The Roots feat. Bilal: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
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- Опубліковано 6 лис 2017
- Watch The Roots feat. Bilal play at the Tiny Desk.
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Oct. 30, 2017 | Abby O'Neill -- Can you believe it? Yes, those are The Roots packed behind the Tiny Desk. Black Thought, Questlove and the crew carved out a few hours in their hectic Tonight Show schedule to visit NPR headquarters in Washington D.C. Why travel four hours for a 12-minute concert when you own the late-night airwaves? The answer can be found in the lyrics to The Roots' new song, "It Ain't Fair."
Armed with the incredible vocalist Bilal, The Roots performed the signature track from Detroit, a film about the race riots in 1967. "It Ain't Fair" glares unflinchingly, takes a knee and raises a fist against the societal construct that has systematically denied equality of experience to those "presumed inferior," to quote one of Bilal's verses. And it achieves all this while covering its heart with its right hand. This reflective hymn tenderly yanks your heart strings and offers a window into the ethos of those who would like to stand for the flag but cannot in good principle, lest these same evils continue to exist.
Those lucky enough to be in the Tiny Desk audience witnessed masters at work. Black Thought is truly one of the most intelligent emcees ever, and his razor-sharp lyricism was on full display. Questlove, a musical and cultural historian nonpareil, was both a metronomical and moral anchor. It felt like the culmination of decades of academic rigor and boom-bap sessions, fittingly backed by a seven-piece horn section. Bilal's falsetto-laced vocals and warm resonance evoked powerful messaging reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield's "Don't Worry," delivered with the eccentricity of Prince.
Late last year, Common premiered "Letter to the Free" at the Tiny Desk and later won an Emmy for the song. It wouldn't surprise me if "It Ain't Fair" becomes another award-winning performance when the Oscars roll around early next year. This is a song that deserves to be heard in the millions of households that watch The Roots every night.
Set List
"It Ain't Fair"
MUSICIANS
Curtis L. Jones Jr (Trombone), Arnetta Johnson (Trumpet), Hiruy E. Tirfe (Sax), Richard L. Tate II (Sax), Joseph Streater (Trumpet), Norman J. Bradshaw (Trombone), Damon Bryson (Sousaphone), Ahmir (Questlove) Thompson (Drums), Tarik (Black Thought) Trotter (Emcee), Bilal Oliver (Vocals)
CREDITS
Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Producers: Abby O'Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Alyse Young; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR
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!["East Of The Sun [and West of the Moon]"](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/ZD55ymgXYuo/mqdefault.jpg)
Hey Tiny Desk Fans,
Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths
Aint no colour
Love u all
❤
U dont like those kind.of
But Still am i
d😮freeerrd
Many amens and glorifying brass and singing and all worthy of praise! Amen
My man with the Tuba hasn't stopped blowing since he walked into the room
He could probably survive underwater for hours with that breath control
solo de mirarlo me quedé sin oxigeno.
sousaphone...
and thats what she said
JACKSON MCNALLY lmao 😂
@JACKSON MCNALLY Lol who cares? A sousaphone is basically a tuba that wraps around you
😳Bilal had 400 years worth of pain in that voice
I’m black so I felt okay laughing at this because I’m laughing through the pain
Bilal has always gone in.....
It’s called the “growl” voice. They claim it’s not good for the throat but Bilal does it so effortlessly.
i feel like he was holding back too. absolute king.
“It ain’t fair when your protector is your Predator”
Bilal made sure we all felt that. He is incredible
This dude is beyond any charisma i´ve seen from a singer since maybe the likes of d´angelo in in the same age and really maybe curtis mayfield in the older times. His catalogue indeed is not well lit upon, reminisce is a masterpiece but i think this man chose a low-lit career also shining with robert glasper, where i discovered him as a nobody basically. The realness is high and maybe the realest aren´t meant for big fame. I pray he gets his tiny desk !
AMEN!
As a former HBCU marching band tuba player. This dude is a certified Beast!
I was just thinking how outstanding he is - really pulling the whole show together.
Herculean effort.
dude i was thinking the same thing, i dont play tuba but i play electric bass. Groovin
Iron Lungs
AMEN!
The tuba is a hero
Can the trombone get some.............
It's a sousaphone, not a tuba.
legshakermaker1968 A sousaphone is a tuba so it’s ok to call it a tuba
@@viniciusbernhardtkroth971 actually a tuba is a tuba and a sousaphone is a sousaphone.
Dude set the foundation with his cheeks
Guy playing the tuba has lungs like a fucking submarine
qwertyismymom I know, right?! He’s even got cheeks like bellows to boot!
It's actually a Sousaphone! Basically a portable Tuba.
qwertyismymom олюз
Tuba Gooding jnr
Dizzy Gillespie cheeks
11:24 : that moment when Questlove readjusts his afro pick without missing a beat. Legendary
It’s like Michael Jackson spin move without getting caught in the microphone cord
The Roots accomplished more in 12 minutes then most musicians have accomplished in their lifetime.
😂 true that
Life is beautiful
This performance of "It Ain't Fair" deserves a Grammy.
Well said. So we'll said.
We don't need their affirmation
@@susiq1121 but hopefully it will reach more people that way
Facts 💯
It does tho
ADVISORY: This video contains explicit good quality music.
Saxual content
"Because wolves disguised as sheep patrol our streets."
Listening in May 2020, the truth in this just hurts.
Thanks for warning me I’ll skip this video
@@kylejscheffler that pun.. your power level must be pretty high
😂😂
8:38 "I identify with Death, that don't mean it's not an uninvited guest" that hit hard
INDEED!
Black Thought is one of the best MCs we can witness to hear on this planet. Thanks NPR.
Leave it to The Roots to come play the Tiny Desk and only perform one song.
Legendary.
i like both the new stuff and old but ya.. lol one new song. only pls.
Clearly wasn't only one song..
How would you even follow that song up?
Brilliant 12 minute opus...
Klay Niltasuwan I hear one song with instrumental intros and outros.
Bilal didn't need to go that hard...
He did that for us.
He did that for us...
He sho did
Ain't lying!
Sho you rite
Bilal always go hard. He makes my soul happy!
@@MissSuperHottie facts
My boy Bilal went off.
I literally have buckets of tears streaming down my face. POWER and STRENGTH to the people just simply lookin' for love amidst the hate.
Me too Bro💪🏾✊🏾🤝🏾
100% performances like this have always brought me to tears EASY. At 44 years of age I have only recently accepted that it isn’t a weakness that I should hide but a part of me that I should have been embracing my whole life. Its a clear sign that I really haven’t found my true self BUT IM ON MY WAY 🙏🏽
@@Tacconi757 light speed!
@@oraclesma4575 appreciate you 🙏🏻
" people swear they woke but they walking in their sleep" preach
Too dope
Facts 💯
He completely killed it with that line!
Yes Lawd!!!
That tuba sound is so clean holy hell, almost sounds like an actual bass
Not a tuba. Sousaphone.
I know - just a little addendum
Omg Bilal's voice is miraculous!
Man. Phew. Wow. Almost 5 years and this still slaps. This'll forever be one of the greatest performances in all of music history.
I feel like we're making a mistake by not recognizing Bilal as the generational talent that he is. Voices like his are few and far between.
Absolute Truth....
although I haven't found music as good as this on his channel.
@@BarathMiklos You might want to check out "Love for Sale", usually considered to be Bilal's best album
A pure gem!!!
If you don't recognize, then you are making that exact mistake and if, indeed you are then, SHAME ON YOU!✌🏾
Tuba Gooding Jr with those iron lungs.
fkniga1390 Lol 😂😂
it's a sousaphone....Sousa Gooding Jr still has a certain ring to it though.
@@AllWillFail From what I understand he also plays a tuba.
AllWillFail his twitter handle is @TubaGoodingJr
You win the comments...😂😂😂😂
"Looking for justice, but it's just us." Dayum...that's too real.
How have I missed out on Bilal for my entire life?!? So much soul in his voice, 100% beautiful.
that's very sad to hear, danny; however, the good news is: it's better late than never... glad you discovered magnifique bilal
You need to start with his first album and go from there.
Felt that a couple years didn't know about him till I was listening to 88keys album
@@BabyGurlnJP Facts
Start from the beginning, check out his debut album and go from there.
Fact: Covid 19 stands no chance against the tube guy's lungs.
Chuch 🙏🏿
Sousaphone
It's because his lungs are saved.
@@christianhenry4173 COVID 19 doesn’t have chance against the entire group my friend.
Wish that were true.
NPR: "Ok guys, this is a quiet, cosy desk please keep the volume down."
Roots: *marches in with brass band*
András Szepesi Hahahaha!
Bwhahahahaha! RIGHT!
Haaa
András Szepesi that’s how you show up to show out.
Only the ROOTS 😂😂😂😂😂😂!!!!!!
Tariq is the most slept on lyricist. I dont know why. Dude rhymes are sick. Blial just slayed the mic for sure. The whole set was on fire!!!
Agreed, however the woke people have resounding appreciation for life. He steals the show IMO
Yes!
Wouldn't say slept on, many recognize Thought as one of the illest rhyme spitters of all time.
He is one of the illest 4 sure!
He's on my top 3 for sure
Quest AND Jeff Bradshaw AND Bilal AND Black Thought?? SOOOOOOOO much Black positive energy
Bilal needs his own tiny desk concert. His catalogue is worthy of praise
and when he does i'm downloading it to my phone, laptop, everything!!
I have ZERO ideas why he doesn't have one yet. It's one of the most anticipated tiny desk concerts.
Come on somebody,tell it his voice is a national treasure
Sho you rite
Indeed
The moment you realise the tuba is one of the coolest instruments ever
True, buuuut, it's really all about the soul behind the instrument.
Love the sister on the horn holding her own!!!!!!
I’ve probably played this over 70 times. I want to say more but I don’t want to exaggerate. Pure Magic. Shine Strong 💪🏾 ☀️
Definitely “majik”
The Audio engineer did a fucking marvelous job too! Wow!!! Overall, this piece should be preserved in a museum.
I wondered how they get this relativly good sund out of it. the room is actualy much bigger than it seams. One can see more of it in the blue people video
And all this is for free... I mean tiny desk wow
Hell to the yeah
Indeed. Sound never peaked or bled. Bravo to the sound engineer.
I wonder if the musicians have any monitors, looks like they don't!
For a minute Bilal had me thinking I was a black American. Then I remembered I'm an Australian with middle eastern parents 🤣🤣. But I felt that. Much love.
Lol
Ayyyeee!!! That's alright!
😂😂😂
🤣
People swear they woke but they sleep...I pray the Lord they soul n to keep!!!
Bilal is dangerous
As Prince said ‘real music by real musicians’ . Always the best.
"When your protector is your predator, it ain't fair."
Resonated
Chilling
Hit me in my soul!
😪👏
@One Iam
IKR that's a dope lyric because it resonates with truth. And the crazy thing about it is that it could apply to more than just Cops. And that's the sad part.
They should get their own show and have Fallon on as their comedy guest.
doctoroctos or fallon could just fuck off altogether
A transfer to Conan is much needed, a crappy talkshow host like Fallon doesn't deserve a great band like this.
The problem is Fallon can't produce comedy
doctoroctos I absolutely love that idea
@@fvrs3411 Conan?!?!? He as never anything relevant to say AND is boring at the same time. At least Fallon is funny.
It's been 3 years and I still can't get enough of 9:37. Goose bumps.
My Gee on the Tuba is setting the pocket! I love how he's the center of the entire groove! Brass dont get enough love outchea! Bilal is always an epic part of anything he lends his voice to. Black Thought is the GREATEST lyricist of our generation. Don't @ me on that. 🤷🏾♂️
My man on the Tuba is absolutely killing these funky basslines
💯
The ENDURANCE.
oh yeah he is so smooth and consistent - amazing skill
yes sir !
I believe its a sousaphone but you're damn right either way. Who even needs a bassist haha
Bilal is so underrated...love him since Soul Sister
Sure is wow
Facts!!
That tuba player is everything!
This gotta be the most powerful performance in npr history
if you had told me 8 years ago.. that tiny desk was going to be the place for emerging black culture and classic rap.... id has jaw dropped. by.. lol lil tiny desk has totally become that.
Miss O.P. Thank Gawd!
Miss O.P. Yeah! The widespread respect held by NPR for different music cultures is really what makes I️t top tier for me
Top. Tier!
Npr variety!
I'm french and just discover tiny desk.. Not really aware.. So, I'm curious to know.. What was tiny desk before ?
*screaming internally at my desk*...because real screams are frowned upon.
Danielle Cox 😂😂😂😂😂👌🏿
YES! ME TOO. This is powerful.
Mrs. Stewart did you hear black thought lyrics... like damn, he don't miss.
Aakil Sharif He definitely didn't miss with this one.
On point, on time, on topic!
I can’t count how many times I have come back to watch this performance.
This performance will always be a classic on Tiny Desk Concert and the world.
That tuba better be the best paid in the band
Nathan Nichols He sho is the DIZZIEST! lol.
He is a total hero
Yup, I was gonna type dat but u already feelin dat!
The real MVP
Nathan Nichols exactly what i was thinking.
"When your protector is your predator" good GOD that hits hard.
I cry every time I hear this masterpiece. it hits your emotions like a train
I feel you. This is pure heart, pure joy, simply amazing 🙏🏻
I cry every time I listen to It Ain't Fair. Without fail. Every. Single. Time. Unbelievable song performed by unbelievable talents.
Bass line riff played by the tuba!!!
Isn't that a sousaphone?
Nostra Fn Damus apologies...bass line played by the sousaphone.
Yes, It is a Sousaphone. Awesome bass line too.
Peanutbutter jellyfish Exactly
Bad ass....Sousaphone is still a tuba :)
I don't normally start clapping in front my computer screen.
daniel summers 😂😂😂
daniel summers 😹😹😹😹😹
Thats the 9% African that your ancestory dna dot com results was talking about 😂😂
@@officialgrandedame3520 Lmfao
daniel summers 😂😂 Right!!!
Bilal is underrated
Extremely underrated
bilal is a whole freakin mood
I think i just witnessed one of the greatest performances of all time..
You ain't lying!
No.. that's baby's got back😀
Me too
A true generational imprint.
Facts! OMG!
Bilal has been underrated for so damn long. Him and Musiq Soulchild are everything!
Chim Cham bilal was Musiq’s voice coach
Wow!! It feels like a spiritual experience hearing this all over again today. I needed this more than ever. Shivers went up and down my spine throughout.
I don’t know how many times I’ve listened to this set…Bilial’s vocals😢…Black Thought’s lyrics…man I’m in a whole vibe
More kids would wanna play the brass if they heard more music like this in their teen years
Amen
Fuck
Dave Matthews grace is gone
Word, that's exactly what I was thinking watching them. But hey, it's never too late too learn!
@Carlton Beckford-Dozier I played trombone, tuba, and bugle growing up. Got a lot of love for a tight brass section
"Because wolves disguised as sheep patrol our streets."
Listening in May 2020, the truth in this just hurts.
Crying.
@@kahyangni6808 thank goodness that cop and his buddies are being prosecuted. Let's come together through music!
@@zackennedy He'll get to keep his pension.
Bill Orcutt Good, then the civil suit can be funded if he loses
What makes you think that every police officer is a corrupt wolf?
10:44 to 11:24 is one of my favorite slices of music of all time. It’s pure catharsis.
That's why I keep coming back
simply the best performance that ever happened in this office
I need this tuba line to play whenever I enter a room.
eat more beans (works for me)
Lol!
Hilarious
Ha!
Ha Haaa True True
Bilal just made me throw this wig straight at my tv !! Boy you betta sing
I listen to this at least once a day. Looking for JUSTICE and its JUST US
Lol!
There’s cold…then there’s BILAL.
Dude is subzero level cold.
Questlove's dynamic control for playing/room awareness and his ear for the music is amazing
"Hello 911 dispatch? Yes it's happened agin...send paramedics.....Black Thought just bodied another verse.
Ulriq Just murdered it!
Serial killer of verses.
The opponent couldn't tell he got touched. laid out on the ground, he looked for God but he ain't there....
left screaming it ain't fair but god ain't there and don't no one care....
Top 5!!! I would like to hear a solo project
Black Thought! One of the greatest lyricist ever!
Quote me on that.
And the most underrated
Undisputed fact!
Yes....truly
And MC too
💯
There’s a point in this performance when Bilal started to glow slightly. He was tapping into his super powers. Amazing!
The hair is kind of in that shape!
It ain't fair that I'm just finding this in February 2021, watching this for the third time, fighting tears at work because of Bilal's voice & the Roots visciousness! LOVE ME SUM THEM!!!
100% it doesn’t matter where I’m at when I end up right here, I cry tears of joy. Idk how many times I’ve been here, maybe 25-30 times. I see the same comments with the same names that I forget as soon as I leave. When I’m here though, I feel like I’m with good people. 🙏🏻
that's one hard working tuba player!
I've just realized how much of Bilal I hear in Anderson Paak's voice.
and I've just realized how much of Prince I hear in Bilal's voice.
I don't think it's intentional. Lol. I love Bilal. He's BAD ass but I swear Anderson is just completely separate and equally fire.
Seth Ewing literally the same exact thing I was thinking
yes lawd!!
We gotta send this video to all these new "Lit" and pop artists. Party music is fun and all but...no offense, this is REAL MUSIC. TAKE NOTES kids and make some music that means something too or our kids kids won't have ANY new Classics. They will still be listening to our favorite artists in the future like the Roots and Blial. I doubt the migos, future, and this pop junk on the radio now will stand the test of time. I'm just saying.
Bilal is so underrated.
I
Love
This
Performance!!!
I’ve listened to this prolly 97 times over the years. It might be the greatest song period. Like if someone asked me what’s your favorite song I’d show them this right here.
Tiny Desk concerts have THE BEST live mixing. And having that many instruments just proves it. The Roots are amazing.
Bilal and the Roots are channeling the ancestors. Tears raining down, aint fair!
I hear you sister
Black thought is channelling them too.
I'd never heard of Bilal until I saw this video.
@@kountzer check out 'bilal-soul sista' which was his first single years ago..early 2000s....'bilal-fast lane ft jadakiss' is another big song of his
@@kountzer I'm so glad you're here!
Tiny Desk’s consistency in delivering live performances that are superior to the song’s respective studio performance is otherworldly.
This gives me chills no matter how many times I replay...lyrics, Bilals casually electric, gritty voice, the arrangement, the rap, the wind instruments...everything is perfect
So we just gone sleep on Bilal? Bruh murdered this song, then resurrected it!!!
Nope, loved Bilal since he came out early 2000's he is the man!!!
who's sleeping on bilal? you?
Larry Hatchett I snatched my wig off and wipe this face twice chile 💪🏽🔥
Bilal been the shit. The Roots song water was about him
Killed it!!
Imagine being in that room. Damn those people are lucky.
rootsm3 bucket list item frfr
The roots Music good Listen wow powerful best ever real rap lyricist word play cool so skills beautiful good vibe can rap powerful mc
That Tuba player is laying down the foundation for real!!!!!! They Rocked That James Brown and the JB's joint!!!
The way he sang “It’s hard when ya looking for love and it ain’t there” I really thought he wasn’t gone find it.
Bilal said,” AAAaaaaaaaaaaghaaaaaaaaaaghaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAH!” I feel you bro. I feel you. ✊🏾❤️🖤💚
YEP!!!!!🎯🎯🎯
bars
Yeeeesssssssss! 😊
He feels this in his soul…that’s pain
Lol yesss😂😂💙
'The Devil is feeding off hate, so he gaining weight' what a great line from my man Black Thought.
Execellent lyricist...good catch
Black Thought is the GOAT.
Can you have a better than that.
I come back to this one again and again…what a performance…and a message🙏🙏🏽
I still can't believe how powerful this whole set was!!!! The roots and Bilal really brought that emotional energy with the music & vocals 💯✊
P.s. my dude on the tuba is the realness. Bassline spit by breath! Ain’t no shit like that. Round of applause to dude!
Biläl hit something in my soul with those vocals!!! Made me want to run round the house!!!!!!!
Marcus Anderson You said something on that! This Session is so Dope
This was put together perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bilal and Black Thoughts killed it! The horns were Amazing! To do a song that has so Much Meaning in this way is Powerful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It Ain't Fair when Protector is your Predator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
that cacophony around the 9-minute mark said it all
chills
And they thought it was over..hmmm
I’m a simple man, I see The Roots live, I click.
Crazy part is that it sounds better than the original to me.
Top 5 Tiny Desk performance.
Never heard the original but this slaps hard I'm done
It’s the best performance
I will roll with top 5.
Tiny Desk tends to do that with artists. I still hope some of these recordings end up on Spotify or Apple music.
This performance is so powerful. I saw this many times and still can't watch it without getting watery eyes. This must be Bilal's greatest performance, so precise in his expression and so hartfelt, it's amazing.
I'm from Azerbaijan. It is a small country between Russia, Turkey and Iran. Maybe I'm the only one here who listens to your music. You should know guys. There is 1 house in Azerbaijan where your music is played
Thanks ✌️✌️🇦🇿
Biji Kurd u Kurdistan
Black thoughts is the most consistently conscious lyricist. i salute
Right up there with KRS-ONE
And Kendrick
@@marquaviskamarridottery6603 above all
Damn Bilal came straight from the 70 s with that voice woww
EXACTLY!
Qomk*
Hands down THEE best tiny desk concert! EVER!