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.
No Alibi
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
Look into my window, tell me what you see
M-ill-i-tant school of philosophy
When niggas get dealt wit mental velocity
You represent hypocrisy, it ain't no stopping me
Until I fulfill the term of my prophecy
My attitude is scarred by this inner-city urban
Iller dolo stress on my brain just like a turban
Who get grazed by the bullet?
Triggers, who's quick to pull it?
The anti-bullshitter, Islamic extortioner
You're the forfeiter unfortunately
Niggas who wanna gyp me
I cause humidity so come and get me
I'm simply, the cat to lay back
I chill and what you
The silent ninja
Intends to injure, now I got you
Sanity was lost so now I'm found insane
I'm seeking streets to jeeps
Hours, days, to weeks
I even speak to geeks
I hold my fortune, it's sweet
I'm discreet in the streets, but that's just the way I play though
I lay low, but over your head just like a halo
Hell's angel, these thoughts you cannot untangle
When I drop jewels, niggas they wear 'em like a bangle
Check it out
One time for your mind like that
If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
Look into my window tell me what you see
Lieutenant university of philosophy
While you not possibly escaping what I'm meditating
My shackle of thought tackle you while I'm educating
Your dome's resonating from inhalation of darkness
While I spark the smart shit from what you waiting
Since you waiting me at the top of the pile
Wild delaware file, pennsylvanian, sub-terranean style
Step up into my crevice and taste the medicine of the champagne
King like evelyn leaving you leveled and
Sabatoged, it's all camouflage like the devil and guns
And coke peddling, Olympic medaling flashback
That of a war veteran, blast at
The programmer bringing lashes 'cross your back
On some accuracy of a brainwashed Bosnian troop
That swooped down through your roof without sound
On a lyrical Nat Turner mission, reacting off of intuition
Continuously alert, no intermission
If your ears hurt, you shouldn't listen
That means you artificial and my style'll poison your brain tissue
Your inanes are crippled once the gamma rays hit you
My grains habitual and I should never go against
The ritual I've been mastering ever since
I was among the flavor youth, remain sharper than a saber tooth
My deliverance is self-evidance
Vi-tal, lyri-cal science
Now
If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
Who knows what you snorted
Or who support what you recorded
But don't get it distorted, in this orbit you're aborted
Shit's imported, exported
Styles, they get sported my paragraphs aortic behold
The illest medely got you in the choke hold
Illadel epilouge, top league plus plush in Vogue
Slice tongues from your area code
Student of life with the rugged exterior mode
Blind a devil with the bold black and gold shine
I walk the thin line and hold mine, let the people respond
It's mind detect mind
Swine decline let the power refine
Build like it's 1999
In this day and time
The reptillion rooms, the sextillion tons
Your armageddon gwan come from the sun
Untouchable cuts that's unclutchable for some to understand
So y'all sit back and wonder damn
I like to take this time to show you who I am
Original man, Black Thought, aka lieutenant
Malik B'll be the m-ill-i-tant
Known to vanish in the atmosphere
We up there like the stratos
If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
The Roots's song No Alibi is about standing up to one's actions and embracing the truth without having any excuses or alibis. The opening lines "If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it, maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed" shows the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions. Throughout the song, Black Thought and Malik B. rap about their militant school of philosophy and mental velocity. They speak about their struggles, being scarred by inner-city urban life, and seeking streets to find their way.
The lyrics are quite abstract and poetic. They also touch on topics like hypocrisy, sanity and insanity, and the importance of being genuine. The chorus sums it up aptly, "Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why, I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis." This shows that one should embrace their true self without any pretense.
Line by Line Meaning
If you seen it or heard it, maybe probably I did it
I may or may not have done what you think, but I won't deny what I have done
Maybe or maybe not, I'll admit what I committed
I will admit to the things I have done, even if I may or may not have done what others accuse me of
Exhibit the truth because I'm living proof why
I will show you the truth because I am living proof of it
I had no disguises, no verdicts, no alibis
I have nothing to hide or lie about, no court verdicts or excuses
Look into my window, tell me what you see
Take a closer look at me and tell me what you perceive
M-ill-i-tant school of philosophy
I follow a militant philosophy
When niggas get dealt wit mental velocity
When people are dealt with quickly and decisively in their minds
Connect my sentences and thoughts like apostrophes
My thoughts and sentences flow together smoothly
You represent hypocrisy, it ain't no stopping me
You embody hypocrisy, but it won't stop me from doing what I need to do
Until I fulfill the term of my prophecy
I will keep going until I accomplish my goals
My attitude is scarred by this inner-city urban
My attitude has been affected by the harsh realities of the inner-city
Iller dolo stress on my brain just like a turban
The stress I feel is overwhelming, like a tightly-wrapped turban
Who get grazed by the bullet?
Who gets hit by the bullet but not killed?
Triggers, who's quick to pull it?
People who are quick to shoot
The anti-bullshitter, Islamic extortioner
I am against bullshit and will hold people accountable, with a touch of Islamic practice
You're the forfeiter unfortunately
You are the one who has lost, unfortunately
Niggas who wanna gyp me
People who want to cheat or trick me
I cause humidity so come and get me
I challenge people to come and face me
I'm simply, the cat to lay back
I am a calm and relaxed person
I chill and what you
I hang out with you while being relaxed
The silent ninja
I am silently observing and taking action
Intends to injure, now I got you
I intend to harm you, and now I have you
Sanity was lost so now I'm found insane
I lost my sanity and am now considered crazy
I'm seeking streets to jeeps
I am searching for adventure out in the streets
Hours, days, to weeks
I am willing to spend countless hours, days, or even weeks in search of adventure
I even speak to geeks
I am friendly and talk to everyone, even those considered 'geeks'
I hold my fortune, it's sweet
I have my success and wealth, which is pleasing to me
I'm discreet in the streets, but that's just the way I play though
I am cautious in the streets, but it's just my way of doing things
I lay low, but over your head just like a halo
I am unassuming, but still in control like a halo hovering above
Hell's angel, these thoughts you cannot untangle
My thoughts are complex and difficult to understand, like an angel from hell
When I drop jewels, niggas they wear 'em like a bangle
When I impart wisdom, people take it and treasure it like a bangle
Check it out
Listen closely
One time for your mind like that
This is something to make you think and reflect
Lieutenant university of philosophy
I am a leader in the study of philosophy
While you not possibly escaping what I'm meditating
You won't be able to escape my thoughts and what I am contemplating
My shackle of thought tackle you while I'm educating
My powerful thoughts will affect you while I teach you
Your dome's resonating from inhalation of darkness
You feel the effects of my dark words and thoughts in your mind
While I spark the smart shit from what you waiting
I am provoking thought and wisdom in you while you wait for me to speak
Since you waiting me at the top of the pile
You are waiting for me to reach the top of my achievements
Wild delaware file, pennsylvanian, sub-terranean style
My style is wild and unique, with roots in Delaware, Pennsylvania, and subterranean influences
Step up into my crevice and taste the medicine of the champagne
Enter my space and experience the effects of my luxurious lifestyle
King like evelyn leaving you leveled and
I am like a king, with a power that can knock you down
Sabatoged, it's all camouflage like the devil and guns
Things are low-key and hidden like the devil's schemes and concealed weapons
And coke peddling, Olympic medaling flashback
I remember the experience of selling drugs and getting away with it - it's like a flashback of winning a medal at the Olympics
That of a war veteran, blast at
It is like an experience in war, a constant blast of action and chaos
The programmer bringing lashes 'cross your back
I am the one causing pain and punishment, like a slave master
On some accuracy of a brainwashed Bosnian troop
I am precise and deadly, like a brainwashed Bosnian soldier
That swooped down through your roof without sound
I am swift and silent, infiltrating your space without warning
On a lyrical Nat Turner mission, reacting off of intuition
I am like Nat Turner, leading a revolution with my intuition and instincts
Continuously alert, no intermission
I am always aware and never taking a break
If your ears hurt, you shouldn't listen
If you can't handle the intensity, you shouldn't be listening to me
That means you artificial and my style'll poison your brain tissue
If you can't handle it, that means you are fake and my words will negatively affect your mind
Your inanes are crippled once the gamma rays hit you
Your weak points are exposed and you are unable to function when my powerful energy affects you
My grains habitual and I should never go against
My ways and methods are habitual, and I shouldn't go against them
The ritual I've been mastering ever since
I have been mastering my techniques and methods for a long time
I was among the flavor youth, remain sharper than a saber tooth
I was once young and inexperienced, but now I am sharper and better than ever
My deliverance is self-evidance
My way of speaking is clear and self-explanatory
Vi-tal, lyri-cal science
My words are vital and scientific in their precision and accuracy
Now
Currently
Who knows what you snorted
No one knows what you have done or ingested
Or who support what you recorded
No one knows who has supported or contributed to your work
But don't get it distorted, in this orbit you're aborted
But don't get confused, in this sphere you will not thrive
Shit's imported, exported
Things are coming and going, imported and exported
Styles, they get sported my paragraphs aortic behold
My style is getting shown off, my words are powerful and come from the heart (aorta)
The illest medely got you in the choke hold
My powerful mix of words has you in a tight grip
Illadel epilouge, top league plus plush in Vogue
I am from Philadelphia, and I am at the top of my league and style
Slice tongues from your area code
I am cutting down the competition from your region
Student of life with the rugged exterior mode
I am a student of life, with a tough and durable exterior
Blind a devil with the bold black and gold shine
I am so powerful and bold that even the devil is blind to my impact
I walk the thin line and hold mine, let the people respond
I am taking risks and standing up for myself, let the people decide if they agree with me
It's mind detect mind
My mind is strong and can detect others on my level
Swine decline let the power refine
The weak and foolish will decrease, while the powerful will only get stronger
Build like it's 1999
Build and create with the same energy and enthusiasm as it was the year 1999
In this day and time
Currently, in the present moment
The reptillion rooms, the sextillion tons
The hidden spaces and secrets, and the unquantifiable weight of it all
Your armageddon gwan come from the sun
Your destruction will come from an unexpected source
Untouchable cuts that's unclutchable for some to understand
My powerful implications and words are inaccessible and difficult for some to understand
So y'all sit back and wonder damn
So others just sit and ponder in amazement
I like to take this time to show you who I am
I am taking this opportunity to reveal my true self to you
Original man, Black Thought, aka lieutenant
I am the original man, Black Thought, also known as the lieutenant
Malik B'll be the m-ill-i-tant
My counterpart Malik B is also a militant and strong figure
Known to vanish in the atmosphere
Malik B is known to disappear without a trace
We up there like the stratos
We are elevated to a high level, like the stratosphere
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Songtrust Ave
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, JIMMY GRAY, LEONARD N. HUBBARD, MALIK SMART, MEL LEWIS, 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!