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Philadelphia, United States (1993 – present)

The Roots, also known as The Legendary Roots Crew, The Square Roots and The Foundation, are an influential, Grammy winning hip hop group based out of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, famed for a heavily jazzy sound and live instrumentation. Inspired by the “hip-hop band” concept pioneered by Stetsasonic, the Roots themselves have garnered critical acclaim and influenced later hip-hop and R&B acts.

The Roots’ original lineup included Black Thought (MC vocals) and Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson (drums), who were classmates at the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts. As they began to play at school and on the streets, they added another MC named Malik B., bassist Leonard Hubbardand keyboardist Scott Storch. Another MC, Dice Raw, frequently made album appearances with the group from 1995 to 1999 before leaving to record a solo album. Scott Storch also left to pursue career as a producer following the Do You Want More?!!!??! album, He produced songs such as Still D.R.E. by Dr Dre. The Roots filled his void with another keyboardist, Kamal who is still a member. A beatboxer named Rahzel also joined the group and contributed from 1995-1999. Alongside Rahzel was vocal turntablist, Scratch who greatly contributed to The Roots’ sound, most notably in live concerts. He left the group in 2003. Malik B. left the group in 2000. A guitarist, Ben Kenney, enjoyed a short stint with the group and contributed to their Phrenology album, but left to join Incubus.
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Top Albums

  • Undun
    The Roots Play
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  • How I Got Over
    The Roots Play
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  • Phrenology
    The Roots Play
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  • The Tipping Point
    The Roots Play
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Top Tracks

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Dun
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  • gottalovett07

    black thought can flow for days. and the whole band is tighter than tight. gotta be one of the most entertaining and energetic bands i've ever seen.

    Monday afternoon

  • withpassion

    i just can't believe i'm seeing them this summer. it hasn't completely processed in my brain/body.

    Friday evening

  • alexjustice

    Regardless of the time passing by, still got their own style and doing it just right. Real professionals.

    last week

  • HAWK-666

    УГ

    10 days ago

  • VladislavPopoff

    Real talents!

    15 days ago

  • On-The-Vista

    Black Thought spits narratives, he's one of the best story telling rappers

    17 days ago

  • Raphahead

    I can't get over how amazing that band is!

    19 days ago

  • nathan7d

    http://www.last.fm/music/The+Roots/+images/77480530 vote up, shit looks so ill.

    21 days ago
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Amazon Daily Deal: The Roots "Things Fall Apart" Album Only $3.99!

1 Nov 2010 | from blog.myspace.com/theroots

Get The Roots "Things Fall Apart" Album For Only $3.99 on Amazon as part of their Daily Deal! Click here to purchase http://idj.to/rootstfaHOW I GOT OVER ...

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