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Thursday, 01 May 2008 08:29 AM
Feeling Your Roots #2

Written by DJ RTC

The Roots

Back with day number 2 of "Feeling Your Roots," our celebration of The Roots new record, which adds to their storied career. Yesterday we got words from Naledge of Kidz In The Hall, Konee Rok, Buff1 and others. Today's contributors include an eclectic mix of Emcees, DJs, Journalists, and Fashion Designers, and is further evidence of The Roots' impact on music and popular culture...

Rhymefest, Chicago:
"My favorite Roots song has to be "Silent Treatment" because it so accurately describes the dynamic of what a man wants and what a woman deserves."

Jake Paine, Journalist:
“I never really understood The Roots’ magnitude until I moved to Philadelphia seven years ago. Just as Melle Mel’s ‘Message’ exposed the ills of The Bronx to us all, or Dr. Dre and Cold187um’s basslines made us feel the energy of the L.A. Riots, Black Thought’s angst, his swagger doing the talking for the streets of Philadelphia just as ?uestlove’s drums capture the beat of a soul city with too much pride to as for help. Without the Roots, I can’t say I’d feel as proud to share their area code.”

Samuel Storm, Chaunce Clothing:
I have been lucky enough to see The Roots live on 6 different occasions, each time at a different venue with different people. And each performance was very memorable to say the least. My favorite thing to do is invite people that are tainted by the media’s negative portrayal of Hip Hop to a Roots show. The Roots embody Hip Hop music at its deepest and most pure level. With live instrumentation, on point and timely lyrics and a connection to the music that invites you; The Roots can turn a Hip Hop naysayer into a head-noddin’ and lyric-reciting lifer. I have witnessed this many times. …My favorite song/video has got to be "What They Do" for its candid reality of what Hip Hop has ultimately become; COMMERCIALIZED. …Thank you to the whole Roots fam for years of REAL HIP HOP MUSIC.

Shala Esquire, The Movement
"My favorite Roots cut and experience was seeing them perform "You Got Me" live with Jill Scott after learning she was really the one who wrote the "You Got Me" hook. They snapped. Jill blacked-the-phuck-out. They performed a remix of the song and it was magical. I swear she was speaking in tongues. Then The Roots broke into a blues medley before closing. It was nuts! The movement The Roots grew is amazing. Shaped a lot of my shorty years..."

Mickey Factz, GFC
"No one can forget the video when Black Thought is walking thru the projects... That whole video was insane... What made it even better was when questlove, full beard and about 100 pounds heavier, was destroying the pocket at the end... Crazy..."

Chaundon, NYC:
"You Got Me"...This is the jawn of all jawns! Thought painted such a vivid picture, I saw the video before the director yelled ACTION! The music was incredible. "You Got Me" is the definition of a marriage between the beat and the rhyme! But I must say "75 Bars" is my 2nd favorite video. One of the meanest videos out if not the meanest video out!!! The track is violent and Thought went in!!!! "I'm in the field with a shield and a spear n***a, I'm in your girl with her heels in the air n**a" DAMN."

Pugs Atomz, Chicago:
"Do you want more" stayed in my walkman for a year, that album was my soundtrack. I remember catching them at the Park west with Goodie Mob one of the best shows I ever went to.”

DJ Metrognome, Indianapolis:
“I distinctly remember the first time I heard The Roots. I was sitting in my brother's car when he popped in a random tape he'd compiled. And within moments, I was blessed with the strong, emphatic introduction for "Concerto of a Desperado." The rest, as they say, is history (...for me)...After digging into Illadelph Halflife, I grew to appreciate their jazzy, soulful interpretations with quality lyricism and fearless development. On only one occasion since Organix have I been somewhat disappointed, but I ALWAYS look forward to their next release. Tuesday, again, was that day, and after hearing the break-heavy "75 Bars," I must assume it'll be another successful notch on their decorated discography belt.”

Opio, Souls of Mischief:
Favorite song: Clones The beat is hella sick…They made everybody have to step up their live performances. They killed the live show."

The Roots: In The Music/Here I Come/It Don't Feel Right

"Feeling Your Roots" will hit again tomorrow exclusively at RubyHornet.com. If you'd like to submit a quote for inclusion, please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , or simply leave a comment. To see Wednesday's click, here.