the crew
Saying, "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, ayo, it's Saturday, it's gonna be phat"
Now, it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
"Electric Relaxation" from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, toking, smoking, cooling out as I parlay in my room
Cause it's a lazy aaaahhh!
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon
Badaba
[Verse 3: Black Thought]
Consider this a message to my mellow in the front seat
Of the Jeep, pumping beats for your rump
In the summertime, I'm rising to the shine at 12:20
Ghetto streets is sunny, niggas is getting money
It's mad hot, and what I got to do, I'm not sure of
I call up Maura, this dip I know from Bora Bora
Was rapping for a second about what I reckoned that I
Was doing at six, she was inviting me to the flicks
That I'm with, blew a kiss, click, I'm in the shower
I meant the bath in which I simmer for half an hour
Then got drier, put on attire to inspire
Hit my dresser for numbers of women that I admire
Laid around and lounged till around two
Then I got up and ate, drank a brew
And caught a page from my crew"
Saying, "Where ya at? Later, meet us up at the Plat
Bring a sack, nigga, it's Saturday, it's gonna be phat"
Now, it's 3:37 and I still ain't left the rest
"Electric Relaxation" from A Tribe Called Quest
With the boom, toking, smoking, cooling out as I parlay in my room
Cause it's a lazy afternoon
[Chorus: Rachel Graham + The Roots]
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
It's a lazy afternoon (It's a lazy afternoon)
Badaba
[Outro: Black Thought]
That's it, that's it, that's it
And then we'll start the next song right there
Alan Lacosse
Black thought has the smoothest flow ever like damn