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.
Nuthin
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Kamikaze south splash like it shot from a gauge
Until your body sound clash
Head of the Class, Magna Cum Laude
Beats bring the beast out me, flagrant, foul rowdy
Reed pipe but deed tight, disposition keep on flipping
Keep em playing they position
Keep making the people listen what I spin
Got tears, got blood, got sweat, leaking out of the pen
Y'all fake niggas not setting a trend
We never listen to them
It's like trying to take a piss in the wind
My home team doing visitors in, yo don't test em
They all standing close to the edge, so don't stress em
Now who the type built to last?
It's no question, the Master!
Villain in Black wit no stets in my sound
Hitting you hard from - every direction
Your head and shoulder, area your midsection dawg!
Yeah
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Just give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Cut the check
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Nigga, give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Yeah Illadelph, home of the original gun clappers
Out on the wrong corner your shit'll get spun backwards
You got the fool wanting the rules, enter at risk
Or your own nana'll keep a gat under the mattress
Shorties running reckless from Philly to Texas
Surprising what niggas willing to do to get a neckless
Some emotions felt better left unexpressed at times
Niggas' crime record longer than a guest list
Yes, I done seen things you wouldn't believe
Seen people reach levels thought they'd never achieve
Silhouettes waiting in the wings ready to D
Thirst decise or need at least a buck to breathe
C'mon! Stick up kids, they be out to tax
Most times they be sticking you without the gats
I'll still be on the grind when it all collapse
And if it's my worst bar then I'm a take it right back nigga
Yeah
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Just give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Cut the check
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Nigga, give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Yeah, it ain't nothin' like I rush I get, in front of the band
On stage wit the planet in the palm of my hand
When a brother transform, from aynonomous man
To the force, crush whoever might of thought I was playin'
I'ma flame some, sentence the shit, the cold twist to slang
Thicker than big boy baby, mom, sister pain
Beyond measure, relaxed under pressure
You see the master piece, but to me it's unperfected
Give it here Geffen Records, I'm off the handle
Cut the check, and yo it better be as heavy as anvil
Next joint comin', all bets is canceled
Nigga black ink, red was a G financial
We finna have the whole industry at a stand still
See me put the system on lock like can pill
So get wit them endorsements, and call reinforcements
Cause my click come a full sizable portions
Yeah
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Just give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Cut the check
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Nigga, give it here, and don't say nuthin'
The Roots's song Don't Say Nuthin' is a hard-hitting track that features energetic verses with a heavy bassline and drums. The lyrics are strongly rooted in hip-hop culture, referencing guns, crime, and street life. In the opening verse, Black Thought boasts about his skills as a rapper, describing himself as "all mighty amazing, ill, highly contagious" and "head of the class, Magna Cum Laude." He also makes a reference to the Reed pipe, a musical instrument commonly used in ancient times, suggesting that his skills as a rapper are timeless.
The second verse takes a darker turn, as Black Thought describes the dangers of living in the streets of Philadelphia. He references the prevalence of guns and violence, and suggests that even grandmothers carry guns for protection. He also describes seeing people achieve levels they never thought possible, but then fall victim to their own greed and thirst for power.
The chorus of the song is repeated throughout, as Black Thought instructs listeners to "give it here, and don't say nuthin'" and "cut the check." These lines suggest that he is demanding respect and payment for his skills as a rapper, and he's not interested in hearing any excuses or complaints.
Line by Line Meaning
Yeah! That all mighty amazing, ill, highly contagious
The talent and energy possessed by The Roots is incredible and captivating.
Kamikaze south splash like it shot from a gauge
The music hits hard and fast, like a bullet from a gun.
Until your body sound clash
The power of the music is so intense that it feels like your body is vibrating.
Head of the Class, Magna Cum Laude
The Roots are at the top of their game, excelling academically in the world of hip-hop.
Beats bring the beast out me, flagrant, foul rowdy
The music The Roots create brings out their wild, untamed nature.
Reed pipe but deed tight, disposition keep on flipping
Their instruments may be soft, but their skills are strong and constantly changing.
Keep em playing they position
Everyone has a role to play in the music and they need to stick to it.
Keep making the people listen what I spin
Their music is worth paying attention to and it will capture your interest.
Put em out on a limb
Their music takes risks and pushes boundaries, leaving others in the dust.
Got tears, got blood, got sweat, leaking out of the pen
The Roots pour all of their emotions, dedication, and hard work into their music.
Y'all fake niggas not setting a trend
The Roots are not interested in following the fake trends of others and instead pave their own path.
We never listen to them
The Roots ignore those who do not inspire them or create meaningful music.
It's like trying to take a piss in the wind
There is no point in listening to those who do not matter or have any impact.
My home team doing visitors in, yo don't test em
The Roots are confident in their abilities and warn others not to mess with them on their home turf.
They all standing close to the edge, so don't stress em
Others may be on the verge of falling off the edge but The Roots remain unshaken and self-assured.
Now who the type built to last?
The Roots are built to last and create music with longevity and significance.
It's no question, the Master!
The Roots are true masters of their craft.
Villain in Black wit no stets in my sound
The Roots create powerful, dark, and unapologetic music with no flaws or weaknesses.
Hitting you hard from - every direction
Their music attacks your senses from all angles and is impossible to ignore.
Your head and shoulder, area your midsection dawg!
Their music hits you in the head, shoulders, and midsection, leaving you reeling.
Yeah
An affirmation of their own skill and power.
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
Give The Roots what they deserve and don't try to argue or negotiate.
Cut the check
Pay them what they deserve without hesitation or haggling.
Nigga, give it here, and don't say nuthin'
A command to give them what they're owed without excuses or explanations.
Yeah Illadelph, home of the original gun clappers
A reference to The Roots' hometown of Philadelphia, which is known for violence and crime.
Out on the wrong corner your shit'll get spun backwards
If you're in the wrong place at the wrong time in Philly, you could get hurt or killed.
You got the fool wanting the rules, enter at risk
People who break the law or get involved in Philly's underground culture should expect danger and consequences.
Or your own nana'll keep a gat under the mattress
Even grandmothers in Philly are known to carry guns for protection.
Shorties running reckless from Philly to Texas
Young people in Philly and beyond are involved in dangerous activities with little regard for their own safety.
Surprising what niggas willing to do to get a neckless
People will go to great lengths and risk a lot to obtain wealth and status symbols like jewelry.
Some emotions felt better left unexpressed at times
Certain feelings are best kept hidden or not acted upon for one's own safety or well-being.
Niggas' crime record longer than a guest list
Many people in Philly and beyond have long rap sheets with criminal charges.
Yes, I done seen things you wouldn't believe
The Roots have experienced things that others could not imagine or understand.
Seen people reach levels thought they'd never achieve
The Roots have witnessed others achieve success and growth beyond what they previously thought possible.
Silhouettes waiting in the wings ready to D
Dangerous people are lurking in the background, ready to strike.
Thirst decise or need at least a buck to breathe
People are desperate for money and will do whatever it takes to survive, even if it's dangerous or illegal.
C'mon! Stick up kids, they be out to tax
Criminals are always looking for ways to extort or rob others.
Most times they be sticking you without the gats
Most of the time, they don't even need to use weapons to intimidate or steal from others.
I'll still be on the grind when it all collapse
The Roots will continue to work hard and make music even in the face of adversity or failure.
And if it's my worst bar then I'm a take it right back nigga
Even if The Roots make a misstep, they will quickly learn from it and improve.
Yeah
Another affirmation of their own power and talent.
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
A repeated demand for proper payment for their work.
Just give it here, and don't say nuthin'
There is no need to argue or negotiate, just do what is right and pay them.
Cut the check
Again, a demand for proper payment without hesitation.
Give it here, and don't say nuthin'
The Roots will not tolerate being undervalued or disrespected for their work.
Nigga, give it here, and don't say nuthin'
A final statement of their worth and insistence on proper payment for their artistry.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, RESERVOIR MEDIA MANAGEMENT INC
Written by: TARIK L. COLLINS, SCOTT SPENCER STORCH
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@adilabbad3636
When the saint on the ground,
with the grind on rhyme,
with King Kong hitting Thailand,
give it here, and don't say nuthin'
just give it here, and don't say nuthin',
when the team on the set, hit, the gun gonna clap,
git it down on record,hey, hmmmm, cut the check,
give it here, and don't say nuthin',
give it here and don't say nuthin', Come on!
@johnkennedyduru38
If you listening to this hit now 2021.....we should be friends. Peace to earth realm.✊🏿✊🏿✊🏿
@urbandeep5166
I listen and i like it, peace from România ✌🏻
@claireknoetze3489
I am all the way from sa fb claire knoetze
@ibrahimndelwa673
Yo yo yo always am still listen this...+255Tanzania here
@dro258
#ROOTS #BLACKTHOUGHT
I'm here from Cape Town South Africa Represent 🇿🇦🇿🇦
@dro258
@@claireknoetze3489 do you mean SA like South Africa ?
@MasterPsyi
The most mysterious hook in hip hop history
@11940ful
Mysterious and meaningful
@jasonblackson6799
It's the hook from a Def Jeff track. Give it here.
@williammiko8241
@@jasonblackson6799 i think he talking about the words in between give it here dont say nothin