Question about hip hop group: THE ROOTS

[GAMETHEORY]

Has anyone realised they have some un usual names for their albums?

How come group members never seem to stay for long in that group?

How come they have unusual following with white folks (talking about th middle class ones), i know demographically they buy hip hop but why the middle class?

Something that caught my eye was their last album THE GAME THEORY and if one understands where the game thory originated you will realise that it was people like professor John Nash (the one Crowe played in that film a beautiful mind) and i remember it features prominently in Economics and International relations

Is it fair to argue that the since this group come across as conscious and brainy, their records do not go cross to the young audience?

 

[roots69]

as far as music goes,,,the music they put out, flies over the average kats head...go to okayplayer.com and you can get all your questions answered...

 

[GAMETHEORY]

Thanks man
but i think they are the most underated hip hop group of our generation

 

[roots69]

true.....


i think this generation of music lover ears have been condition to accept bullshit for music..now you have a group like the roots, that play live instruments...its sounds like bullshit to this generation....

 

[yellowmello]

Yes the roots are the best hip hop group out now.

 

[femmenoire]

Yes the roots are the best hip hop group out now.

Co-sign. I love The Roots. Always thought Black Thought should have put out a solo effort though.

 

[kmillz]

Has anyone realised they have some un usual names for their albums?

How come group members never seem to stay for long in that group?

How come they have unusual following with white folks (talking about th middle class ones), i know demographically they buy hip hop but why the middle class?

Something that caught my eye was their last album THE GAME THEORY and if one understands where the game thory originated you will realise that it was people like professor John Nash (the one Crowe played in that film a beautiful mind) and i remember it features prominently in Economics and International relations

Is it fair to argue that the since this group come across as conscious and brainy, their records do not go cross to the young audience?

1. Their albums names always coincide with what the album will be about. Very rare in hiphop nowadays.

2. They're a traveling band and just like any band (rock, etc.) most members are there for that particular album/song etc. If you see them in Chicago, chances are when you see them in Atlanta there will be different musicians for different songs.

3. Cuz white folks just like some black folks don't like the bullshit rap!

4. Yep Game Theory is just that. Its in the dictionary too!

5. And you are right again! Talent equals low sales, but wider audience. They can go anywhere and tear it down, but the kiddies can't but it's they're albums being bought! Crazy world we live in!

 

[Leatherf7ce]

w/o question

they're called the Legendary Roots Crew for a reason, but I agree w/ above poster for Thought to really shine + put his name out there he Been shoulda put out a solo disc. I'm tired of hearing him over ?uest's drums (no matter how dope or innovating they may be)...but that's just trying really hard to critique them cuz they damn near perfect...didnt rock game theory to much tho....

 

[DJCandle]

Co-sign. I love The Roots. Always thought Black Thought should have put out a solo effort though.

Black Thought is one of the most nastiest slept on emcees of our decade.

With that said, I never thought he had the lasting power to put out a solo album. He's like your Method Man, Chino XL types. Ill when featured on someone's else work, but tend to struggle under their own weight.

Not to undervalue him in no way, shape or form. He's the natiest of the three afformentioned.

Of course who could forget...

"Musically intense with the globe in suspense
Contemplatin' where the world traveler been since
The Roots bless you with a strong record, long like a epic
Immerse you in some 'ol next shit, ill poetic..."

 

[doggish_098]

the record collection in their studio would make any dj's dick hard(no homo) that shit was purely amazing. about two stories high with a rolling ladder going around the room to access all the records. simply amazing

 

[femmenoire]

Black Thought is one of the most nastiest slept on emcees of our decade.

With that said, I never thought he had the lasting power to put out a solo album. He's like your Method Man, Chino XL types. Ill when featured on someone's else work, but tend to struggle under their own weight.

Not to undervalue him in no way, shape or form. He's the natiest of the three afformentioned.

Of course who could forget...

"Musically intense with the globe in suspense
Contemplatin' where the world traveler been since
The Roots bless you with a strong record, long like a epic
Immerse you in some 'ol next shit, ill poetic..."

I was just talkin to someone about artists who sound great on other records but can't really hold their own weight. My examples are Lil Kim but Method Man was mentioned too.

Black Thought

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Black Thought

Background informationBirth nameTariq TrotterBornOctober 3, 1972OriginPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaGenre(s)Hip hopYears active1987–PresentLabel(s)Def JamAssociated
actsThe RootsTariq "Black Thought" Trotter a.k.a. Bad Lieutenant, Big Bank Willie Gank, and 'Riq Geez Born October 3, 1972. is the MC of the Philadelphia-based hip hop group The Roots. Black Thought and The Roots have a solid and devoted following. Thought, who co-founded The Roots with drummer ?uestlove (Ahmir Thompson), is widely lauded for his lyrics' political bent, lyrical complexity, and his live performances.

Tariq and ?uest met in the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts, and formed a drummer/MC duo performing on the streets of Philly and at talent shows. Thought would subsequently spend some time as one of two MCs in the group The Square Roots: the other one was Malik B.

A name change (to simply The Roots) and an album release (Organix) Black Thought and Malik struck a balance, with Malik bringing more personal raps and Thought oriented more towards a more political style infused with battle raps.

After Malik B. left the group due to drug issues, Thought continued drifting toward the political, and was featured on several other records like Common's One Day it'll All Make Sense, Linkin Park's Reanimation and more recently its frontman Mike Shinoda's The Rising Tied, as well as Damian Marley's Welcome to Jamrock and The Coup's Pick a Bigger Weapon.

Black Thought was in the process of recording a solo album, but the project was shelved when it was realized the effort would not assist the group in their release from their contract with MCA Records. Some of the songs he had recorded were eventually released as tracks on The Roots' album Phrenology. He is working on a collaborative project with producer Danger Mouse (which, according to XXL magazine, is tentatively being called Dangerous Thoughts), as well as a Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama. He is still a core member of The Roots. He has also been a member of two production teams, Grand Negaz and The Grand Wizzards.

The Roots latest album Game Theory shows a more introspective side of Black Thought and is the "darkest" Roots album to date.

 

[footman]

as far as music goes,,,the music they put out, flies over the average kats head...go to okayplayer.com and you can get all your questions answered...

Exactly too much intelligence on the track one of my favorite lyrics and tracks
He breaks down the whole music industry.... Killed the track...
The Roots - What They Do Lyrics


(feat. Raphael Saadiq)
[Chorus: Raphael Saadiq]

[Verse One]
Yo, yo
Lost generation, fast paced nation
World population confront they frustration
The principles of true hip-hop have been forsaken
It's all contractual and about money makin
Pretend-to-be cats don't seem to know they limitation
Exact replication and false representation
You wanna be a man, then stand your own
To MC requires skills, I demand some shown
I let the frauds keep frontin
And roam like a celluar phone far from home
Givin crowds what they wantin
Offical hip-hop consumption, the 5th thumpin
Keepin ya party jumpin with an original somethin
Yo, I dedicate this to the one dimension-al
No imagination, excuse for perpetration
My man came over and said, "Yo we thought we heard you"
Joke's on you; you heard a bitin-ass crew but um..

[Chorus: Raphael Saadiq]

[Verse Two]
Thin is the line that run between love and hatred
The game is ill-natured, it's nothing sacred
Aiyyo, it's funny when I see some rap niggaz due to make it
A few'll blow up, or go as far as they can take it
My nine to five, is just to hit ya get the party live
I'm Black Thought, used to rap for sport
Now the rhymes sayin rent payin life support
I take it very serious-ly, within this in-dustry
It's various crews that try to touch me
But I come with the beautiful things, and I bless the track plushly
Around the world crowds love me, from doin tours
Recepient of applause from all of you and yours
Creator of original sounds to send to stores
you take home, to absorb and sweat it out your pores
Now who can stop the music runnin through these veins
Infinitely go against the grain, that's why my motto's to..

[Chorus: Raphael Saadiq]

[Verse Three]
Livin the life of limos and lights
Airplanes and trains, short days and long nights
Keyboards and mics, bass chords and drum kicks
And my mental thick to hit my head like brick
As I embark on a mission welcomin to the dark
When I first spark the arts, when the listenin start
Open your head wide, and let the Thought inside
My style fortified by all of Philadel-phi
I've dealt more stealth than all the wicked weal-thy
Mentality undetectable by the naked eye
Then I get paid when the record is played
To put it short "I want it made" like Ed, nuff said
Then after that, I'm puttin on my cousin Hamed
We let the ladies blend with the darkskin thoroughbred
and discover, my level is that of no other
And Roots crew reign offical and true while I'm continuin to..

 

[Legacyns]

Thanks man
but i think they are the most underated hip hop group of our generation

W/o question, musically & lyrically they're str8 up unfuckwittable... My fav group for well over a decade.. Them mafuckas got songs over 10 years old smashin the shyt ngaz put out now.


http://www.okayplayer.com/blackthought/

"I try to school these bucks but they don't wanna listen
& that's the reason the system making its paper from the prison
& that's the reason we livin where they don't wanna visit
where the dope slangin keep swangin like Sonny Liston.. © BlackThought



SEE THEM LIVE & ALL DOUBT ABOUT WHO THE BEST GROUP IS WILL BE ERASED!!!!!!!!!!!



Some Gems

Guns are drawn
http://youtube.com/watch?v=N4o6R6gUVsc

Respiration (Remix) - Mos Def, Talib Kweli, BlackThought (prod. by Pete Rock)
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1VCCPiiOpOc

Distortion to Static
http://youtube.com/watch?v=1VCCPiiOpOc

Do you want more!?!?!
http://youtube.com/watch?v=IyE8gfACm3g

No Alibi
http://youtube.com/watch?v=37csSDakpX4

 

[lookadeez]

Since The Roots have come out countless rappers have come and gone. They have never gone platinum but they are eating well, and they consisitently go gold which is very good despite what most think. They have a loyal fan base and they tour constantly. As far as the members, the core has always been Black Thought and Questlove, though Kamal and Hub have been on keys and bass for some years. The other players have some and gone (Scott Storch was the original keyboardist on there first album) but for the most part they are a group that shares the stage with many people and those people go on to do great things. And yes, Black Though is on of the nastiest dudes to ever touch a mic despite the bulshit lists that get put out based on hype. They will be here when the next generation is gone, if not literally then figuratively thru the catalog of classics they have dropped! The Roots are the shit!

 

[Rah]

Black Thought is one of the most nastiest slept on emcees of our decade.

With that said, I never thought he had the lasting power to put out a solo album. He's like your Method Man, Chino XL types. Ill when featured on someone's else work, but tend to struggle under their own weight.

Not to undervalue him in no way, shape or form. He's the natiest of the three afformentioned.

Of course who could forget...

"Musically intense with the globe in suspense
Contemplatin' where the world traveler been since
The Roots bless you with a strong record, long like a epic
Immerse you in some 'ol next shit, ill poetic..."

I don't know about Thought not being able to hold his own on a solo. I mean Thought has always been the main emcee in the group. Of course u had Malik B and Dice (on Illadelph and TFA), but Thought did most of the rhyming.
I remember listening to Phrenology, and Thought was rhyming like Kane and Kool G.

Pure Genius.

 

[yellowmello]

I wish the roots would go back to that jazz vibe they had on the 2nd cd. I think one of them was on dope real bad and had to leave the group for a a cd or two.

 

[kdubbtha1]

Just saw them in concert with Lupe Fiasco two weeks ago in Chicago. Black Thought is one of the most slept on emcees in the game. I put him in my top ten all day long. But yes this new generation of kids don't accept hip hop for what it is, A WAY OF LIFE!!!! All the younger generation want to do is some new dance that the track puts out not minding if the record is garbage. I'm 25 and when I was in high school (which wasn't long ago LOL!!), "Things Fall Apart" came out. And I tell u, I wouldn't made it through H.S. if it wasn't for hip hop. I like all of their albums except for "Phrenology".

P.S. In case u didn't know, The Roots are heavily into white chicks. And that is not a rumor pimpin'. That is a known fact especially since that is mostly what was backstage and at the after party dude.

 

[GAMETHEORY]

Personally i feel their last album was not properly promoted

 

[shams]

the roots could be bigger if they had better promotion. def jam didn't promote their last album what so ever, and at the height of their popularity, MCA folded, when phrenology was pretty successful. their previous album tipping point, which was sick, ended up being put out by geffen, which is notorious for not giving hip hop acts big budgets.

being part of a group that promotes musicianship, it bothers me that roots can't get the proper marketing from the majors, yet they still sell out shows worldwide on a consistent basis, and have one of the illest stage shows of any act.

on a side note, my group, Black Violin is performing with them at virginia tech university on Thur. April 26. come witness one of best stage shows you can ever see. its more than hip hop.

 

[yellowmello]

Just saw them in concert with Lupe Fiasco two weeks ago in Chicago. Black Thought is one of the most slept on emcees in the game. I put him in my top ten all day long. But yes this new generation of kids don't accept hip hop for what it is, A WAY OF LIFE!!!! All the younger generation want to do is some new dance that the track puts out not minding if the record is garbage. I'm 25 and when I was in high school (which wasn't long ago LOL!!), "Things Fall Apart" came out. And I tell u, I wouldn't made it through H.S. if it wasn't for hip hop. I like all of their albums except for "Phrenology".

P.S. In case u didn't know, The Roots are heavily into white chicks. And that is not a rumor pimpin'. That is a known fact especially since that is mostly what was backstage and at the after party dude.

I can feel you on this one. I'm 32 and was in high school when they dropped there 1st cd.

 

[yellowmello]

Thats fucked up when you a grammy award winning group and a label still will not put money in to back your album.

 

[AristotlesOwn]

I saw them live, for the first time, at the Nokia center a few weeks ago (w/ Lupe Fiasco) and was AMAZED at the level of performance and sheer musicianship that they displayed. These cats don't play around ?uestlove's skills are unrivaled on the drums, and Black Thought was doing the damn thing, spittin' everything from ODB to Busta to Earth Wind and Fire. The concert was damn near 4 hrs of pure unadulterated euphoria. Definitely underrated...which is a damn shame with all the garbage out there these days.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

Has anyone realised they have some un usual names for their albums?

How come group members never seem to stay for long in that group?

How come they have unusual following with white folks (talking about th middle class ones), i know demographically they buy hip hop but why the middle class?

Something that caught my eye was their last album THE GAME THEORY and if one understands where the game thory originated you will realise that it was people like professor John Nash (the one Crowe played in that film a beautiful mind) and i remember it features prominently in Economics and International relations

Is it fair to argue that the since this group come across as conscious and brainy, their records do not go cross to the young audience?

Questlove addressed a few of these points previously:

The members of the Roots is been BlackThought, Kamal, Hub and Questlove. The fifth "member" will always change. The last album they gave the shot to Peedi. Malik B. would be a member, but he never likes to travel and has issuers with drugs In fact, when he was on hiphopgame.com, that as long as he makes certain commitments, he is in the group.

Quest also said that Dice Raw was NEVER a member.

In the album jacket for Things fall apart, Quest talks about the white fans and his music.

I think the Roots don't do well from lack of promotion.

For what it's worth, Phreneology was rumored to be Black Thought's solo album but got turned into a Roots album. I don't know if it's true or not.

 

[Rollie_Fingaz]

I was just talkin to someone about artists who sound great on other records but can't really hold their own weight. My examples are Lil Kim but Method Man was mentioned too.

Black Thought

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia


Jump to: navigation, search
Black Thought

Background informationBirth nameTariq TrotterBornOctober 3, 1972OriginPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaGenre(s)Hip hopYears active1987–PresentLabel(s)Def JamAssociated
actsThe RootsTariq "Black Thought" Trotter a.k.a. Bad Lieutenant, Big Bank Willie Gank, and 'Riq Geez Born October 3, 1972. is the MC of the Philadelphia-based hip hop group The Roots. Black Thought and The Roots have a solid and devoted following. Thought, who co-founded The Roots with drummer ?uestlove (Ahmir Thompson), is widely lauded for his lyrics' political bent, lyrical complexity, and his live performances.

Tariq and ?uest met in the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts, and formed a drummer/MC duo performing on the streets of Philly and at talent shows. Thought would subsequently spend some time as one of two MCs in the group The Square Roots: the other one was Malik B.

A name change (to simply The Roots) and an album release (Organix) Black Thought and Malik struck a balance, with Malik bringing more personal raps and Thought oriented more towards a more political style infused with battle raps.

After Malik B. left the group due to drug issues, Thought continued drifting toward the political, and was featured on several other records like Common's One Day it'll All Make Sense, Linkin Park's Reanimation and more recently its frontman Mike Shinoda's The Rising Tied, as well as Damian Marley's Welcome to Jamrock and The Coup's Pick a Bigger Weapon.

Black Thought was in the process of recording a solo album, but the project was shelved when it was realized the effort would not assist the group in their release from their contract with MCA Records. Some of the songs he had recorded were eventually released as tracks on The Roots' album Phrenology. He is working on a collaborative project with producer Danger Mouse (which, according to XXL magazine, is tentatively being called Dangerous Thoughts), as well as a Gangsta Grillz mixtape with DJ Drama. He is still a core member of The Roots. He has also been a member of two production teams, Grand Negaz and The Grand Wizzards.

The Roots latest album Game Theory shows a more introspective side of Black Thought and is the "darkest" Roots album to date.

I wonder what happened to the "Super" group that was supposed to come out? "BT Talib Kweli, Pharoe Monche, MOs Def)

 

[The Plutonian]

man they are the truth in hip hop and yeah Tariq T is the nastiest MC this side of Tupac and he is a legend on the mic. They are some cool cats too met them in Seattle rolling in a hummer and they were mad cool peeps which gave me a greater sense of respect for em.

 

[GAMETHEORY]

I was in one of their concerst in London and was suprised to see that they huge following among upper Middleclass white people, fuck i saw alot of Eastern Europeans from Poland as well...then asked myself this is a group thats supposedly underground how did they get exposure among the middle class whites?

ROLLIE FINGAZ SAID: I wonder what happened to the "Super" group that was supposed to come out? "BT Talib Kweli, Pharoe Monche, MOs Def)

Do you mean The Ummah or?

 

[freaky_1]

I was in one of their concerst in London and was suprised to see that they huge following among upper Middleclass white people, fuck i saw alot of Eastern Europeans from Poland as well...then asked myself this is a group thats supposedly underground how did they get exposure among the middle class whites?



Do you mean The Ummah or?

Man y'all some haters. The Roots ain't shit. Lil Wayne is better than all of them and will eat Black Thought up. Lil Wayne is the best rapper alive.


















































See how stupid that sounds?

 

[GAMETHEORY]

and who is lil wayne? is he lil bow wow wow's brother or what?

 

[freaky_1]

and who is lil wayne? is he lil bow wow wow's brother or what?

He's some mop headed faggot that kisses dudes and got everyone on BGOL on his nuts. I was being sarcastic. I actually love The Roots. I was just showing people how stupid it sounds to mention Lil Wayne in the same sentence as great artists like these.

 

[kboogs]

Black Thought is one of the most nastiest slept on emcees of our decade.

With that said, I never thought he had the lasting power to put out a solo album. He's like your Method Man, Chino XL types. Ill when featured on someone's else work, but tend to struggle under their own weight.

Not to undervalue him in no way, shape or form. He's the natiest of the three afformentioned.

Of course who could forget...

"Musically intense with the globe in suspense
Contemplatin' where the world traveler been since
The Roots bless you with a strong record, long like a epic
Immerse you in some 'ol next shit, ill poetic..."

AMEN...they do very well financialy from shows and such plus Black Tought is one of the most talented MC's in the game today! You are all right to say that this generation is well trained to feast on BULLSHIT...but these children are the products of late 80's and early 90's luv affairs, so what does it say about those out there who are ages 25 to 40. How did we let this B.S. come to be?

 

[bill_cosby]

Props on the thread. Roots are thee most underrated or least acknowedged group in hip hop (and music) history!! Illadelph halflife is one of the GOAT hip hop (or music) albums, all their other albums can't be touched by most and black thought is top 5 DOA to me (BIG words i know)!!!
I don't think there white following is ''middle class'' but like there black following they enjoy the rhymes, the subject matter and the beats. The same as the white (and black following) enjoys 50 or games rhymes, subject matter and beats, its just taste, no specific class, race or gender, just taste.
One thing that annoys me is the myth that white surburban kids support ''real'' or ''conscious'' hip hop. That shit irks me!!!

 

[diamond4981]

I still rock do you want more album and scott storch was their original keyboard player crazy.

 

[yellowmello]

I still rock do you want more album and scott storch was their original keyboard player crazy.

Hell yea. I want them to go back to that style of music or do a full jazz type cd.

 

[bill_cosby]

I still rock do you want more album and scott storch was their original keyboard player crazy.

Does anyone have a pic of scott with the group because i'm having trouble believing this, its TOO out there

 

[doughnut]

I saw the roots when they came to Atlanta, waited till the last minute to get tickets. Tickets were sold out and at least 50 people were outside begging for tickets. Man I spent 100$ on that damn ticket(scalper gettin rich) and let me tell ya shawty....money well spent! Black thought singin and dancin ,Brass heaven playin best show I've ever seen.