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 clichΓ©s 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 Roots
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
My roots run deep, I need the swell pulling me to get to sleep
And I know, I'm gone, to long
You come out to see me from the sand
But to me it just feels wrong
Among the others on the land
Your roots, are in the earth, gulls gather round your plow as you turn the turf
Your roots, run deep, you've sown the seed for the sweet barley that you reap
You come out to see me from the sand
But to me it just feels wrong
Among the others on the land
Their roots, lie with you, by your side ever watching all you do
Their roots, run deep, I only hope they dream of me when they sleep
And I know, I'm gone, to long
You come out to see me from the sand
But to me it just feels wrong
Among the others on the land
The song "Guiding Light" by The Roots featuring Maimouna Yousef is a soulful ode to love and hope. The lyrics describe the guiding light as a person that helps the singer navigate their way through the difficult phases of life. The light helps them overcome challenges and persevere through pain. The song emphasizes the importance of slowing down and holding onto one's dreams. The chorus is repeated several times and acts as a mantra for the singer to focus on the positivity and hope that the light brings.
The verses describe the struggles of life, such as feeling low and unable to get things right. The guiding light provides a safe haven that helps the singer feel at peace. The lyrics mention the "flesh and blood" that are trying to tear the singer down, but true love prevails. The lyrics encourage the listener to stay present and appreciate the crescent moon and shining stars that provide a sense of calm and reassurance. The song concludes with the chorus, reminding the listener to slow down, hold on, and let the guiding light lead the way.
Overall, the song is a beautiful tribute to the power of love and hope in difficult times. The lyrics are relatable and timeless, and the soulful melody and instrumentals add to the emotional depth of the song.
Line by Line Meaning
You are my guiding light
The person singing views the addressee as a source of guidance and direction in their life, providing clarity and aiding them in making decisions.
My guiding light
This phrase is repeated throughout the song to emphasize the importance of the addressee's role as a guiding light in the singer's life.
Through the darkest days
The person being addressed has helped the singer navigate through difficult, trying times in their life.
Waiting for the sun to rise
The addressee has helped the singer get through tough times by providing hope and an optimistic outlook for the future.
Takes away the pain
The guidance provided by the addressee has helped alleviate emotional pain and make the singer feel better.
When you feel the heat
The addressee has been there to support the singer during times of stress and high pressure.
Burnin' on your back
This line is a metaphor for the pressure and stress that the addressee has helped the singer deal with.
You know how to live
The addressee is viewed as having a good understanding of how to live a fulfilling and happy life, which they share with the singer.
Before your heart turns black
The addressee's guidance helps prevent the singer from becoming bitter or disillusioned with life.
That's how the story goes
This line is a figurative way of saying that the guidance and relationship between the singer and addressee is something that has played out in many people's lives throughout history.
Just goes to show
This line implies that the guidance provided by the addressee is something that is universally valuable and helpful.
Got ta Slow down
The singer advises the addressee to take life at a slower pace, to avoid feeling overwhelmed or stressed out.
Cause yau0027 Movinu0027 too fast
The addressee is advised to slow down in their daily activities and don't let their fast-paced life get in the way of their relationship with the singer.
Got ta Hold on
The singer encourages the addressee to hold on to their dreams and aspirations, not letting go of what they truly want in life.
Make your dreams last
This line emphasizes the importance of following one's dreams and not giving up on them.
Through the dark Caves of night
The addressee has helped the singer navigate through difficult, confusing periods in their life, almost like helping them through a dark, scary cave.
Sunshines
This word is used metaphorically to describe the addressee, as someone who brings light and positivity into the singer's life.
Youu0027re my guiding light
The addressee is referred to once again as their guiding light, emphasizing the importance of their relationship in the singer's life.
You're my shootinu0027 star
This line is another metaphorical expression of the addressee's importance in the singer's life, comparing them to a rare and special shooting star.
Youu0027re my starry sky
The addressee is compared to a starry sky, with infinite possibilities and opportunities open to the singer in their presence.
Look up anu0027 know where you are
This line encourages the addressee to take a moment and reflect on where they are in life right now, and the importance of the relationship they have with the singer.
A crescent moon
This line describes the visual image of the moon's crescent shape in the sky, creating a peaceful and calming atmosphere.
Shining through the sky
This line is describing the brightness and visual impact of the crescent moon in the sky above them.
I Close my eyes
The singer closes their eyes, possibly reflecting on the lyrics of the song or the guidance provided by the addressee.
I Feel your touch
This line describes the physical or emotional sensation of the addressee's guidance in the singer's life.
Try to stay in the present day
The singer is reminding themselves or the addressee to stay focused on the present moment, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
In the present day, yeah
This line reiterates the importance of focusing on the present moment, as it is the only thing we can truly control in life.
Tryinu0027 to tear me down
This line is describing external pressures or stressors that are trying to bring the singer down or negatively impact their life.
From my flesh and blood
This phrase is used to describe something that is closely connected with the singer, possibly describing someone or something that is very important to them.
But you just canu0027t kill true love
The addressee's guidance provides hope and love, which are ultimately unbreakable and unstoppable.
When itu0027s dark and itu0027s cold
This line describes a difficult or trying time in the singer's life, possibly relating to the previous lyric about being torn down.
And I need someone to hold
The singer is in need of comfort, love, or guidance during a difficult time.
Feelin low
The singer is feeling down, unhappy or demotivated in some way.
Cuz I just canu0027t get it right
The singer is struggling with something in their life, feeling like they are not succeeding or accomplishing their goals.
Thereu0027s one thing I know
Despite the difficulties they are facing, the singer remembers that they always have the support and guidance of the addressee to help them through.
Wanna show you I care
The singer expresses their desire to show love and appreciation for the addressee, recognizing the importance of their guidance and support.
Cuz this time Iu0027m really gonna try
The singer recognizes the effort required on their part to improve their own life, and promises to try harder moving forward.
So every day Iu0027ll provide peace of mind
The singer promises to be a source of comfort and peace for the addressee, just like they have been a source of guidance and support for the singer.
Cuz you are my everything
The addressee is viewed as the most important thing in the singer's life, providing guidance, love, support, and motivation.
And nothing in the world
This line emphasizes the significance of the addressee's role in the singer's life, implying that nothing else could compare or compete with them.
Can compare
The singer concludes the song by stating unequivocally that there is nothing else in the world that can compare to the addressee's guidance and support.
Lyrics Β© DistroKid
Written by: John Dearness
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@section8managementteam793
I've been listening to this song for 14 years and never knew it had a video until today..... What a pleasant surprise. 2024
@courtneyst.julian8192
This song is an absolute masterpiece. Every aspect from the lyrics, the vocals, to the rhythm is absolute perfection. I can't believe YouTube would tamper with this excellence by censoring this song!
@a.taylor8294
Yeah, those of us that got to jam to it during original release know this wasn't getting censored back then, LOL!
@williamdumas9715
As a lifetime rock fan... This song is in my top 10 songs of all time... Perfect blend of rock, soul, hip hop and more
@elsasegid963
Love love love this song
@ffokcuf761
No Rock in this track.
@jaysgotjokesofficial
@@ffokcuf761 you trying to be goofy.
@AllOuttaBubblegum123
Supporting the mighty chili peppers
@palapadadouwa807
Terrible.
Basta π€π€ππππ₯
@lisak19614
I'm 61 years old and this song still rocks me. One of my favorites....β€β€β€β€