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.
Proceed III
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Freak on to the early morn
Khadafi and Sue-kwon, you got it goin' on
To my man Big Shawn, you got it goin' on, now, yo
You got The Roots in the house
We also got Bahamadia in the house, representin' lovely
With you ears now proceed
It's flavor you wouldn't believe as we proceed
[Chorus]
I shall proceed and continue to rock the mic
I shall proceed and continue to rock the mic
Let's, kill all the small talk, and just elaborate
The Roots collaborate I see myself as rather great
How the words generate, whole crews disintegrate
when I penetrate
As if in the course flow with intensive force
You best to go and check your source about my textual course
Simplicity, it sounds complex, you might miss it
But after you critique it you can kiss it
I'm assisting fire force that leaves statistics
When identify niggaz simplify you'll feel no sympathy
My lyrics send you on a permanent excursion
I never would decide when your lifespan was submergin'
My style is urban not suburban when I'm splurgin'
Gosh these MC's I wash more than detergent
I can split the Red Sea but deadly
Take heed, illadelph style as I proceed
[Chorus ]
Bahamadia hits the melodies mellowly
Brand new, funk doobie, choosy with the tactics
when I gets Raw, like Dice, nice
with the flavor, Do You Want More?!!!??!
Of the Organix, pure
Eargasmatic, from Distortion to Statics
Automatic, systematic
I'm nasty at it
So hand me the five micraphones like they did Illmatic
One time for the mind
Rhyme be coming from an illadelph state of mind
The real is not whole or half time
all the time, and I shall proceed
I'm movin on baby, I shall proceed
To remain, on point like an infrared beam
Succeed, in chasing out the ultraviolet dreams
No Mas like Shorty, 'cause it's all about me
[Chorus ]
Black and handsome, holdin' MC's for ransom
Thoughts command some, is this, a phantom?
Crews I mangle, y'all know my anthem ain't the Star Spangled
I hit you from the most bizarre angle, rectangular
visions of papes my mind conceive
Motivatin' me to achieve as I must proceed
when I ride the train, traumatized to maintain
but laid back, the tracks can relax the brain
I got to deal with everything on this intelligent plain
Servin' as a killer
to the pain I live a High Life like Miller
Me and the mic's mechanized
Respect recognize with mind beyond wise
Limitless when I bless the mic with speak
Dialect never weak, y'all niggaz know Tarik
From seven-fifth Snider Ave. got the flavor you need
For the ingredients indeed so to the lead I shall proceed
[Chorus]
The Roots feat. Bahamadia's song Proceed 3 is a celebration of hip hop culture and a call to keep the party going all night long. The lyrics begin with a shoutout to various individuals who have "got it going on," both personally and musically. The Roots and Bahamadia then proceed to showcase their lyrical skills and the power of their respective musical styles. Bahamadia's melodic flow contrasts with The Roots' more aggressive and energetic delivery, but both artists are united in their commitment to "rock the mic" and create a vibe that is both infectious and unforgettable.
The chorus, "I shall proceed and continue to rock the mic," is a declaration of purpose that carries throughout the song. The artists are announcing their intention to keep the party going and to deliver a performance that will be remembered for years to come. They challenge listeners to stay engaged and invested in the music, to let go of the small talk and distractions of everyday life, and to allow themselves to fully experience the power of the music.
Overall, the lyrics of Proceed 3 are about breaking down barriers and bringing people together through the shared experience of music. The artists invite listeners to be a part of the party, to join in the celebration of life and culture that hip hop represents, and to embrace the power of music to uplift and inspire.
Line by Line Meaning
Rock on, to the break of dawn
Continue rocking and enjoying the music until the sun rises and breaks the dawn.
Freak on to the early morn
Dance and have fun until the morning hours.
Khadafi and Sue-kwon, you got it goin' on
Acknowledging the talent and skills of fellow artists Khadafi and Sue-kwon.
To my man Big Shawn, you got it goin' on, now, yo
Praising Big Shawn's talent and acknowledging his success.
You got The Roots in the house
Announcing the presence of the musical group, The Roots, at the event or location.
We also got Bahamadia in the house, representin' lovely
Acknowledging Bahamadia's presence and representing her style and talent positively.
With you ears now proceed
Encouraging the audience to listen closely and pay attention to the upcoming music and lyrics.
It's flavor you wouldn't believe as we proceed
Promising a unique and impressive musical experience as the performance continues.
I shall proceed and continue to rock the mic
Stating the determination to keep performing and entertaining the audience.
Let's, kill all the small talk, and just elaborate
Cutting to the chase and focusing on expanding on the musical content rather than engaging in unnecessary conversation.
The Roots collaborate I see myself as rather great
Acknowledging the talent and greatness of the musical group, The Roots, and their collaborative efforts.
How the words generate, whole crews disintegrate when I penetrate
Describing the impact of the performer's powerful and potent lyrics on other musical groups and artists.
As if in the course flow with intensive force
Describing the smooth yet powerful quality of the performer's delivery of lyrics.
You best to go and check your source about my textual course
Encouraging the audience to fact-check and research the lyrics for accuracy and deeper understanding.
Simplicity, it sounds complex, you might miss it
Explaining that the lyrics may appear simple but have a deeper meaning that may not be immediately apparent to some listeners.
But after you critique it you can kiss it
Challenging listeners to analyze and understand the lyrics and appreciate their complexity and quality.
I'm assisting fire force that leaves statistics
Describing the performer's powerful and impactful lyrics that leave a lasting impression on listeners.
When identify niggaz simplify you'll feel no sympathy
Explaining that when other performers simplify their lyrics, they won't receive the same level of admiration and appreciation as the performer in question.
My lyrics send you on a permanent excursion
Describing the power of the performer's lyrics to fully immerse and transport listeners to a new experience and understanding.
I never would decide when your lifespan was submergin'
Asserting that the performer doesn't have the power to control or dictate the fate of their listeners.
My style is urban not suburban when I'm splurgin'
Describing the performer's style as distinctly urban, not suburban, and that lyrics are best expressed when delivered passionately.
Gosh these MC's I wash more than detergent
Expressing the performer's natural superiority and ability to compete and outdo other MC's with ease.
I can split the Red Sea but deadly
Metaphorically describing the performer's strength and ability to overcome obstacles and challenges.
Take heed, illadelph style as I proceed
Warning listeners to pay attention to the unique style of the performer, originating from Philadelphia, as they continue to entertain.
Bahamadia hits the melodies mellowly
Complimenting Bahamadia's musical style and talent in delivering mellow, harmonious melodies.
Brand new, funk doobie, choosy with the tactics
Describing the performer's new, fresh style and approach, and selective decision-making in choosing successful tactics.
when I gets Raw, like Dice, nice with the flavor
Asserting the performer's ability to make raw, impactful lyrics with style and finesse.
Do You Want More?!!!??!
Asking the audience if they would like to continue to hear more from the performer and enjoy the musical experience.
Of the Organix, pure
Describing the authentic, unprocessed quality of the performer's work.
Eargasmatic, from Distortion to Statics
Describing the intense and captivating musical experience for listeners, from rhythmic distortion to immaculate statics.
Automatic, systematic I'm nasty at it
Describing the automatic and systematic nature of the performer's talent and ability, and the quality of their work.
So hand me the five micraphones like they did Illmatic
Comparing the performer's talent and quality to other legendary performers such as Illmatic, and asking for more mics to showcase this talent.
One time for the mind
A shoutout or call to action, encouraging listeners to focus and concentrate on the powerful lyrics.
Rhyme be coming from an illadelph state of mind
Acknowledging the performer's unique style originating from Philadelphia, and the powerful lyrics that come from it.
The real is not whole or half time
Explaining that the true and authentic musical experience doesn't adhere to any strict timing or structure, and should be appreciated in its purity.
all the time, and I shall proceed
Asserting the determination to continue performing and entertaining listeners, without limitation or restriction.
I'm movin on baby, I shall proceed
Describing the performer's forward momentum and determination to continue to progress and perform.
To remain, on point like an infrared beam
Asserting the importance of staying focused and aware, comparing it to an infrared beam that remains accurate and precise.
Succeed, in chasing out the ultraviolet dreams
Describing the performer's success in pursuing their goals and aspirations, and chasing out any doubt or negativity (represented as ultraviolet dreams).
No Mas like Shorty, 'cause it's all about me
Referencing Shorty, a famous boxer, and asserting that the performer's ultimate goal is their own personal success and achievement.
Black and handsome, holdin' MC's for ransom
Describing the performer's physical attributes and asserting the ability to outdo other MC's with ease.
Thoughts command some, is this, a phantom?
Describing the powerful impact and influence of the performer's thoughts and ideas, and questioning whether it is real or illusory (a phantom).
Crews I mangle, y'all know my anthem ain't the Star Spangled
Asserting the performer's ability to easily outdo other musical groups, and expressing that their anthem or style is not the traditional Star Spangled Banner.
I hit you from the most bizarre angle, rectangular
Asserting the performer's ability to deliver their unique and odd perspective in an impactful and precise manner, also referencing the shape of a rectangular angle.
visions of papes my mind conceive
Describing the creative and imaginative thought processes of the performer, envisioning new and innovative content to deliver.
Motivatin' me to achieve as I must proceed
Describing how the performer's creativity and imagination motivates them to continue to create and achieve in their musical endeavors.
when I ride the train, traumatized to maintain
Describing the performer's experiences and struggles to maintain their success and creativity, even amidst difficult personal and emotional situations.
but laid back, the tracks can relax the brain
Describing the performer's laid-back style, and how the music can be a calming and relaxing escape from stress or anxiety.
I got to deal with everything on this intelligent plain
Describing the performer's intellectual and conscious approach to their work and life overall, dealing with all aspects in a thoughtful and intentional manner.
Servin' as a killer to the pain I live a High Life like Miller
Using their art as a way to cope with and overcome pain, and comparing it to the luxurious and high-quality Miller brand.
Me and the mic's mechanized
Describing the performer's natural and effortless skill and synchronization with the microphone and the art of performing.
Respect recognize with mind beyond wise
Acknowledging the performer's wise and experienced mindset, and encouraging respect and recognition of their work.
Limitless when I bless the mic with speak
Describing the performer's limitless talent and ability to bless the microphone with their powerful and impactful lyrics.
Dialect never weak, y'all niggaz know Tarik
Asserting the performer's strong and captivating dialect (style of language) and referencing the performer's name (Tarik).
From seven-fifth Snider Ave. got the flavor you need
Referencing the performer's origin from a specific location, and boasting their unique and necessary flavor in the musical industry.
For the ingredients indeed so to the lead I shall proceed
Asserting the importance and quality of the performer's style and content, and moving forward as the leader of their craft.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, LEONARD N. HUBBARD, MALIK SMART, SCOTT SPENCER STORCH, TARIK L. COLLINS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Billy Rossi
To the person who posted this: I give you mad props. This is a pretty unknown track and people who know it are TRUE hip hop heads.
Travis Alston
You got that right!!!you have to be a true hip hop head to know this!!!
TNT
Worrrrrrd. Love The Roots and love REAL HIP HOP!
KAS
paid a fortune for the 12"!
Bobby Dazzler
I had What they do on single and this was a B side on there
Skotch Korean
@Bobby Dazzler That's what I was about to say; the only way I got this was back in '94 when I had the cassette tape for "Proceed".
Bootney Farnsworth
Bahamadia has one of the illest flows!!!
Bvmbøø Spl!ff
Facts!!!!!!!
BIG DAME TV
Faxx
BIG DAME TV
No lies detected