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.
The Lesson Pt. 1
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My rap definition is wild
I wrote graffiti as a juvenile
Restin on deuce trey
And used to boost gray Kangol's
With 555 Soul's from the streets
Of the Ill-a-delphiadaic insane
For monetary gain, niggaz is slain on the train
For wealth stealth missions for crack
In the alleyways, where niggaz get grazed in the back
From stray shots
Clips with hollow tips, for your spine or
Either remain calm, catch a rhyme, to your mind
Niggaz ya know my style
I run a--motherfuckin-rap--muk
When Malik get a you-Haul truck
I stand five, foot seven, in command of the party
And scam like Uncle Sam
I'm never caught up in the glass eye
Of your action cam, cause I'm down low
Artistic exquisite rap pro, that get the dough
It's the Philly borough dread
Thoroughbred for dolo
I bag solo, like a nigga that boost Polo
Steppin' through the corridor, of metaphors
Lookin' over my left
Shoulder the mic, still feel colder than before
With this jazz shit I hit your jaw
Dice Raw, get up on the mic, my young poor
I be the nigga blowin' up the spot on tour
Surely real to the core, old school like eighty-four
I never die, and raps till my lungs collapse
Then relax until my knack for tracks
Bring it back, on time
When I rhyme my rep remain
Either go against the grain or your ass is found slain
I overcome, niggaz want styles then I throw you some
Show you some, get on the mic and take it over son
Dice Raw, the motherfuckin' Wild Noid
Get on the mic and perpetratin' is void
Ya leave niggaz missin' in action like their dads in the projects
My style like an old mac, travel round and catch wreck
I'm ill versatile, with the skill no more
Wack MC's want to flex but their styles they bore
Got to know the real meaning of the ill shit, kid
I do mad damage but never will catch a bid
With my knapsack, full of ill shit that I just boosted
From the corner store when I let loose more
Flavor that's me, rippin' heads off from the seams
Niggaz didn't play like Jeru and Come Clean
[he heh ha ha ha] I beat down on they heads like drum machines
Or 808's cause my style flows out great
And superspectac, with all the raw rap
Pull a metal chair out my knapsack across your back ka-crack
Now do you feel the pain of course
I guess you're believin' that I'm insane
When I'm taggin' my name, upon the train I got so much pride
I got so much soul, with lyrics high
To make niggaz stop drop and roll, now check me out one time
For your ass, fat styles equivalent
Of an AIDS infected Glock blast
Niggaz know my style, plus they know they want more
Props from Mount Vernon, to Mount Rushmore
OK kid, you know my style is buckwild literature
That you can never get when I'm thinkin' your particular
Flavor that you want
I sit back and smoke a fat blunt in class
Teachers can kiss my ass, I'm twice, Dice
Nigga de Raw, never take a bad fall
Smack your head up against the wall
Like playin' handball, my style's ill
I slam like Hulk Hogan, Dice Raw bettin on my arm
Niggaz know my slogan while I breathe your last breath
Niggaz better watch they step, fat bull catch wreck
Ill, gots ta keep you in check
With the hellified beats and hard rhymes
Niggaz know my style, when I go the whole nine
I beat down punks, cut em up into fruit chunks
Like fruit salad, my style's smooth like white owl
Blunts, so whatcha want if you got beef then come get it
If ya don't well then forget it
My rap style's exquisite, I'm Raw Daddy
Like niggaz with no Trojans on the stage when I rhyme
I gots ta keep, my composure
Where I'm from it's like a whole different world
Hoppin' a train honeydip and I'ma snatch your squirrel
Most corrupt, motherfucker in the tenth grade
Juvenile cause Jeff McKay could not fade
Don't ask me honey I'm not the one for stressin'
If you want to know better ask BR.O.Th.E.R ?
Cause he know the time like I know the time
When I grab the microphone
It's like, summertime, laid back, to recline
In my La-Z-Boy chair
Dice Raw, the Wild Noid
I'm the fuck up outta here
In the lyrics to The Roots's song The Lesson Pt. 1, the singer is describing his experience as a young rapper in Philadelphia. He talks about his versatility as a lyricist and his early days writing graffiti. He also references the violence and danger present in his neighborhood, including murder and drug dealing. Throughout the song, the singer asserts his confidence as a rapper and his willingness to battle anyone who challenges him. He remains raw and authentic, true to himself and his neighborhood, while also acknowledging the larger national and global themes that influenced the hip-hop genre at the time.
Line by Line Meaning
Lyrically versatile
My ability to rap is versatile and adaptable
My rap definition is wild
My interpretation and expression of rap is unconventional and unpredictable
I wrote graffiti as a juvenile
In my youth, I expressed myself through graffiti art
Restin on deuce trey
Relaxing and reflecting on the streets of my neighborhood
And used to boost gray Kangol's
I used to steal and wear gray Kangol hats
With 555 Soul's from the streets
I obtained and wore 555 Soul clothing that represented the street culture
Of the Ill-a-delphiadaic insane
The insanity and chaos of Philadelphia, my hometown
For monetary gain, niggaz is slain on the train
People are killed on the train in pursuit of financial success
It's homicide
These killings are acts of murder
For wealth stealth missions for crack
Criminal activities are carried out secretly in search of wealth and drugs
In the alleyways, where niggaz get grazed in the back
In the dark corners of the city, people get shot or injured randomly
From stray shots
Bullets fired aimlessly hitting unintended targets
Clips with hollow tips, for your spine or
Bullets with hollow tips that can cause severe damage to the body
Either remain calm, catch a rhyme, to your mind
Stay composed and listen to my lyrics, which will stimulate your mind
Niggaz ya know my style
People are familiar with my unique way of rapping
I run a--motherfuckin-rap--muk
I dominate and control the rap scene
When Malik get a you-Haul truck
When my partner Malik gets a truck, we transport our equipment
I stand five, foot seven, in command of the party
I am assertive and control the vibe of the party despite my height
And scam like Uncle Sam
I deceive and manipulate others like the government
I'm never caught up in the glass eye
I don't care about being recorded or observed
Of your action cam, cause I'm down low
I prefer to stay under the radar and avoid attention
Artistic exquisite rap pro, that get the dough
I am an artistically skilled rapper who earns money
It's the Philly borough dread
I represent the dread and intensity of the Philadelphia neighborhood
Thoroughbred for dolo
I am a purebred and independent rapper
I bag solo, like a nigga that boost Polo
I achieve success on my own, like someone who steals Polo clothes
Steppin' through the corridor, of metaphors
I navigate through a path filled with metaphoric expressions
Lookin' over my left
Remaining vigilant and observant
Shoulder the mic, still feel colder than before
Holding the microphone, I am still confident and unfazed
With this jazz shit I hit your jaw
Through my rap style influenced by jazz, I deliver impactful lyrics
Dice Raw, get up on the mic, my young poor
Dice Raw, a talented but financially struggling artist, takes the stage
I be the nigga blowin' up the spot on tour
I am the one who stands out and captivates audiences during tours
Surely real to the core, old school like eighty-four
I am authentic and true to the essence of old-school rap like in 1984
I never die, and raps till my lungs collapse
I will continue to rap passionately until I physically can't anymore
Then relax until my knack for tracks
Afterward, I rest and wait for my natural talent for making music to inspire me again
Bring it back, on time
Return to the rap scene and deliver my music with perfect timing
When I rhyme my rep remain
My reputation remains strong when I perform
Either go against the grain or your ass is found slain
Either challenge the norm or face severe consequences
I overcome, niggaz want styles then I throw you some
I surpass expectations by delivering unique and innovative rap styles
Show you some, get on the mic and take it over son
I demonstrate my skills and dominance on the microphone
Dice Raw, the motherfuckin' Wild Noid
I am Dice Raw, the fearless and eccentric artist
Get on the mic and perpetratin' is void
When I grab the microphone, all fraudulent behavior is defeated
Ya leave niggaz missin' in action like their dads in the projects
You cause people to disappear like their absent fathers in the low-income neighborhoods
My style like an old mac, travel round and catch wreck
My style is reminiscent of a vintage Mac computer, constantly moving and causing mayhem
I'm ill versatile, with the skill no more
I possess a versatile and unique skill that others lack
Wack MC's want to flex but their styles they bore
Untalented rappers attempt to showcase their skills, but their styles are uninteresting
Got to know the real meaning of the ill shit, kid
You must understand the true essence and significance of the raw and powerful rap
I do mad damage but never will catch a bid
I cause a significant impact through my rap, but I will never be involved in legal troubles
With my knapsack, full of ill shit that I just boosted
Carrying a backpack filled with stolen goods and provocative ideas
From the corner store when I let loose more
I acquire ideas and material from everyday places and translate them into my rap
Flavor that's me, rippin' heads off from the seams
I bring a unique flavor to the rap industry, tearing apart the competition
Niggaz didn't play like Jeru and Come Clean
Other rappers failed to deliver with the intensity of Jeru the Damaja's 'Come Clean' track
[he heh ha ha ha] I beat down on they heads like drum machines
I metaphorically strike down on their heads with as much force as drum machines
Or 808's cause my style flows out great
Similar to the bass sound of an 808 drum machine, my rap style is powerful and captivating
And superspectac, with all the raw rap
I am a highly skilled and exceptional artist, delivering raw and authentic rap
Pull a metal chair out my knapsack across your back ka-crack
I inflict a painful blow by attacking you with a metal chair from my backpack
Now do you feel the pain of course
You undoubtedly experience the pain and consequences
I guess you're believin' that I'm insane
You may think I am crazy because of my intense and aggressive rap style
When I'm taggin' my name, upon the train I got so much pride
I take great pride in leaving my mark and signature on trains through graffiti
I got so much soul, with lyrics high
I possess a deep sense of soul and emotion, reflected in my profound lyrics
To make niggaz stop drop and roll, now check me out one time
I have the ability to captivate and energize people, making them stop, drop, and roll in excitement
For your ass, fat styles equivalent
I deliver exceptional and impressive rap styles specifically for you
Of an AIDS infected Glock blast
My rap styles hit hard and have a destructive impact like the firing of an AIDS-infected gun
Niggaz know my style, plus they know they want more
People are familiar with and crave more of my unique and captivating rap style
Props from Mount Vernon, to Mount Rushmore
I receive recognition and respect for my rap skills from local neighborhoods to iconic landmarks
OK kid, you know my style is buckwild literature
You are already aware that my rap style is unconventional and wild, like literature
That you could never get when I'm thinkin' your particular
The depth and complexity of my thoughts and ideas are beyond your comprehension
Flavor that you want
I bring the exact flavor and style that you desire
I sit back and smoke a fat blunt in class
I relax and indulge in marijuana during class
Teachers can kiss my ass
I have no respect or regard for authority figures like teachers
I'm twice, Dice
I am the double entity known as Dice Raw and also twice as talented
Nigga de Raw, never take a bad fall
I, Dice Raw, always maintain my resilience and composure
Smack your head up against the wall
I metaphorically attack and overpower you, causing frustration and defeat
Like playin' handball, my style's ill
Similar to the intensity and impact of playing handball, my rap style is powerful and impressive
I slam like Hulk Hogan, Dice Raw bettin on my arm
I deliver my rap with the strength and intensity of Hulk Hogan, and I am confident in my ability
Niggaz know my slogan while I breathe your last breath
People are familiar with my catchphrase and slogan even as they gasp for their final breath
Niggaz better watch they step, fat bull catch wreck
Others should be cautious and careful because I, a powerful force, can wreak havoc
Ill, gots ta keep you in check
I, being ill and extraordinary, have the responsibility to keep you in line and under control
With the hellified beats and hard rhymes
I combine intense beats with powerful and impactful lyrics
Niggaz know my style, when I go the whole nine
People are fully aware of my unique and impressive rap style when I deliver it in its entirety
I beat down punks, cut em up into fruit chunks
I overpower and defeat weak rappers, metaphorically slicing them into small pieces
Like fruit salad, my style's smooth like white owl
Similar to the smoothness and pleasantness of a fruit salad, my rap style is enjoyable and effortless
Blunts, so whatcha want if you got beef then come get it
If you have a problem with me, then confront me and face the consequences
If ya don't well then forget it
If you choose not to engage with me, then let it go and move on
My rap style's exquisite, I'm Raw Daddy
My rap style is exceptional and superb, and I am proudly known as Raw Daddy
Like niggaz with no Trojans on the stage when I rhyme
Similar to people without protection in a sexual encounter, I am exposed and vulnerable on stage when I rap
I gots ta keep, my composure
I must maintain control and composure despite the challenges and pressures
Where I'm from it's like a whole different world
The environment I come from is vastly different and unique
Hoppin' a train honeydip and I'ma snatch your squirrel
Boarding a train with confidence, I will attract and steal your valuable possessions
Most corrupt, motherfucker in the tenth grade
I am the most cunning and corrupt individual even in my high school years
Juvenile cause Jeff McKay could not fade
I am rebellious and mischievous like Jeff McKay, unable to be defeated
Don't ask me honey I'm not the one for stressin'
Do not approach me with unnecessary drama and stress
If you want to know better ask BR.O.Th.E.R ?
If you seek understanding, consult a wise individual like BR.O.Th.E.R
Cause he know the time like I know the time
BR.O.Th.E.R has knowledge and awareness just like I do
When I grab the microphone
When I take control of the microphone
It's like, summertime, laid back, to recline
It feels relaxed and carefree, like a summer day spent reclining and enjoying life
In my La-Z-Boy chair
In the comfort of my La-Z-Boy chair
Dice Raw, the Wild Noid
I am Dice Raw, the artist known as the Wild Noid
I'm the fuck up outta here
I am leaving and moving on from this situation or place
Lyrics © OBO APRA/AMCOS
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!