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.
Sacrifice
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Drastic, it ain't plastic, it's just pro blackness
Grown man tactics no pediatrics
The kind of track that make the comeback miraculous
The catalyst. Thought with the knack of splashin'
I'm dashin', I mastered the craft of mashin'
The level-headed thoroughbred the females passion
Magnetic attraction be keeping em askin'
The crews in the Cadillac, the Pendergrassin'
Swerve half-naked won't come near crashin'
But if I go to Heaven would ya'll know my name
Or would it be the same for you like I was Eric Clapton, huh?
Clap for your freedom dog, that's what's happenin'
My spit take critical political action
The hustle is a puzzle, each piece is a fraction
And every word that's understood is a transaction
I'm an S.P. soldier, microphone holder
Rep Philly set
From Bolivia to Boulder
Paris, France to Tip and Thai Yoga
How we gon' make it through the dark?
I'll show ya.
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
Listen,
If you want to be high
Yo kick off ya shoes, jump off the jock
I fly higher than them dudes from off ya block
My name Black, the style is unorthodox
It tap chins wit ya men's who you thought could box
A couple people wanted thought to stop
But guess what?
My man grab the missile, plug for the gut
Now next time greedy stop being such a glut
I'm precise with it like Faheim with haircuts
We up close on 'em with toast but no crust
It's fructose on 'em they froze and won't bust
Choke on your face you jewels is lackluster
Gotta put it to ya straight
Y'all fools is jacked up
Came close to the utmost but no cogar
Nose to the grindstone, head to the stars
The number one runner with the number one drummer
Grammy award-winning it's the world's eighth wonder
Come on!
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
Yo, your first impression might be I'm a asshole
Or say I'm sometimey and give people a hassle
Or try to suntouch and put the heat in a capsule
Dog I'm far deeper than that though,
I get in the zone, recognize I'm a rolling stone
No time to lollygag or lounge with scallywags
Gimme the disc or I'll put it where your body at
Old school spit flow laid over Trotter tracks
With no apology, fraud or tricknology
Just trust what I see and I say and follow me
My way, I be the open book, look inside me
The star of the story that the grooveteller guide me
Through all the dark times part of the business
The light be contingent on small forensics
My microphone'll make a man a newborn infant
It's true so the true gon' sense it
I get in the zone
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
In "Sacrifice," The Roots use their lyrical prowess to discuss themes of sacrifice, perseverance, and the need for cultural pride. From the opening line, "Listen, I got you phobic offa this like arachnids," the rapper leads the listener down a path of complexity, showing off his technical skill while discussing the intricacies of black identity politics. He sings about the grown man tactics needed to thrive, how he's mastered the craft of mashing through hard work and dedication.
The chorus emphasizes that in life, you have to make sacrifices in order to reach something. Sometimes you need to cry before you can smile and have a heart filled with music if you want to use it to fly. The track is motivational in its message, urging listeners to put in the work necessary to achieve their goals. The rapper punctuates this point in his verse, saying that while his first impression might be that he is an asshole or gives people a hassle, he is far deeper than that. He gets in the zone, recognizing that he is a rolling stone that cannot lollygag or lounge with scallywags. The song emulates what The Roots are all about, a group rooted in the struggle of the underdog, fighting against the odds.
Line by Line Meaning
Listen, I got you phobic offa this like arachnids
I am so good at what I do that I make you feel fearful like arachnids do
Drastic, it ain't plastic, it's just pro blackness
It's a drastic move based on conviction, not artificiality - just pro blackness
Grown man tactics no pediatrics
I'm taking bold steps like a grown man, not like a child needing pediatric care
The kind of track that make the comeback miraculous
This music has the power to aid an extraordinary comeback
The catalyst. Thought with the knack of splashin'
I am the one that makes things happen, with creative ideas that make a big impact
I'm dashin', I mastered the craft of mashin'
I'm running at top speed and have perfected the art of mixing genres
The level-headed thoroughbred the females passion
I'm a cool, collected individual with an appeal that drives females wild
Magnetic attraction be keeping em askin'
The magnetic force of attraction is so strong that people keep asking about it
The crews in the Cadillac, the Pendergrassin'
We're cruising in style in a Cadillac, reminiscing about Teddy Pendergrass
Swerve half-naked won't come near crashin'
We're driving recklessly but even half-naked we won't come close to crashing
But if I go to Heaven would ya'll know my name
If I were to die would people still remember my name?
Or would it be the same for you like I was Eric Clapton, huh?
Would you forget me just like how you might forget someone like Eric Clapton?
Clap for your freedom dog, that's what's happenin'
Celebrate your freedom, because that's the current situation
My spit take critical political action
My rhymes have a political message and can bring about change
The hustle is a puzzle, each piece is a fraction
Achieving success is a puzzle and every small step counts
And every word that's understood is a transaction
Every word spoken has some value, it's like a transaction
I'm an S.P. soldier, microphone holder
I'm a soldier representing Soulquarians, holding the microphone
Rep Philly set, from Bolivia to Boulder
I represent Philadelphia, from Bolivia to Boulder
Paris, France to Tip and Thai Yoga
I've traveled a lot to diverse places like Paris, France and also to practice yoga in Thailand
How we gon' make it through the dark? I'll show ya.
How will we overcome adversity? I'll demonstrate and guide you through it
Tell you one lesson I've learned
I'll share a valuable lesson that I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
To achieve your goals in life
You ain't gonna get it unless you give a little bit of sacrifice
You have to make some sacrifices along the way
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
Sometimes you have to go through tough times before you can experience happiness
You need a heart that's filled with music
Music can serve as a source of inspiration and motivation
If you use it you can fly
If you utilize music, it can empower and uplift you
Yo kick off ya shoes, jump off the jock
Relax, you don't need to try to impress everyone
I fly higher than them dudes from off ya block
I rise above those who doubt me in the neighborhood
My name Black, the style is unorthodox
My name is Black and my style is unconventional
It tap chins wit ya men's who you thought could box
My music has the strength to knock out those who thought they were tough
A couple people wanted thought to stop
Some people doubted and wanted me to stop
But guess what? My man grab the missile, plug for the gut
But we fought back hard and won, hitting them where it hurts
Now next time greedy stop being such a glut
Next time, those who want more than they need should be less selfish
I'm precise with it like Faheim with haircuts
I am skilled and precise with my music, like Faheem, a barber with haircuts
We up close on 'em with toast but no crust
We're dangerously close to them, with guns, but no hesitation
It's fructose on 'em they froze and won't bust
Our music is sweet like fructose, but they can't handle it and freeze up
Choke on your face you jewels is lackluster
Your attempt to be flashy with jewelry is not impressive
Gotta put it to ya straight, Y'all fools is jacked up
I need to be honest and tell you that you're acting ridiculous and foolish
Came close to the utmost but no cogar
We almost hit the peak but didn't quite make it
Nose to the grindstone, head to the stars
We're constantly working hard on our music, while staying humble and staying focused on our goals in the sky
The number one runner with the number one drummer
I'm a top musician with one of the best drummers
Grammy award-winning it's the world's eighth wonder
Being a Grammy-winning artist is like being the eighth wonder of the world
Yo, your first impression might be I'm a asshole
You might think I'm unlikable at first glance
Or say I'm sometimey and give people a hassle
People might find me unpredictable and difficult to deal with
Or try to suntouch and put the heat in a capsule
I might come across as trying too hard and over the top
Dog I'm far deeper than that though
But in reality, there's much more to me than what meets the eye
I get in the zone, recognize I'm a rolling stone
Once I get in the right mindset, I am unstoppable and always on the move
No time to lollygag or lounge with scallywags
I don't have time to waste on frivolous activities or unsavory characters
Gimme the disc or I'll put it where your body at
Give me the music disc or I'll hurt you badly
Old school spit flow laid over Trotter tracks
I have an old school flow, like back in the day, laid over Trotter tracks
With no apology, fraud or tricknology
I am true to myself and my craft, with nothing to hide or apologize for
Just trust what I see and I say and follow me
Believe in me and what I stand for, and follow me on this journey
My way, I be the open book, look inside me
My approach is transparent, if you look closely enough, you'll see the real me
The star of the story that the grooveteller guide me
I am the main character in this musical story, guided by the grooveteller
Through all the dark times part of the business
Even through tough times which come with the music business
The light be contingent on small forensics
Success hinges on small details that may seem insignificant
My microphone'll make a man a newborn infant
My performances are powerful enough to make grown men feel like infants again
It's true so the true gon' sense it
Those with a discerning eye for truth will recognize and appreciate it
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: AHMIR K. THOMPSON, LEONARD N. HUBBARD, TARIK L. COLLINS, JIMMY GRAY
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@MytreeTv
Sacrifice - Lyrics!
by The Roots and Nelly Furtado
Listen, I got you phobic offa this like arachnids
Drastic, it ain't plastic, it's just pro blackness
Grown man tactics no pediatrics
The kind of track that make the comeback miraculous
The catalyst. Thought with the knack of splashin'
I'm dashin', I mastered the craft of mashin'
The level-headed thoroughbred the females passion
Magnetic attraction be keeping em askin'
The crews in the Cadillac, the Pendergrassin'
Swerve half-naked won't come near crashin'
But if I go to Heaven would ya'll know my name
Or would it be the same for you like I was Eric Clapton, huh?
Clap for your freedom dog, that's what's happenin'
My spit take critical political action
The hustle is a puzzle, each piece is a fraction
And every word that's understood is a transaction
I'm an S.P. soldier, microphone holder
Rep Philly set
From Bolivia to Boulder
Paris, France to Tip and Thai Yoga
How we gon' make it through the dark?
I'll show ya.
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
Listen,
If you want to be high
Yo kick off ya shoes, jump off the jock
I fly higher than them dudes from off ya block
My name Black, the style is unorthodox
It tap chins wit ya men's who you thought could box
A couple people wanted thought to stop
But guess what?
My man grab the missile, plug for the gut
Now next time greedy stop being such a glut
I'm precise with it like Faheim with haircuts
We up close on 'em with toast but no crust
It's fructose on 'em they froze and won't bust
Choke on your face you jewels is lackluster
Gotta put it to ya straight
Y'all fools is jacked up
Came close to the utmost but no cogar
Nose to the grindstone, head to the stars
The number one runner with the number one drummer
Grammy award-winning it's the world's eighth wonder
Come on!
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
Yo, your first impression might be I'm a asshole
Or say I'm sometimey and give people a hassle
Or try to suntouch and put the heat in a capsule
Dog I'm far deeper than that though,
I get in the zone, recognize I'm a rolling stone
No time to lollygag or lounge with scallywags
Gimme the disc or I'll put it where your body at
Old school spit flow laid over Trotter tracks
With no apology, fraud or tricknology
Just trust what I see and I say and follow me
My way, I be the open book, look inside me
The star of the story that the grooveteller guide me
Through all the dark times part of the business
The light be contingent on small forensics
My microphone'll make a man a newborn infant
It's true so the true gon' sense it
I get in the zone
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
Tell you one lesson I've learned
If you want to reach something in life
You ain't gonna get it unless
You give a little bit of sacrifice
Ooh sometimes before you smile you got to cry
You need a heart that's filled with music
If you use it you can fly
If you want to be high
@walidjaziriofficial
Who is listening to this masterpiece in June 2023?
@eokogbo
"The Hustle is a puzzle, each piece is a fraction and every word that's understood is a transaction..." ~ The man is a savant (Black Thought)
@dianacomby3782
so true!! most underrated mc in the game.
@zeromathematics
your comment is underated
@DAPDave
This song takes me to an exciting, but strange, time in life. Haven't heard it on forever. This is probably my favorite Roots album.
@EliBeatboxJimenez
Black Thought is a lyrical genius!
@peagles83
This still sounds so fresh even 17 years later!
@fthisjob6676
God this album is amazing.
@hutchisonst
un-freaking-believable. the kind of music that just sucks you in and you never want it to end!!
@jonathandnicholson
Probably the best hip-hop/rap song I know...