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The Roots
Biography
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Formed
January 1, 1989 in Philadelphia, PA

Years Active:
90s | Current

 
Though popular success has largely eluded the Roots, the Philadelphia group showed the way for live rap, building on Stetsasonic's "hip-hop band" philosophy of the mid-'80s by focusing on live instrumentation at their concerts and in the studio. Though their album works have been inconsistent affairs, more intent on building grooves than pushing songs, the Roots' live shows are among the best in the business.

The Roots' focus on live music began back in 1987 when rapper Black Thought (Tariq Trotter) and drummer ?uestlove (Ahmir Khalib Thompson) became friends at the Philadelphia High Sc
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Selected Discography:
  Album Title Released Label Price
Rising Down



2008 Def Jam $6.99
Game Theory



2006 Def Jam $6.99
Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide To Understanding The Roots Volume One



2005 Geffen $6.99
Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide To Understanding The Roots Volume Two



2005 Geffen $6.99
The Tipping Point



2004 Geffen $6.99
Phrenology



2002 MCA $6.99
The Roots Come Alive



1999 MCA $6.99
Things Fall Apart



1999 MCA $6.99
illadelph halflife



1996 Geffen $6.99
Do You Want More?!!??!



1994 Geffen $6.99
AMG Top Pick
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About This Artist
Discography
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Influences
Beastie Boys Digable Planets

Followers
Rahzel

Formal Connections
Rahzel

Performed Songs By
Big Daddy Kane Jill Scott Roy Ayers Karl Jenkins Raphael Saadiq Jaguar Wright

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