Clipse – Grindin’ (live on Fallon)

The Clipse come through and represent with their classic, Grindin’. I think it can be argued that “Grindin’” is one the post hip-hop golden era classics for this generation. Grindin’, All About The Benjamins, You Got Me, Aint No N*gga, What We Do, Ante Up, etc. – those are just a few from me. Anyways, Black Thought (who’s on my top 10 MC list of all time) drops a hot 16 into the mix. If you look in the back, you can see the scary shadow of Questlove. Check out TSS for the “Popeye’s” performance w/ Tariq filling in for Cam’ron.

The Roots – Fallon Sandwiches (songs)

Questlove via Twitter released 22 of the mini-songs (sandwiches) that they play when going in or out of commercials. Word is that they have created over 1,000 of these but these are the ones he liked the most. If you are like me, the only reason you watch Fallon is for the Roots and seeing if Questlove is caught laughing. Speaking of Questlove and Fallon, I agree with him wholeheartedly that the Arte Lang/Olivia Munn episode has been the best so far. Tracklisting after the jump via NR. Great listening for those of us driving and traveling in a week.

The Roots – Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Sandwiches EP

Read the rest of this entry »

Mos Def & Black Thought – Behind the Scenes

Its seeing a video like this that I have to agree with Combat Jack that Mos Def Sucks. Black Thought are caught behind the scenes at the BET Hip-Hop Awards Cypher shoots, reciting famous lines from the Roots’ “&5 Bars”. Why can’t Mos be like this a majority of the time versus his wanna-be jazz scant alter ego. New Danger > Ecstatic. Via TRU.

The Roots – How I Got Over

The lead off single and video from The Roots from their new album. Despite alot of my internet homies hating on this song, its been one of my recent favorites. I think the hook and lyrics are dope. The visuals are just as good.  Excited for this new album and I haen’t been excited for a Roots album since Phrenology. Via NR.

The Roots & Skillz cover EPMD & Run-DMC

Simply said – All MCs should know their history and lyrics like Black Thought and Skillz do. I would pay $$$ just to see them do covers all night. Anyone remember when The Roots use to do Hip-Hop 101 in their sets? Props to Oghiphop.com for the vids.

The Roots Picnic 2009 – Philly

While Twitter was talking about how lame SummerJam in NY was this past weekend, I think the real hip-hop festival was at The Roots Picnic in Philly. With Public Enemy, The Roots, Mos Def, Asher Roth, Kid Cudi and many others performing, its where I would want to be if I was on the East Coast. Fellow Cali native and hip-hop head, BMUSE was invited to cover The Roots Picnic (JEALOUS!) for those of us that couldn’t be there. Check out his pics and videos.

Budden VS. Meth and… The Roots?

The above performance has been a topic of chatter amongst hip-hop nerds, especially those of us on Twitter. Basically, last week, Meth and Budden got into some name-calling WWF drama because overconfident Budden spoke from his heart and Meth felt that he was disrespected. Neither have spit bars to see who’s the better rapper. So who gets the shaft? The Roots. Because Budden mentioned Black Thought’s name in the conversation, Def Jam (aka Meth) told Fallon and Questlove that they did not want the Roots backing them when the performed “A-Yo”. Their PC/”official” reason for the last minute change was lame. In reality, Meth and Red were actually the ones that were hurt from this because now they missed the opportunity to make it a memorable performance for themselves and hip-hop. Peep the videos for the backstory, props to Peter.

Grand Puba – Live with The Roots @ The Jam

JGILLA’s 2nd hero MC, Grand Puba, came to The Roots’ The Jam for a drink and ended up performing in his very stylish camo jacket. Props to Black Thought for knowing all Maxwell’s lyrics and playing hypeman. “Alamo, is ya wit meeeeeee?“

Mos Def – Remixes, Rarities, and more

Another hip-hop confession for all 12 KTL readers, I’m bored with Mos Def. He has just gotten lazy and effortless with his work. If you have been to his shows recently, you know what I mean. 30 min of Jazz scats doesn’t make you deep. Anyways, the video above he loses his sanity for a moment to think he battle Jay-Z. I agree he can whip Lil’ Wayne but so can a pug that’s has digestive problems. But to not hurt those readers that believe Mos Def is authentic (”he’s from Brooklyn!”), funny (”he was on Chapelle show!”), artistic (have you heard “Black on Both Sides?”), an actor (”he’s in the new Gondry film!”) and true hip-hop, I give you a dope collection of rares and remixes. Its a box set that came out in 2006 that is very hard to find in origianl packaging but here for your digital pleasure. Go change your diaper. Tracklisting after the jump.

We Are Hip Hop, Me, You, Everybody (Discs 1 & 2)

We Are Hip Hop, Me, You, Everybody (Discs 3 & 4)

Read the rest of this entry »

Jimmy Fallon & The Roots – 7th Floor West

Not saying that I watch The Hills but its pretty funny when you compare the two. The Roots’ scene is hilarious. Something light to end your week. By the way, Anthony check out what your homegirl Cassie did after the jump.

Read the rest of this entry »