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.
You Ain't Fly
The Roots Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
I'm just playin' the wall (I'm just playin' the wall)
I'm just playin' the wall (just playin' the wall)
Coolin' with my niggas on the right, hold tight
Late Friday night, strobe light shine, bright blind
Coolin' at this party with the sugars on my mind
It's the sex patrol, the sex patrol
The young sis was stacked wicked, wanted me to kick it
Said, "I never dance", made advance outside
Took a glance to expect, shorty was correct
So it seemed, her name Shavon, age seventeen
I flipped when I seen her eyes, bloodshot green
She said she wanted riches and a nigga with cash
Lex, Land, or a Path (Lex, Land, or a Path)
Didn't know the half (didn't know the half)
I react to flip the script and get ill
My man, Malik B, Kept telling me to relax
Diggin' how you're livin' on some unreal high
As I realize, you're not that fly
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
Dig it, you see sisters is thinkin' that I snooze
She must don't know, I have a sister confused
Thinkin' that she's pretty and saditty when I spill
She said, "I might, I think I can, alright I will"
Tossed up was the digits 'cause the game is like splendor
I said, "Sabrina yeah, I met you way back in December, you remember"
She said, "I guess"
Substitute to Santa, she was sittin' on the desk
And then she said, "You never called me, Mailk you never tried to press
You never tried to push the seven buttons and address"
I said, "Hold up, sis, you're out of order, man, you lost it
My name ain't Jake, Malik's no Flake that's Frosted"
Tryin' to cause a scene Sabrina's rest is self-redeemed
She thought she was cute, but never made it on my team
I should beam up, about-face fall out
And don't ya even dare to ask why, because you're not that fly
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
Mm, strollin' in my Pumas down the avenue
Not tokin' on a J, not sippin' on a brew
Saw a soul sister on the streets of five-two
"Mm, my name's Question Um, who are you?"
She didn't respond, she didn't respond
Continue on
Thought to myself, "Should of said a little louder"
Better hurry up before she gets lost in the crowd of
"Excuse me Miss, excuse me miss"
"No, I'm not havin it!" I just got dissed
I didn't get mad, was calm and collect
I didn't call her bitch, I didn't break her neck
Start to wonder why the brothers disrespect the cutie
It's a place of 180's and the high-priced floozie
As she walked away, man, I couldn't deny
Started lying to myself, man she wasn't that fly
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
Black Butter, um, that's what I be
Had to tell a girl to set her mind free
Use the Third Eye possibly you will see
What you get, with material objects
Want to be the envy of the whole projects, gettin' loot
Pretty in your cute limited Express suit
Baby, I can see everything you want to be
Seein' gamin' as a key to escape poverty
Known to be shown around, sport about her niggas (sport about her niggas)
Thinkin' you a woman 'cause your ass got bigger (ass got bigger)
Kickin' it to me as if I don't know the time
But I'm the Black Thought (I'm the Black Thought)
I'm all up in your mind (I'm all up in your mind)
I figure you the kind to say, "Give me a call"
But then switch to act strange (strange) countin' on my change (change)
Pay to the order of who? Not you
Why? You're not that fly
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
So go 'head, witcha self
The Roots' song "You Ain't Fly" is a critique on people who prioritize material possessions over genuine self-expression and self-awareness. The repetitive chorus of "you ain't fly" is a direct challenge to those who believe their possessions elevate their status or coolness. The verses are stories of encounters with various people who represent this mindset, from a woman seeking a wealthy man to a woman in an Express suit trying to escape poverty. The singer is often observant and critical of their attitudes, but may also be guilty of momentarily buying into the same superficiality.
The song is a commentary on the culture of materialism prevalent in the 90s, particularly in hip hop, where brands and wealth were often used as symbols of success and power. The Roots, however, were known for their conscious and socially aware lyrics, and "You Ain't Fly" is another example of their willingness to challenge mainstream ideas and norms.
One interesting feature of the song is the use of repetition, both in the chorus and in the verses. The repeated phrases emphasize the message of the song and make it more memorable for the listener. The song also features a jazzy and funk-inspired beat, with live instrumentation including drums and bass, which is typical of The Roots' style.
Another interesting aspect of the song is the use of different vocal deliveries and perspectives, including the voice of the singer, the voices of the people he encounters, and even a spoken-word section. This adds complexity to the lyrics and allows for a more nuanced commentary on the topic of materialism.
Line by Line Meaning
You ain't fly (you ain't fly), you ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You're not cool or fashionable
You ain't fly (you ain't fly)
You're not impressive or admirable
So go 'head, witcha self (you ain't fly)
Just be yourself since trying to be someone you're not won't help
I'm just playin' the wall (I'm just playin' the wall)
I'm just standing here observing
I'm just playin' the wall (just playin' the wall)
I'm just hanging back and watching what's going on
Coolin' with my niggas on the right, hold tight
Hanging out with my friends on the right side
Late Friday night, strobe light shine, bright blind
It's a late Friday night with bright and blinding strobe lights shining
Coolin' at this party with the sugars on my mind
Chillaxing at this party with thoughts of attractive women on my mind
It's the sex patrol, the sex patrol
Everyone at the party is looking to hook up and have sex
The young sis was stacked wicked, wanted me to kick it
A young woman was well-endowed and interested in hanging out with me
Said, "I never dance", made advance outside
She said she doesn't dance, but then flirted with me outside
Took a glance to expect, shorty was correct
I looked her over and she looked good
So it seemed, her name Shavon, age seventeen
Her name was Shavon and she was seventeen
I flipped when I seen her eyes, bloodshot green
I was attracted to her unusual green eyes
She said she wanted riches and a nigga with cash
She was interested in men with wealth and money
Lex, Land, or a Path (Lex, Land, or a Path)
She wanted a Lexus, a piece of land, or a path to success
Didn't know the half (didn't know the half)
She didn't understand the full extent of what she was asking for
I react to flip the script and get ill
I decided to change the conversation and act aggressively
My man, Malik B, Kept telling me to relax
My friend Malik B was advising me to calm down
Diggin' how you're livin' on some unreal high
I noticed that she was acting overly confident and cocky
As I realize, you're not that fly
I understood that she wasn't actually that impressive or admirable
Dig it, you see sisters is thinkin' that I snooze
Other women might be thinking that I'm not paying attention
She must don't know, I have a sister confused
She doesn't realize that I have a sister who is also interested in me
Thinkin' that she's pretty and saditty when I spill
She thinks she's better than everyone else, but then I speak my mind
She said, "I might, I think I can, alright I will"
She hesitates but finally agrees to give me her phone number
Tossed up was the digits 'cause the game is like splendor
I got her phone number easily because flirting is like a game
I said, "Sabrina yeah, I met you way back in December, you remember"
I reminded her of meeting her in December
She said, "I guess"
She vaguely remembers me
Substitute to Santa, she was sittin' on the desk
She was substituting as a receptionist
And then she said, "You never called me, Mailk you never tried to press
She complains that Malik never called her
You never tried to push the seven buttons and address"
He never tried to dial her phone number
I said, "Hold up, sis, you're out of order, man, you lost it
I told her that she's not making sense and is acting irrationally
My name ain't Jake, Malik's no Flake that's Frosted"
I corrected her mistake about our names
Tryin' to cause a scene Sabrina's rest is self-redeemed
She was trying to create drama but then realized she was wrong
She thought she was cute, but never made it on my team
She thought she was attractive, but I wasn't interested in her
I should beam up, about-face fall out
I should leave and move on
And don't ya even dare to ask why, because you're not that fly
Don't ask me why I'm leaving because you're not impressive
Mm, strollin' in my Pumas down the avenue
I'm walking down the avenue in my Puma shoes
Not tokin' on a J, not sippin' on a brew
I'm not smoking a joint or drinking a beer
Saw a soul sister on the streets of five-two
I saw an African American woman on 52nd street
"Mm, my name's Question Um, who are you?"
She asked me my name
She didn't respond, she didn't respond
She ignored me and walked away
Thought to myself, "Should of said a little louder"
I regret not speaking up louder
Better hurry up before she gets lost in the crowd of
I need to act quickly before she disappears into the crowd
"Excuse me Miss, excuse me miss"
I tried to get her attention again
"No, I'm not havin it!" I just got dissed
She doesn't want anything to do with me and rejected me
I didn't get mad, was calm and collect
I didn't get angry, but stayed calm
I didn't call her bitch, I didn't break her neck
I didn't insult or hurt her physically
Start to wonder why the brothers disrespect the cutie
I started questioning why men treat women disrespectfully
It's a place of 180's and the high-priced floozie
This environment is full of contradictions and women who value money over self-respect
As she walked away, man, I couldn't deny
As she walked away, I realized that she wasn't actually that attractive
Started lying to myself, man she wasn't that fly
I started convincing myself that she wasn't impressive anyway
Black Butter, um, that's what I be
I go by the name Black Butter
Had to tell a girl to set her mind free
I encouraged a girl to think for herself and not be influenced by others' opinions
Use the Third Eye possibly you will see
Open your mind and think deeply
What you get, with material objects
The things you acquire will not bring you true happiness
Want to be the envy of the whole projects, gettin' loot
Wanting to be the most admired person in the projects by getting money
Pretty in your cute limited Express suit
Wearing a fashionable Express brand suit
Baby, I can see everything you want to be
I can see your dreams and goals
Seein' gamin' as a key to escape poverty
Believing that playing games is the way to break out of poverty
Known to be shown around, sport about her niggas (sport about her niggas)
Known to be seen around with various men
Thinkin' you a woman 'cause your ass got bigger (ass got bigger)
Thinking you're more mature or confident because of your body shape
Kickin' it to me as if I don't know the time
Talking to me like I don't understand what's going on
But I'm the Black Thought (I'm the Black Thought)
I'm smart and aware of what's happening
I'm all up in your mind (I'm all up in your mind)
I understand your thoughts and motivations
I figure you the kind to say, "Give me a call"
I think you're the type to ask me to call you
But then switch to act strange (strange) countin' on my change (change)
But then act strangely and try to take my money
Pay to the order of who? Not you
I won't give you my money
Why? You're not that fly
You're not impressive enough to be worth my money or attention
So go 'head, witcha self
Just be yourself and don't try to impress me
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group
Written by: Ahmir K. Thompson, Leonard N. Hubbard, Malik Smart, Scott Spencer Storch, Tarik L. Collins
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!