The Roots are an American hip hop and neo soul band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They are known for their live shows and jazzy, eclectic approach to hip hop.
The Roots are an American hip hop and neo soul band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Formed in 1987, the band consists of rapper/vocalist Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter, drummer/producer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson, bassist Owen Biddle, and guitarist Kirk Douglas. The Roots are known for their live performances and their incorporation of a wide variety of musical styles, including soul, jazz, funk, and rock.
The Roots began as a street corner rap group in 1987, when Black Thought and Questlove met at the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts. After performing at local clubs and talent shows, the group released their debut album, Organix, in 1993. The album was a critical success, and the group soon signed with DGC Records.
The Roots released their second album, Do You Want More?!!!??!, in 1995. The album was a commercial success, and the group began to tour extensively. The Roots released their third album, Illadelph Halflife, in 1996. The album was a critical and commercial success, and the group began to gain a larger following.
The Roots released their fourth album, Things Fall Apart, in 1999. The album was a critical and commercial success, and the group began to gain a larger following. The album featured the hit single “You Got Me”, which won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
The Roots have released a total of eleven studio albums, and have collaborated with a variety of artists, including Erykah Badu, Common, John Legend, and Jay-Z. The group has also released several live albums, and have been featured on the soundtracks of several films, including Dave Chappelle’s Block Party and The Great Debaters.
The Roots have been nominated for twenty-one Grammy Awards, and have won four. The group has also been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and have been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The Roots continue to tour and record, and are widely considered to be one of the most influential hip hop groups of all time.