Roots
Albums
Facts about Roots
"Roots" is a critically acclaimed American hip-hop band formed in 1987 by Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson. Here are five facts about this influential group:
Formation and Early Years: Roots was formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, initially as a collaboration between Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson while they were attending the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts. The group's original lineup also included rapper Malik B. and bassist Leonard "Hub" Hubbard. Roots emerged during a vibrant period of hip-hop culture and quickly gained attention for their live instrumentation, thought-provoking lyrics, and innovative approach to the genre.
Live Band and Unique Sound: Unlike many hip-hop acts of the time, Roots distinguished themselves by incorporating live instrumentation into their performances. Questlove's dynamic drumming, along with Hub's basslines and additional instrumentation from keyboardist Kamal Gray and guitarist "Captain" Kirk Douglas, gave Roots a distinctively organic and soulful sound. The band's fusion of hip-hop, jazz, funk, and soul elements helped redefine the possibilities of live hip-hop performance and earned them a reputation as one of the most innovative acts in the genre.
Critical Acclaim and Commercial Success: Roots gained widespread critical acclaim for their groundbreaking albums, which explored themes of social consciousness, identity, and cultural heritage. Their sophomore album, "Do You Want More?!!!??!" (1995), and its follow-up, "Illadelph Halflife" (1996), solidified Roots' reputation as trailblazers in hip-hop. The band's third album, "Things Fall Apart" (1999), garnered even greater acclaim and commercial success, earning a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the single "You Got Me" featuring Erykah Badu and Eve.
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: In 2009, Roots became the house band for the late-night talk show "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon", which later transitioned into "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon" in 2014. Serving as the show's house band further elevated Roots' visibility and introduced their music to a broader audience. The band's versatile musicianship and infectious energy contributed to the success of the show, earning them praise from viewers and critics alike.
Evolution and Legacy: Over the years, Roots have continued to evolve and push the boundaries of hip-hop, collaborating with a diverse array of artists across genres. Their eclectic discography includes collaborations with musicians such as John Legend, Erykah Badu, Common, and Jill Scott, among many others. Roots' enduring legacy as pioneers of live hip-hop performance and ambassadors of the genre's artistic potential remains intact, inspiring subsequent generations of artists to explore new sonic territories and challenge c