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 V
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
kid, two-one-five, two-one-five
What? Black Thought in the house
Representin the Roots, y'all know how we do
Proceed Beatminerz remix one time for your mind
It's on
Verse One: Black Thought
Yo, I never sweat it, it's all copacetic
In this lyrical profession rappers I discredit
It's fact that a fraction of the rap population
is pathetic not thorough
Here come the kid that's got it like Al Jarreau
I restin in the wild burough where it's
all realism never fiction
And ghettoes is forever friction
Clash for cash gettin status and crabs is froze
caught up in the mixing
The mic's my only apparatus
And with it I got rappers paranoid
Lyrical freakazoid, leapin out the terror void
Guard your era it's the Black Thought ain't nothing lesser
than the MC oppressor, poetry professor
I pound this MC on my dresser got my mind on trauma
So my persona's marijuana most melodic with the melodrama
The Ben Frank folder, the mic holder
Command it with a planet on my shoulder till the sound's over
Keep it underground my style subterranean
Ill Philadelph Pennsylvanian
Back on the tour to entertrain again, whoops
I meant to say to entertain I'm in a planetary mode
Watch as I explode through your area code with dialect
Y'all niggaz know the time when the Thought catch wreck
Y'all niggaz know the science on the Dice Raw and Malik B
Kid I'm nice y'all searchin for a beat
It's the master of literature that's pure
you're checkin for
Coming down I keep it real and hardcore
y'all know the score
Four four that's the major, Black Thought I got
the flavor you need
And I shall proceed
Chorus:
*Beatminerz cut and scratch the chorus of Proceed*
Verse Two: Malik B
I can make you dance, I can make you shout
The scripts in the scroll turned the whole party out
Inject my lyrics in a sec with dialect
Why accept, because it's from the highest eye and depth
Rap extrordinaire share me never ever
See through because I be true, Malik's together
Intox your cells till your brain vein swells
Niggaz'll claim terror when their never parellel
Once I have a hunch that there's MC's that front
I just crunched a whole bunch, in one big munch
I always stand firm, under any term
My actions never squirm cuz my tracks is perm
I have a tendency to defend this MC
My residency is simply in sensei
I makes it vivid, on different continents of Earth I pivot
It seems extreme and exquisite but ask it is it
My style is like a cat from a seventies flick
Talkin jive as he strut with his afro pick
Or a predator, just before he stalks his pray
When I talk this way, I do dismay
See you're puzzled, now how I think you're trying to juggle
My mind is like a nine M double, now there's trouble
The Roots bring you styles and all types of creed
I sign off but I shall proceed
Chorus
The Roots's song Proceed V is an exemplary rap song that features Black Thought and Malik B delivering powerful, thought-provoking verses over Beatminerz's intense remix of the Proceed beat. The song starts with an introduction that pays homage to the Roots' hometown of Philadelphia, particularly the 215 area code. Black Thought's first verse is a testament to his lyrical prowess as he uses effortless wordplay to discredit rappers who are not thorough and who rely on fiction. He proclaims himself as an expert in the game, an MC oppressor, and a poetry professor. He showcases his ability to switch up flows seamlessly, ride beats effortlessly, and envisions himself as an unparalleled force in rap music. He also promises to keep his underground style subterranean, true and hardcore.
Malik B steps in with his characteristic deep voice in the second verse and immediately establishes his lyrical dominance. He boasts of his ability to make people dance, inject his lyrics in dialect, and take listeners on a journey of deep introspection with his words. He emphasizes his authenticity and urges listeners to accept his art because it's from the highest eye and depth. Malik B also showcases his prowess in rhyme schemes, using unique imagery, and metaphors to paint vivid pictures of his surroundings. He touches on the themes of self-awareness, confidence in one's abilities, and staying true to one's art.
Overall, Proceed V is a classic Roots song that showcases the group's lyrical mastery, Beatminerz's production expertise, and Black Thought and Malik B's vocal delivery. The song contains themes of authenticity, self-confidence, and artistic excellence.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, I never sweat it, it's all copacetic
I am calm and collected in this competitive rap game.
In this lyrical profession rappers I discredit
I am critical of other rappers in the industry.
It's fact that a fraction of the rap population
There are only a few rappers that are truly talented.
is pathetic not thorough
Many rappers lack the skills and depth needed to excel.
Here come the kid that's got it like Al Jarreau
I am a talented rapper, comparable to the musical legend Al Jarreau.
I restin in the wild burough where it's
I am comfortable in the gritty cities where real life occurs.
all realism never fiction
My lyrics are based on real life experiences, not made up stories.
And ghettoes is forever friction
The inner city neighborhoods are always experiencing tension and conflict.
Clash for cash gettin status and crabs is froze
Rappers compete for money and fame, and those who can't keep up become stagnant.
caught up in the mixing
They become distracted and lose focus.
The mic's my only apparatus
The microphone is all I need to showcase my talent.
And with it I got rappers paranoid
Other rappers are intimidated and worried about my abilities.
Lyrical freakazoid, leapin out the terror void
My powerful lyrics are like a monster breaking free from the unknown darkness.
Guard your era it's the Black Thought ain't nothing lesser
I am a highly respected rapper and should be valued as such.
than the MC oppressor, poetry professor
With my powerful lyrics, I am a master of the rap game.
I pound this MC on my dresser got my mind on trauma
I am so focused on my craft that I obsessively practice and perform.
So my persona's marijuana most melodic with the melodrama
My stage presence is smooth and calming, even with dramatic lyrics.
The Ben Frank folder, the mic holder
My money and my microphone are my two most important possessions.
Command it with a planet on my shoulder till the sound's over
I take control of the stage and perform like a true star until the song ends.
Keep it underground my style subterranean
I prefer to stay true to my roots and continue making underground rap music.
Ill Philadelph Pennsylvanian
I am a talented rapper from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Back on the tour to entertrain again, whoops
I am excited to be performing on tour and entertaining my fans once again.
I meant to say to entertain I'm in a planetary mode
I am in a state of mind where I feel like I am taking over the world with my music.
Watch as I explode through your area code with dialect
I am about to take the rap scene by storm and shock everyone with my stellar performance.
Y'all niggaz know the time when the Thought catch wreck
Everyone knows that I am a force to be reckoned with in the rap game.
Y'all niggaz know the science on the Dice Raw and Malik B
Fans know that I collaborate with talented rappers like Dice Raw and Malik B.
Kid I'm nice y'all searchin for a beat
I am a great rapper and people are always searching for my music.
It's the master of literature that's pure
I take pride in my writing abilities and produce high-quality, pure lyrics.
you're checkin for
You are a fan of my music and always looking out for my latest releases.
Coming down I keep it real and hardcore
I am always true to myself and my musical style, which is raw and authentic.
y'all know the score
You are already familiar with my skills and reputation as a rapper.
Four four that's the major, Black Thought I got
My style includes a strong emphasis on the beat, with a four-four time signature.
the flavor you need
My music is exactly what you need to satisfy your rap cravings.
And I shall proceed
I will continue to make great music and perform on stage for my fans.
I can make you dance, I can make you shout
My music has the power to make people dance and shout with excitement.
The scripts in the scroll turned the whole party out
My lyrics are so impactful that they can turn an ordinary party into an unforgettable experience.
Inject my lyrics in a sec with dialect
I effortlessly incorporate my unique dialect into my lyrics and deliver them with ease.
Why accept, because it's from the highest eye and depth
My lyrics are so powerful that people accept them as coming from a higher source.
Rap extrordinaire share me never ever
I am an extraordinary rapper who is not easily duplicated by others.
See through because I be true, Malik's together
My honesty and authenticity are reflected in my music, and I am always in control.
Intox your cells till your brain vein swells
My music has the power to intoxicate and stimulate listeners' brains.
Niggaz'll claim terror when their never parellel
Other rappers may try to create fear with their lyrics, but they can never match my talent and originality.
Once I have a hunch that there's MC's that front
If I suspect other rappers are being fake, I expose them with my own genuine style.
I just crunched a whole bunch, in one big munch
I quickly and easily take down other rappers who don't measure up to my standards.
I always stand firm, under any term
I am always confident and unwavering, no matter the circumstances or challenges I face.
My actions never squirm cuz my tracks is perm
I am always consistent and reliable in my music, and my style is permanent.
I have a tendency to defend this MC
I am fiercely loyal to other talented rappers like myself and will defend them to the end.
My residency is simply in sensei
I am a master of my craft and am always learning and teaching others.
I makes it vivid, on different continents of Earth I pivot
My music is so vivid and powerful that it resonates with people all over the world.
It seems extreme and exquisite but ask it is it
My music may seem intense and highly refined, but it is always rooted in authenticity and truth.
My style is like a cat from a seventies flick
My style is reminiscent of the cool, laid-back feline characters from iconic films of the seventies.
Talkin jive as he strut with his afro pick
I am smooth and confident like the characters in those films, with a nod to the fashion of the time.
Or a predator, just before he stalks his pray
My music is intense and powerful, with the same kind of focus and intensity as a predator stalking its prey.
When I talk this way, I do dismay
My powerful lyrics can amaze and intimidate listeners, even those who are familiar with my style.
See you're puzzled, now how I think you're trying to juggle
My lyrics can leave listeners confused and struggling to keep up with my complex wordplay.
My mind is like a nine M double, now there's trouble
My mind is like a powerful weapon, and when I unleash my lyrics, it can create chaos and trouble for anyone who stands in my way.
The Roots bring you styles and all types of creed
My music, as part of The Roots, encompasses a wide range of styles and genres.
I sign off but I shall proceed
I may be saying goodbye for now, but I am always ready to come back and continue to make great music.
Contributed by Max R. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
Mike Ball
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!
Zach Ellis
This shit was so tight.. best version of this song and one of the dopest hip hop songs ever... Rappers these days need to educate themselves to emcee's like these who did it hard for their culture.. Black thought one of the best to ever hold a mic..real talk.
bluemagicsmurf
Its sad that there are only 4 comments on this. Black thought is a legend...this verse was legendary
Jere P
That verse is so dope on so many levels i can't even put in words how it makes me feel. Hip-hop
LostPerfection
classic remix!! mad nice
R Lazz
Rise In Power Malik B
Einherjar
If people are being damn honest with themselves and actually look at what rappers are spitting. Its no problem to see that Black Thought is the greatest mc off all time, this track is another example.
Jihad Iqbal
100% fact
Guggz
120% fact
Zach Ellis
I keep it underground my styles subterranium