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.
Thought
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You wanna see Black? Then jump on it
And to the chumps who think they might want it
I might spot your ride and dump on it
And send a couple of boys to that corner of yours
And role out with a nigga slumped on it
You see Black fall back son
Me and Shock up in a black Regal no insurance
So tell the freaks you know to stop whorin'
We gon' grab the mics and get 'em off the wall
So e'rybody in here can stop snorin'
Yo where the safe Money unlock it, pull it out your pocket
Ben Banniker Bay with the Al Morrocan
Black Thought on capitals like the sovereign
Girls get your eyes back up out the sockets
Focus, flawless, New York to Europe
To lands where my feet ain't even touch the soil yet
What a movement, the rap solution
It thumps so hard we got 'em world wide usin' them
Tracks from Black for satisfaction
The role of captain played by Samuel L. Jackson
Yo ill insanity that's cold and morbid
But when I'm in your orbit you soul absorb it
A real raw nigga won't fold or forfeit
A thorough bred gonna enforce it
Tariq's where the beats at
And where the people out their seats at
For what? Cause y'all on it
I'm like Aqua man and Brown Hornet
I'm like Imhotep but don't flaunt it
Dog, reintroducing master thespian
Ho-telling-est, elin-est, emceein'
Fuck getting money for real, get freedom
Black on the grind from AM to the PM
Splash up crash up the X-5 B.M
Motive entertainment the philly mob we in
Weak hearts, yo we not them
What up nigga T3 nigga Bahtem
When the M-Ill get home we're gonna win
First one to fall cats with no chin
The mic the black hold remain smokin'
And ladies up in the place is wide open
For real you know what I'm talking about
Pull it out your pocket
You feel this shit soon as they throw it on
You feel this joint this is your new favorite song
You at the dancehall, you got it going on
It's time to show it off so throw your hands up
Check it out yo
You feel this shit soon as they throw it on
You feel this joint this is your new favorite song
You at the dancehall, you got it going on
It's time to show it off y'all niggas know whats up
Yo here go the rapper of the year, year of the rap
Come from South Philly where the hammers are clapped huh?
Violate and you will answer to Black
You a thug not really there's the answer to that
Lee ya, boxed silly with the hands skill attack
Cancel your check flip, dismantle your trap huh?
Wanna pack can't handle your strap
You a schmuck type, shoot your man in the back
Meanwhile I'm outstanding and I'm outspoken
Wild out take fools out without joking
If I run out of shots I'm going out poking
On a date with sis we going out stroking
And the shot is fantastic
The fantastic is the romantic
And to the freaks in the house if you're ready to bounce
We can go to the flat then get tantric
Yeah, you pronounce the name Tariq, any questions?
Street hip-hop I bring forth the essence
You see pulling up five deep
With nothing but dimes inside of my jeep
I'm not arguing to get in VIP cocksucker prick
Suck a dick I'mma floss for the fuck of it
Girls say the bro Black be on some other shit
Nigga talk like you work for the government
My words worth like Barnes & Noble
Spit hot flames that'll harm your vocal
Spit thought name I'm a bomb your local
Neighborness, for a ten mile radius
Well every ghetto craving this new anthem
My brain unstable and I'm just too handsome
I bang with the best around
Who can test the crown when I finesse the sound
Here come the controller
You feel this shit soon as they throw it on
You feel this joint this is your new favorite song
You at the dancehall, you got it going on
It's time to show it off so throw your hands up
Check it out yo
You feel this shit soon as they throw it on
You feel this joint this is your new favorite song
You at the dancehall, it's time to show it off
You got it going on, y'all niggas know whats up
The Roots's song Thought at Work is a track that showcases the group's ability to infuse political and social commentary into a high-energy hip hop track. Black Thought delivers two verses with his usual lyrical dexterity, tackling themes of violence, materialism, and bragging rights in the hip hop scene. He connects these themes to a broader critique of societal values in general, calling for a shift away from mindless consumerism and towards more meaningful pursuits. Despite the weight of the subject matter, the song is ultimately an uplifting and empowering call to action.
The song has a distinctive sound that blends live instrumentation with samples and electronic elements to create a dynamic sonic landscape. The production is credited to the group's drummer, Questlove, and features contributions from frequent collaborator J Dilla. The beat is built around a driving rhythm section and features a prominent horn sample that adds to the sense of urgency and energy.
Line by Line Meaning
Yo, where the freaks at? Lookin' at me
Asking where the women are and indicating that they are interested in him
You wanna see Black? Then jump on it
Inviting someone to come and see him
And to the chumps who think they might want it
Warning those who are interested in starting trouble
I might spot your ride and dump on it
Threatening to damage someone's vehicle
And send a couple of boys to that corner of yours
Indicating that he has friends who will help him if needed
And role out with a nigga slumped on it
Suggesting that someone might be hurt if they try to mess with him
You see Black fall back son
Suggesting that others should stay away from him
Me and Shock up in a black Regal no insurance
Telling a story about being in a car with no insurance
We like DEA serving warrants
Comparing their actions to those of law enforcement
So tell the freaks you know to stop whorin'
Encouraging others to stop engaging in sexual promiscuity
We gon' grab the mics and get 'em off the wall
Claiming that they will take control of the party and get people dancing
So e'rybody in here can stop snorin'
Encouraging others to wake up and get involved
Yo where the safe Money unlock it, pull it out your pocket
Demanding that someone give him money
Ben Banniker Bay with the Al Morrocan
Referencing a popular tourist spot in Maryland
Black Thought on capitals like the sovereign
Suggesting that he is in charge and powerful
Girls get your eyes back up out the sockets
Flirting with women in the audience
Focus, flawless, New York to Europe
Boasting about his attention to detail and global reach
To lands where my feet ain't even touch the soil yet
Asserting that he has not yet even been to many places where his music is popular
What a movement, the rap solution
Referring to the impact of hip hop music
It thumps so hard we got 'em world wide usin' them
Claiming that his music has a global impact
Tracks from Black for satisfaction
Boasting about the quality of his music
The role of captain played by Samuel L. Jackson
Comparing himself to a strong leader, as played by an actor he admires
Yo ill insanity that's cold and morbid
Describing himself as crazy and dark
But when I'm in your orbit you soul absorb it
Claiming that his energy is compelling and captivating
A real raw nigga won't fold or forfeit
Asserting that he is tough and perseverant
A thorough bred gonna enforce it
Indicating that he is committed to achieving his goals
Tariq's where the beats at
Referring to himself in the third person and indicating that he is the one providing the music
And where the people out their seats at
Encouraging others to get up and dance
For what? Cause y'all on it
Motivating the crowd to enjoy themselves
I'm like Aqua man and Brown Hornet
Comparing himself to comic book heroes
I'm like Imhotep but don't flaunt it
Comparing himself to an ancient Egyptian and indicating that he is humble
Dog, reintroducing master thespian
Boasting about his storytelling abilities
Ho-telling-est, elin-est, emceein'
Using wordplay to describe himself as a skilled rapper
Fuck getting money for real, get freedom
Arguing that freedom is more important than material wealth
Black on the grind from AM to the PM
Asserting that he works hard all day
Splash up crash up the X-5 B.M
Boasting about his luxury car
Motive entertainment the philly mob we in
Referring to his group of associates
Weak hearts, yo we not them
Claiming that he and his friends are strong and courageous
What up nigga T3 nigga Bahtem
Giving shoutouts to friends or fellow rappers
When the M-Ill get home we're gonna win
Suggesting that he has a plan for success
First one to fall cats with no chin
Threatening those who might try to fight him
The mic the black hold remain smokin'
Boasting about his skills as a rapper
And ladies up in the place is wide open
Flirting with women in the audience
For real you know what I'm talking about
Acknowledging that others understand his message
You feel this shit soon as they throw it on
Suggesting that the music is immediately engaging
You feel this joint this is your new favorite song
Claiming that the audience will love the song
You at the dancehall, you got it going on
Praising the audience's dancing ability
It's time to show it off so throw your hands up
Encouraging the audience to get involved and dance
You feel this shit soon as they throw it on
Repeating the idea that the music is immediately engaging
It's time to show it off y'all niggas know whats up
Encouraging the audience to enjoy themselves
Here go the rapper of the year, year of the rap
Boasting about his status as a successful rapper
Come from South Philly where the hammers are clapped huh?
Referencing his hometown and suggesting that he is tough
Violate and you will answer to Black
Threatening those who might try to cause trouble
You a thug not really there's the answer to that
Suggesting that others who claim to be tough are not really tough
Lee ya, boxed silly with the hands skill attack
Describing a fight in which he would emerge victorious
Cancel your check flip, dismantle your trap huh?
Threatening to disrupt someone's source of income
Wanna pack can't handle your strap
Suggesting that others might not be as tough as they appear
You a schmuck type, shoot your man in the back
Insulting someone's character and suggesting that they are not loyal
Meanwhile I'm outstanding and I'm outspoken
Boasting about his confidence and charisma
Wild out take fools out without joking
Suggesting that he is capable of aggression if necessary
If I run out of shots I'm going out poking
Indicating that he is skilled in hand-to-hand combat as well as with weapons
On a date with sis we going out stroking
Telling a story about a romantic encounter
And the shot is fantastic
Boasting about his sexual prowess
The fantastic is the romantic
Playing with words to make a poetic statement
And to the freaks in the house if you're ready to bounce
Encouraging women to dance with him
We can go to the flat then get tantric
Suggesting a sexual encounter with a woman in a private location
Yeah, you pronounce the name Tariq, any questions?
Asserting that he is confident and proud of his name
Street hip-hop I bring forth the essence
Describing his style of music as authentic and representative of his background
You see pulling up five deep
Telling a story about arriving somewhere with a group of friends
With nothing but dimes inside of my jeep
Boasting about the attractive women in his company
I'm not arguing to get in VIP cocksucker prick
Expressing frustration with bouncers at a club who won't let him in
Suck a dick I'mma floss for the fuck of it
Suggesting that he doesn't need to prove his worth to anyone
Girls say the bro Black be on some other shit
Boasting about his popularity with women
Nigga talk like you work for the government
Insulting someone by saying that they are subservient
My words worth like Barnes & Noble
Boasting about his writing ability
Spit hot flames that'll harm your vocal
Asserting that his rapping is powerful and impactful
Spit thought name I'm a bomb your local
Suggesting that his music will be popular in the neighborhood
Neighborness, for a ten mile radius
Playing with words to suggest that his music will be popular in the surrounding area
Well every ghetto craving this new anthem
Claiming that his music is highly sought-after in disadvantaged neighborhoods
My brain unstable and I'm just too handsome
Jokingly suggesting that his good looks might be a liability
I bang with the best around
Claiming that he is among the most talented rappers
Who can test the crown when I finesse the sound
Asserting that he is deserving of his status as a top rapper
Here come the controller
Boasting about his ability to control the crowd and entertain them
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: RALPH MAC DONALD, MARK MORALES, WILLIAM SALTER, AHMIR K THOMPSON, TARIK TROTTER, DAMON YUL WIMBLEY
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!