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The RootsAmerican hip-hop group from Philadelphia, Grammy winners
Date of Birth: 01.01.1978
Country:  USA |
Content:
- The Roots: The Evolution of Jazz-Inspired Hip-Hop
- Organix: An Organic Debut
- Do You Want More?!!!??!: Alternative Hip-Hop
- Illadelph Halflife: Breakthrough with MTV
- Things Fall Apart: Critical Acclaim and Grammy Recognition
- Phrenology: Maintaining Momentum
- The Tipping Point: A New Chapter
- Game Theory: Dark Political Commentary
- Rising Down: Social Consciousness in Music
- How I Got Over: Obama-Era Reflections
- Wake Up!: A Collaborative Effort
- Undun: Experimental Hip-Hop Opera
- Wise Up Ghost: Elvis Costello Connection
- ...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin: Retrospective and Introspection
- Champion: NBA Anthem
- Members
- - Mark Kelley - Bass (2011-present)
The Roots: The Evolution of Jazz-Inspired Hip-Hop
Early Days: Roots of InspirationIn the bustling streets of Philadelphia, the seeds of The Roots were sown when high school friends Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson began their musical journey, entertaining classmates and performing at talent shows. Joined by bassist Leon "Hub" Hubbard and rapper Malik B, the group honed their skills under the moniker The Square Roots.
Organix: An Organic Debut
As their popularity grew, The Roots took their music beyond the streets, performing in clubs in Philadelphia and New York. A chance to represent the United States at a hip-hop concert in Germany provided the catalyst for their debut album, "Organix," released in 1993. The album's success paved the way for a deal with Geffen Records.
Do You Want More?!!!??!: Alternative Hip-Hop
The Roots' first album for DGC, "Do You Want More?!!!??!," was released in 1995. Although largely ignored by the hip-hop community, it found favor among alternative music fans, thanks in part to their performance at Lollapalooza.
Illadelph Halflife: Breakthrough with MTV
The Roots' 1996 album, "Illadelph Halflife," marked a turning point in their career. With the support of MTV, the singles "What They Do" and "Clones" propelled the album into the Top 40 Billboard 200 chart.
Things Fall Apart: Critical Acclaim and Grammy Recognition
In 1999, The Roots released their critically acclaimed album, "Things Fall Apart." The album achieved gold status and peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200. That same year, they received their first Grammy Award for "You Got Me" featuring Erykah Badu.
Phrenology: Maintaining Momentum
After the success of "Things Fall Apart," The Roots released "Phrenology" in 2002. While not as commercially successful, the album reached number 28 on the Billboard 200 and earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
The Tipping Point: A New Chapter
Following the departure of two members, Ben Kenney and Scratch, The Roots released "The Tipping Point" in 2004. The album received two Grammy nominations, including Best Urban/Alternative Performance for "Star/Pointro" and Best Rap Performance for "Don't Say Nuthin'."
Game Theory: Dark Political Commentary
"Game Theory," released in 2006, showcased The Roots' darker and more politically charged side. The album's lead single, "Don't Feel Right," was accompanied by a trilogy of music videos that earned critical acclaim.
Rising Down: Social Consciousness in Music
The Roots confronted contemporary societal issues head-on in their 2008 album, "Rising Down." The album featured guest appearances from Chrissette Michelle, Common, Mos Def, and others.
How I Got Over: Obama-Era Reflections
"How I Got Over," released in 2010, captured The Roots' reactions and experiences surrounding the end of the Bush presidency and the rise of Barack Obama. The album blended sampling with live instrumentation, reflecting a mix of optimism and contemplation.
Wake Up!: A Collaborative Effort
In addition to their solo albums, The Roots have collaborated on several projects, including "Wake Up!" with John Legend featuring Black Thought and other members.
Undun: Experimental Hip-Hop Opera
Released in 2011, "Undun" marked a departure for The Roots. Combining hip-hop with classical music, the album told the story of a semi-fictional character living a dangerous life in the ghetto.
Wise Up Ghost: Elvis Costello Connection
Black Thought collaborated with English singer-songwriter Elvis Costello on "Wise Up Ghost," released in 2013, showcasing a unique fusion of hip-hop and folk rock.
...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin: Retrospective and Introspection
The Roots released "...And Then You Shoot Your Cousin" in 2014, a reflective album exploring themes of violence and social injustice. The album featured a dark and cinematic soundscape.
Champion: NBA Anthem
In 2016, The Roots composed "Champion," which became the official anthem for the NBA Finals between the Golden State Warriors and the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Members
Current Members:- Black Thought - MC (1987-present)
- Questlove - Drums (1987-present)
- Kamal Gray - Keyboards (1994-present)
- Frank Knuckles - Percussion (2001-present)
- Kirk Douglas - Guitar (2003-present)
- Tuba Gooding Jr. - Sousaphone (2007-present)
- James Poyser - Keyboards (Appears on "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon")
