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.
WATER
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Two stroke mix in the motor, you can test it in the reek
Salt on my lips, my heart is beating fast
White knuckles on the gunnel, no future here no past
We're out on the water, out on the water
No brothers no sisters, no sons or daughters
Out on the water
Tide up in a rip tide, motor pushed against her will
On the land they are standing still
We're out on the water, out on the water
No brothers no sisters, no sons or daughters
Out on the water
I grew up when danger felt safe, sticks and stones and water and fire
My hands would heal, our minds could grow now they lurk in the dark
Mysteries lie beneath us, the risks are there to take
Cliffs condemn the undertakers, as we dance among their wake
We're out on the water, out on the water
No brothers no sisters, no sons or daughters
Out on the water
The Roots' song "Water" is a reflection and critique of the black experience in America, particularly in urban areas where drugs and crime are prevalent. The song starts with a call to black people globally, before the lead vocalist reminisces about his early struggles in the music industry with a fellow rapper. They both had dreams of success in the industry and had to navigate the challenges of staying true to themselves while also making a living. He later laments the addiction and negative consequences that come with drug abuse, particularly among his friends and family. The refrain of "Come on, over over the water, Water, Water" can be interpreted as a call to escape these negative influences and find a better path.
Overall, "Water" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting caught up in urban life and the importance of staying focused on personal growth and a positive trajectory. The song's use of metaphor (such as water as a symbol of change and escape) adds depth to the lyrics and highlights the artist's storytelling ability.
Line by Line Meaning
South Philly, North Side
List of various locations, possibly representing different lifestyles or groups of people.
Oakland, Texas
Continuation of previous line, listing more locations.
Georgia, Black People
Continuation of previous line, possibly highlighting a specific group of people.
Yo, Worldwide, Sup my nigga
Salutation to a broader audience, suggesting a sense of global community.
You know what I'm saying
Casual phrase often used to check for listener comprehension or agreement.
Dumb and blind
Metaphorical statement suggesting a lack of awareness or inability to see the bigger picture.
They say a record ain't nothing if it's not touching
Introducing a discussion about what makes a good music recording.
Gripping, draw you in closer make you want to listen to it
Further explanation of the qualities that make a good record - its ability to engage the listener and capture their attention.
And if you real ill at making music
Acknowledgement of the skill required to create a great record.
Then lesson will feel like you livin' through it
Music that is produced with a high level of skill and authenticity will feel like a relatable and immersive experience for the listener.
That's how my nigga do it
Informal statement of admiration or approval for a fellow musician's ability to create engaging music.
I met Slacks back in like '91 rapping
Nostalgic reflection on a past encounter with someone who shares a love of music.
We went to Millersville to get away from gun clappin'
Escape from violence and danger, possibly referring to a difficult environment in which to grow up and make music.
It ain't last
The escape from violence was not a permanent solution.
I be in class dreaming 'bout
Despite being in school, the singer was focused on their music aspirations.
50,000 fans up in the stands screaming out
Ambitious dream of performing for a large audience.
Encore, yo I'm headed back to Philly
Envisioning a successful music career and returning home a hero.
Nigga you rollin' with me?
Invitation to a friend to join the singer on their journey towards achieving their dreams.
We walk dogs that was off the chain
Metaphor for performing at challenging or unruly venues.
Lot of times at the show people hardly came
Acknowledgement of the difficulty of building an audience in the beginning stages of a music career.
I just took it in stride as part of the game
Acceptance of challenges that come with being a musician, and a willingness to continue despite obstacles.
But inside people down with me started to change
Recognition that some people close to the artist were being negatively affected by drugs.
It was a couple things
Introduction to a discussion about the challenges posed by substance abuse and addiction.
Lil' [unknown], lil' pills
Reference to specific drugs, potentially opioids or prescription pills.
Instead of driving out on the road you rather chill
Consequence of addiction, especially in prioritizing drugs over work or pursuing one's passion.
I know the way the pleasure feel
Acknowledgment of the allure of addiction, and understanding of the power of the pleasure it provides.
I'm not judging
Toning down any potential condemnation of those affected by addiction and indicating empathy.
But still I'm on a mission, yo I'm not buggin'
Determination to stay focused and not be swayed by the others' choices.
I got fam that won't stop druggin'
Revealing a personal connection to addiction and the desire to help family members and friends recover.
They can't sleep
Acknowledgement of the potentially devastating effects of addiction on one's mental and physical health.
They can't stick to one subject, they can't eat
Further explanation of the negative consequences of addiction on one's overall wellbeing and ability to function.
Is people steady comin' at me out in the streets
Other people in the artist's life are also affected by addiction, which puts pressure on the artist to address the issue.
Like Riq yo wat up with your peeps
Questioning from others about the artist's responsibility and connection to those affected by addiction.
It gets deep nigga
Acknowledgement of the seriousness and complexity of addiction, and the challenge of addressing it.
Yo, you need to walk straight, master your high
Reminder and encouragement to stay sober and avoid addiction, focusing instead on achieving goals and living a fulfilling life.
Son you missin' out on was passing you by
Warning against missing out on opportunities by succumbing to addiction.
I done seen the streets suck a lot of cats dry
Personal experience of seeing others devastated by addiction and its impact on their lives.
But not you and I my nigga
Belief in the singer's ability to avoid addiction and overcome its effects through hard work and perseverance.
We got to get
Determination to keep striving to achieve success and overcome challenges.
Come on, over over the water
Encouragement and invitation to cross over and move toward a better future.
Water, Water
Repetition of the phrase 'water' as a symbol of letting go, cleansing, and starting anew.
Yo, we done made too many meals
Celebration of success and progress.
A couple of deals
References to successful music contracts or deals that have helped the singer and their friends succeed.
We done share clothes and wills
Close bond and deep connection among the artist and their friends.
Killed mics and reels
Achievements in music performance and production.
We done rock
More references to past successes and accomplishments.
Shows abroad, and slept on floors
Sacrifices made in pursuit of music career and the need to work hard and persevere despite setbacks.
Trying to figga what the fuck we gettin' slept on for
Confusion and frustration about why more people are not recognizing and valuing their talent and hard work.
Oh why we walking with the rep up for
Questioning the reason for carrying a reputation or image, when it does not seem to be helping them succeed.
Waited by the cavity law
Potentially referencing a criminal record or waiting for legal issues to be resolved.
You know it if you came up poor my nigga
Acknowledgement of the challenges and difficulties associated with growing up in poverty.
Picture a bus up north
Contemplation of traveling and touring in areas outside of their hometown or comfort zone.
You know we made of everything outlaws are made of
Embracing a rebellious or nonconformist identity.
I'm far from a hater
Statement of not holding or expressing negative feelings or envy towards others.
And I don't say I love you 'cause the way I feel is greater
Using actions rather than words to express strong emotions or admiration.
In Illa you a poet son
Recognizing a fellow musician or artist as a poet or someone with the ability to express themselves through their craft.
You a ball creator
Further acknowledgement of the creative and artistic skills of the person being addressed.
And this will probably dawn on you later
Suggesting that the person will someday fully realize and appreciate their own talents.
Is in you nature, letters all up in the wall like they made of paper
Description of a natural talent or ability to express oneself creatively and artistically.
You got to find out where you talent take you
Encouragement to pursue and explore one's creative abilities to the fullest extent possible.
You might fuck around, finally make it
Acknowledgement that pursuing creative passions is challenging, but can ultimately lead to success.
And that's real but yo
Confirmation that the message is sincere and true.
For my ghetto legend
Acknowledgement of someone who is highly respected and admired in the community despite facing challenges.
Known from Lil' shyst running
Description of the person's reputation or accomplishments.
Cop codeine by the courts and keep comin'
Reference to drug addiction in the community and the consequences and risks associated with it.
Dummy, just embracing the dope like it's a woman
Acknowledging the destructive nature of addiction and how it can consume a person's life.
You burnin' both sides of the rope and keep pullin'
Metaphor for the danger and risk inherent in addiction, and how it can emotionally and physically drain a person while they continue to use drugs.
Tuggin', in between Islam and straight tuggin'
Description of the artist's personal struggles or conflicts, possibly related to religion or community expectations.
Laying everyday around the way and doin' nothin'
Acknowledgement of the danger of becoming complacent or stagnant in life, and the need to stay focused and motivated.
See'em looking shaking their head and start shruggin'
Acknowledging the disapproval or disappointment of others who may view addiction or wasting time as unacceptable.
If they don't have a man like mine, they got a cousin
Commentary on the prevalence of addiction and challenges to successful and fulfilling life outcomes in many communities.
Hey yo you better be a true friend to 'em
Reminder to be supportive of friends and others who may be struggling with addiction or other challenges.
Before the shit put an end to 'em
Acknowledgement of the danger and ultimate consequences of addiction and drug use.
Or give a pen to 'em
Reference to the therapeutic or creative benefits of writing or expressing oneself through art or music.
Or lock'em up in the studio with a mic
Suggesting that music and creativity may be a way to help someone overcome addiction or negative influences.
Lyrics © DistroKid
Written by: John Dearness
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!