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.
Somebody's Gotta Do It
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
And be there when the shit hits the fan
Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
Yeah y'all, ideal for a lyrical perfectionist
Raw, that's what every soldier in my collective is
Thought, control level is that of a gold medalist
My level headedness make it come off so effortless
The rebel is a opposite extreme of devilish
Back setting it with the answer to your deficit
My track record is hot shit, consecutive
Smug, I got game just like a record executive
A kiss to the feminine girls loving a gentlemen
A genius slash gangsta with a skill for swindling
Bet on Black
Bet these cats that's all gelatin
Will fall back spittin' them raps that's unintelligent
Raps that cap, rabid rattlin' out the gattlin'
Crippling rhymes whistlin' past, blow you back in
Smellin' your blood now I'm huntin'
Blowin' your front in for frontin' what up cousin?
Oh, now it's nothin'
Yo, you can't go beyond a point of no returning
I flip like my name Turner
That's for certain nigga, Ted Turner, Nat Turner, nigga Ike Turner
The raw sojourner for truth
The mic burner
[Chorus]
Mic malevolence defies violence I inherited
Others just rentin' it like rooms at the Sheraton
I gotta jones like Vanessa in the devil in-
And y'all cold like a show in the Netherlands
Cold shoulders and frozen aortic valves -
So I don't form pals - conform to norms - morals different
Gifted - use it to shift shit a mutant shape shifter when I spit it I'm liquid
You could lick a million shots at the character of the body shell
They'll just richochette nigga aura's hard as hell
Before there was ain't hard to tell
The mic's cycle coincided right with mine as well
Since a minor I walked with the spine upstraight
I learned to rhyme to feed the dinner plate
I scraped barrel - even dined up on wine and steaks
'Cause in the bone same marrow that apartheid chased
The narrow margin with the haves and the have nots
Will get smaller as I approach - so watch your stash box
Fox logo if your fave is local
Get bruised till you're the color of the Laker's logo
This is work niggas
[Chorus]
I made it - ain't nobody believe in me
But this rap game is like selling coke legally
Ain't no innovations - that takes concentration
nigga's celebrating not knowing the time they wasting
Killin' mics is one of my aesthetics
Rip very live so I'm an entertainer like Cedric
Shit they play on radio's now give me a headache
Can't slow me down I know where I'm headed
The profit on kill if you let it
nigga's feeling energetic
want to rumble - guns will come out
Here come the paramedics
I'm just trying to live like I've Devin
Tired of my people failin'
We all sin - the devil, what di I tell em
Somebody gotta get their hands dirty and shoes muddy
I see things vividly, y'all vision is blurry
Even if you hate - through my music you gone love
Everybody with me and they was with me when it was ugly
[Chorus]
The lyrics of “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” by The Roots is a powerful message of taking responsibility, even when it gets hard, messy, and uncomfortable. The song begins with a chorus that repeats the line “somebody’s gotta be there when it gets ugly, somebody’s gotta be there when it gets bloody, somebody’s gotta get their hands dirty,” emphasizing the idea that there will always be a need for someone to step up and do the work that needs to be done, no matter how unpleasant it may be. The chorus goes on to say that it’s a messed-up job but somebody’s gotta do it.
The verses of the song take on a more personal and introspective tone, with the rapper describing his own journey and experiences in the music industry. He talks about his level of skill and talent in comparison to others in the game, his ability to adapt and change his style, and his passion for creating meaningful music. He also references historical figures like Nat Turner and Ike Turner, suggesting that his own personal struggles and triumphs are part of a larger legacy of African American artists who have had to fight for recognition and respect.
Overall, the song “Somebody’s Gotta Do It” speaks to the importance of taking ownership and responsibility, even in difficult situations. The lyrics suggest that we all have a role to play in making the world a better place, and that sometimes that role involves getting our hands dirty and doing the hard work that others may shy away from.
Line by Line Meaning
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets ugly
There's always someone who needs to take on the tough jobs.
Somebody's gotta be there when it gets bloody
In the tough times, there has to be someone willing to face the consequences.
Somebody's gotta get their hands dirty
The person who can handle the less glamorous aspects of a job is essential.
Yo, it's a fucked up job but somebody's gotta do it
The task may not be pleasant, but it's necessary.
Somebody's gotta come up with a plan
There always needs to be a leader who can create a strategy for success.
And be there when the shit hits the fan
Leadership requires being able to handle chaos and uncertainty.
I hope y'all out there understand
It's important for people to recognize the value of the hard jobs that others are willing to take on.
Look man it's a fucked up job, but somebody's gotta do it
The job may be unpleasant, but it's necessary for success.
Yeah y'all, ideal for a lyrical perfectionist
The Roots take pride in their ability to craft lyrics with precision and skill.
Raw, that's what every soldier in my collective is
The members of The Roots are authentic and true to themselves.
Thought, control level is that of a gold medalist
The Roots have a high level of mental acuity when creating their music.
My level headedness make it come off so effortless
The Roots take a calm and confident approach to their music.
The rebel is a opposite extreme of devilish
The Roots see themselves as rebels against the mainstream, but they are not malicious or evil.
Back setting it with the answer to your deficit
The Roots believe they have the solutions to society's problems.
My track record is hot shit, consecutive
The Roots have a history of producing quality music one after the other.
Smug, I got game just like a record executive
The Roots have the musical talent and skills necessary to succeed in the industry.
A kiss to the feminine girls loving a gentlemen
The Roots show appreciation for their female audience who appreciate a gentlemanly persona.
A genius slash gangsta with a skill for swindling
The Roots pride themselves on their ability to blend intellectualism with a tough persona.
Bet on Black
The Roots know that they will succeed, regardless of the odds against them.
Bet these cats that's all gelatin
The Roots believe that anyone who doubts them is weak and ineffective.
Will fall back spittin' them raps that's unintelligent
Those who doubt The Roots will only come back with inferior and unintelligent music.
Raps that cap, rabid rattlin' out the gattlin'
The Roots are opposed to the glorification of gun violence in rap music.
Crippling rhymes whistlin' past, blow you back in
The Roots believe that their music is powerful and can impact people's lives.
Smellin' your blood now I'm huntin'
The Roots are ready to go on the offensive against their critics.
Blowin' your front in for frontin' what up cousin?
The Roots are not afraid to call out those who front or pretend to be something they are not.
Oh, now it's nothin'
Those who front are quickly exposed and become insignificant.
Yo, you can't go beyond a point of no returning
There comes a time when you can't turn back from what you've committed to.
I flip like my name Turner
The Roots are capable of change and transformation, as represented by the reference to Nat Turner and Ike Turner.
That's for certain nigga, Ted Turner, Nat Turner, nigga Ike Turner
The Roots make a play on words with the surname Turner to emphasize the importance of change and transformation.
The raw sojourner for truth
The Roots are committed to telling the truth in their music and not sugarcoating harsh realities.
The mic burner
The Roots are passionate and skilled when it comes to their craft of making music.
Mic malevolence defies violence I inherited
The Roots' music is aggressive and confrontational, but it does not promote violence.
Others just rentin' it like rooms at the Sheraton
Unlike other musicians who are just going through the motions, The Roots are fully invested in their creative process.
I gotta jones like Vanessa in the devil in-
The Roots' passion for music compares to Vanessa Williams' addiction in the movie 'The Devil in a Blue Dress.'
And y'all cold like a show in the Netherlands
The Roots describe those who don't appreciate their music as being cold and dismissive.
Cold shoulders and frozen aortic valves -
Those who don't appreciate The Roots' music have icy and stoic demeanors.
So I don't form pals - conform to norms - morals different
The Roots don't conform to social norms because they have their own set of values and beliefs.
Gifted - use it to shift shit a mutant shape shifter when I spit it I'm liquid
The Roots are uniquely talented and use their gifts to create transformative music that can move people.
You could lick a million shots at the character of the body shell
The Roots are unbreakable and immune to personal attacks.
They'll just richochette nigga aura's hard as hell
Negative comments about The Roots will just bounce off their tough exterior.
Before there was ain't hard to tell
The Roots have been creating music for a long time and their skill and talent have always been evident.
The mic's cycle coincided right with mine as well
The Roots' music has always been a part of their identity and personal journey.
Since a minor I walked with the spine upstraight
The Roots have always been confident and self-assured.
I learned to rhyme to feed the dinner plate
The Roots' passion for music started as a way to provide for themselves.
I scraped barrel - even dined up on wine and steaks
The Roots have always been willing to work hard and make sacrifices to achieve their goals.
'Cause in the bone same marrow that apartheid chased
The Roots come from a background of struggle and have faced systemic oppression.
The narrow margin with the haves and the have nots
The divide between the rich and the poor is a real issue that The Roots are aware of.
Will get smaller as I approach - so watch your stash box
The Roots' success will ultimately lead to a shift in wealth distribution and those who have more should be aware of that change.
Fox logo if your fave is local
The Roots are critical of those who support mainstream media without giving local artists a chance.
Get bruised till you're the color of the Laker's logo
Those who continue to support mainstream media without recognizing local talent will face backlash from The Roots.
This is work niggas
Making music is a serious and difficult job.
I made it - ain't nobody believe in me
The Roots have faced doubt and adversity, but they have overcome it to achieve success.
But this rap game is like selling coke legally
The music industry is cutthroat and requires the same level of risk and savvy as illegal businesses.
Ain't no innovations - that takes concentration
Innovation is difficult and requires focus and hard work.
nigga's celebrating not knowing the time they wasting
Others in the music industry are content with celebrating without putting in the necessary work and time for innovation.
Killin' mics is one of my aesthetics
The Roots value their ability to create great music.
Rip very live so I'm an entertainer like Cedric
The Roots take pride in their ability to perform live and entertain their audience.
Shit they play on radio's now give me a headache
The Roots see the current state of mainstream music as lacking in quality and substance.
Can't slow me down I know where I'm headed
The Roots are determined and focused on their path to success.
The profit on kill if you let it
The Roots recognize the potential for greed and corruption in the music industry.
nigga's feeling energetic
Others in the music industry may be energized, but that doesn't guarantee success.
want to rumble - guns will come out
Conflict and violence are not the way to resolve differences in the music industry.
Here come the paramedics
The Roots are not afraid to confront those who are violent in the music industry.
I'm just trying to live like I've Devin
The Roots are inspired by the late rapper, Devin the Dude, to live their lives authentically and honestly.
Tired of my people failin'
The Roots are frustrated with the lack of success in the music industry for people like themselves.
We all sin - the devil, what di I tell em
The Roots recognize that everyone makes mistakes and has their own demons to face.
Somebody gotta get their hands dirty and shoes muddy
Those who want to succeed in the music industry must be willing to take on the tough jobs.
I see things vividly, y'all vision is blurry
The Roots have a clear vision for their music and are not easily swayed by outside influences.
Even if you hate - through my music you gone love
The Roots believe that their music is powerful enough to overcome any negative feelings or opinions others may have.
Everybody with me and they was with me when it was ugly
The Roots are grateful for their supporters who have been with them since the beginning, through the tough times.
Lyrics © DOMINO PUBLISHING COMPANY, Universal Music Publishing Group, Royalty Network
Written by: AHMIR THOMPSON, AHMIR K. THOMPSON, SYLVESTER STEWART, TARIK TROTTER, TARIK L. COLLINS, KARL WILLIAM PAMP JENKINS, TSIDI IBRIHAM, FLOYD CARSON, TAHIR CHEESEBORO JAMAL
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!