Bun B represents his boy Pimp C in Houston. Supporting cast are the Roots. I believe there is no one that can deny the dopeness of the song. Swiped from NR.
Questlove is one of the few voices/minds in hip-hop that I always look forward to hearing speak (whether its on his myspace blog or in the Roots liner notes, or any other media he chooses). I feel that with the serious turn in subject matter that Rising Down took and the murkier sound, ?uesto is being asked a lot of questions to explain it. The cool thing about him is that he is not afraid to answer. Some people may say that is complaining or hating but I think he is just fed up with simple-mindedness. See what he has to say to HHDX about Def Jam, porn, and people born in the 80’s. Full article after the jump…
UPDATE: URB Interview with Questlove and The Roots make the cover with Nas
The Roots and Rik Cordero bring it with this new song. Chrisette Michelle is looking lovely and Wale kills it. Proud of you, boy! And I am surprised no one has a copy of the album yet. It comes out next week. Guess, I’ll have to wait.
The Roots blog has posted some new video of the rehearsals for Rising Down. Looks to be a banger with dope beats and political messaging on this one. Also, Critical Mass has a breakdown of the Roots’ listening party in Philly from last week. Good Read w/ video. And to keep you interested, here is the Roots new song with two of my fav up-and-comers. (BTW, ML has Wale’s new mixtape!). Enjoy!
The Roots - Rising Down feat. Wale and Chrisette Michelle
Birthday Girl got mixed reactions at its best, so now its off the new album. Now only if other groups and artists would listen to their fans in the same way. Graduation could’ve done without Barry Bonds. Check the sources: hhdx, okp, mtv
The Roots are creating a strong buzz for this new album. Cordero gave this one an ill look and now everybody is gong to be wanting an afro pick flash drive. Questo is wildin’ and its cool to see Peedi rapping versus complaining. Stick to what he is better at. Onsmash and Nah Right were the source.
On this last day of “5 Days of the Roots”, we bring you a special treat. This is a public radio recording of Chuck D and Cornell West interviewing and following The Roots on tour earlier on their career. Despite the critics of those that say Hip-Hop is all about cars, drugs, and money - this is an audio argument to defend your stance on what hip-hop is really about. Its a long listen, so clear some time and hard drive space. As a bonus, here’s a recording of their MTV $2 Bill concert in 2002 and some interviews after the jump…
Hip-Hop 101: The Roots w/ Chuck D and Cornell West
Part 3
Part 4
The Roots - Live on MTV $2 performance w/ unaired material
Anyone who knows anything about the Roots knows that they are performers first and foremost. I recall seeing them for the first time in Detroit with Goodie Mob and a very young Fugees. They had only really released 2 albums at the time (one no one heard of) but they just ripped it. Hip-Hop 101 was def the move that got my stamp of approval and fan adoration. My brothers have tried to make it their annual LA Halloween gig for the last couple of years. I recall one year they dressed up as NWA and tore the sh!t down! So enjoy these live show treats. (via RL) The Lund Show has an awesome set of Hip-Hop 101 for all of y’all. And the Hot97 show is filled with guests. Spoilers after the jump.
The Roots - Live at Lund, Sweden
The Roots - Live at the Roseland Ballroom w/ Hot 97
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Today, I wanted to showcase some of the best unreleased and roots-affiliated albums over the last few years. You should have Do It Well from Day 1 already. I know my OKP visitors got more to add. Feel free to, its all love. Tomorrow, we got some live ish for you. Full tracklistings after the jump….
J. Period - Best of the Roots mixtape