The Roots, Explained with a Single Chord

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  • Опубліковано 3 кві 2023
  • Questlove and Whatnot are holding a live stream auction whatnot.onelink.me/zALw/2dqjbmwd on April 7th at 3:30pm ET. He’s selling special records from his personal collection for charity and 1 lucky viewer will be chosen to join him record shopping at A-1 Record Shop in New York City! Download the @whatnot app and join the auction livestream www.quest.whatnot.com
    The Roots album “Things Fall Apart” from 1999 is a great album, and there’s one song in particular, one CHORD especially that feels so good. In trying to understand why, I kept going, kept analyzing, looking at the larger context of this chord, this album, and The Roots as a band - and then I figured it out. This one chord kind of explains…The Roots, and what they’ve managed to accomplish in the past, nearly 25 years since its release.
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    SOURCES
    ►Mo' Meta Blues by Questlove: amzn.to/40H2BC3
    www.udiscovermusic.com/storie...
    pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/...
    / throwback_writeup_2_th...
    Also, thanks to Andrew Reyes for his chord and voicing consultation. Check out more from Andrew here: • Funky Keyboard Soundch...
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    ___________
    TOPICS COVERED
    The Roots
    Questlove
    Black Thought
    Ahmir Thompson
    Tariq Trotter
    Things Fall Apart
    The Next Movement
    Hip Hop
    Organix
    Do You Want More
    Illadelph Halflife
    The Tonight Show
    Jimmy Fallon
    Music Theory
    Music History

КОМЕНТАРІ • 197

  • @williamgeorge2580
    @williamgeorge2580 Рік тому +222

    Twenty five years ago? Hmm. Yeah. A quarter century. I guess that's right. Twenty five. And now I'll go lie down and have cry.

  • @Jacqueal
    @Jacqueal Рік тому +105

    Things Fall Apart is my favorite Roots album largely because I saw them live at NYU right before they released it. Changed my life.

    • @MrDecksels
      @MrDecksels Рік тому +4

      For me, it definately changed the way I listen to Hip Hop. Nothing was the same after hearing that album.

    • @otisthetowndrunk
      @otisthetowndrunk Рік тому +1

      Same, except Illadeph Halflife was the album and time frame.

  • @ByDobson
    @ByDobson Рік тому +115

    Things Fall Apart is crazy because it’s one of the greatest albums ever released in any genre, and you can still make an argument for it not being the Roots best album

    • @devaniposey5540
      @devaniposey5540 Рік тому +6

      Crazy but true cause I still say Illadelph Halflife is the best Roots album and I was born in '98.

    • @KhayJayArt
      @KhayJayArt Рік тому +1

      Haha ur old

    • @bluegroove777
      @bluegroove777 Рік тому +5

      ​@@KhayJayArt lol laugh while you can. you will be one day too. Btw questlove was born in 1971 so age aint slowing him down

    • @vinson9932
      @vinson9932 Рік тому +2

      Illadelph Halflife best album hands down!

    • @ChainSwingerHxC
      @ChainSwingerHxC 4 місяці тому +1

      @@devaniposey5540i was born in 99 and listened to the roots AFTER that album. it's funny how jus a year can make it feel like some people have totally different knowledge and understanding of the same things

  • @alo.5141
    @alo.5141 Рік тому +6

    Illadelph and Things Fall apart STILL stand the test of time more than 25 YEARS later!🔥🔥🔥🔥

  • @jerrystackpaper
    @jerrystackpaper Рік тому +102

    I recommended you to my music teacher, you truly figured out how to simplify music without dumbing it down which is crazy, perfect content

  • @roievans9859
    @roievans9859 Рік тому +15

    This was one of those CD's you could play, front-to-back. This was the soundtrack to many after bar gatherings.

  • @bagelssmellgreat
    @bagelssmellgreat Рік тому +33

    So thankful you're finally hitting on The Roots. Yes, I want more!

    • @diggingthegreats
      @diggingthegreats  Рік тому +7

      🔥🔥 Check out the Soulquarian series - including the other Roots video linked at the end of this one!

  • @infezioneintestinale
    @infezioneintestinale Рік тому +6

    You sir are a hell of a story teller.
    One of the best tritone subs story i've ever heard

  • @gabself
    @gabself Рік тому +5

    That's so cool, I've been obsessed with that song and that chord for years

  • @JoshuaDb_The_Witness
    @JoshuaDb_The_Witness Рік тому +4

    Man this is REALLY well done. Im a bassist/multi instrumentalist - bass has always been my bread and butter - and Hub is the reason why.

  • @NotMuchThanks
    @NotMuchThanks Рік тому +2

    You got me singing JUUUUST THE TWOOO OF UUUUUS over that chord

  • @Mystic-Philly
    @Mystic-Philly Рік тому +3

    Hell Yeah!!!! Philly 215 267, the 21 Pound, Stand Up!!!!! Been blessed to work with these guys!!! The jam session that actually birthed these additional artists, including Jaguar Wright, Kindred Family Soul, Jasmine Sullivan, Floetry, Bilal, Jazzyfatnastees, and many more was The Black Lily….. at the famous 5 Spot in Philly and The Wetlands in NYC…. The beginning stages began at Ahmir’s home.

  • @arielarnau3413
    @arielarnau3413 Рік тому +4

    This video is dope ... but we'll come back to that in just a second.

  • @Ribs4Lunch
    @Ribs4Lunch Рік тому +2

    The world is lucky to have had The Roots. And Black Thought is a top 3 MC all time. I said it.

  • @neagah13
    @neagah13 Рік тому +7

    And this is why The Roots is the best group in hip-hop with the best discography, amazing video like always!

    • @HerveBoisde
      @HerveBoisde 8 місяців тому

      Tribe are arguably better. But I’ve seen the Roots live (before they became Fallon’s studio band) and they were great

  • @joshandrox
    @joshandrox Рік тому +3

    Digging The Greats = the DJ's DJ channel. Love the content man

  • @T_R_O_Y_McClure
    @T_R_O_Y_McClure Рік тому +2

    Things fall apart is one of the best hip hop albums ever. Can i also point out that the day it was released (2/23/99) we also got the slim shady lp, prince amongst thieves, and to a lesser extent, war zone by black moon. Great day for hip hop

  • @devaniposey5540
    @devaniposey5540 Рік тому +6

    It's crazy bro how you done covered a bunch of my favorites artists and songs and dug deeper with your research and knowledge I never knew about. I was 1 year old when Things Fall Apart dropped in '99. I'm 25 now, and how the hell would I know anything about what you just articulated? 😭

  • @coolman000099
    @coolman000099 Рік тому +1

    I am so happy I found this channel. You are AMAZING

  • @colevandervaart4739
    @colevandervaart4739 Рік тому +1

    Thanks for making this incredibly definitive and detailed video, so that I can start crawling forward. Thank you!!!!

  • @jimmyd5289
    @jimmyd5289 Рік тому +2

    Not sure how, but I knew it was gonna be THAT chord. Thanks for this, and very well done. MUCH respect sir!

  • @kobejamal
    @kobejamal Рік тому +6

    would love to see you breakdown d’angelo’s black messiah. you’re doing god’s work with this channel.

  • @trinitylegacygroup2481
    @trinitylegacygroup2481 Рік тому +7

    You’re onto something buddy. Let’s take into account the song right after The Next Movement which is Step Into A Realm, where Malik B (RIP🙏🏾💪🏾) goes absolutely OFF and takes us further into the theme of the album. If The Next Movement was saying “We’re about to take you on a journey,” then Realm was saying, “And here we go!” Just an awesomely incredible album.

  • @leonjj39
    @leonjj39 Рік тому +1

    Roots one the best live show in the 90's rap and a jam session unbelievable. 1st time hearing Next Movement, this keeps ringing in my ear . Thanks for the breakdown

  • @brandonshaw5882
    @brandonshaw5882 Рік тому +2

    This is one of my favorite hip hop albums of all time. I played this so much in my Discman back in the day when it came out.

  • @TedTalksBass
    @TedTalksBass Рік тому +6

    God this channel is too good

  • @vicsmooth27
    @vicsmooth27 Рік тому +4

    Amazing video! I remember being a child and You Got Me video came on tv and I was in awe. Growing up in NY all I knew in hip hip was Bad Boy, The Lox, DMX, etc. then to hear the Roots music, definitely changed my life. 20+ years later and I’m still in awe of these guys.

  • @monz7951
    @monz7951 7 місяців тому +1

    Love your work, love the Roots and also just wanted to say we deeply miss Hub, genuinely one of my fav bassists growing up. Rip. Big up for the videos man 🙌🏼

  • @verb26
    @verb26 Рік тому +2

    More than just one! That whole album is something else, all together! The soundtrack to my senior year in HS. Thanks for covering it!

  • @EddieG1888
    @EddieG1888 Рік тому +4

    RIP Leonard "Hub" Hubbard, the low end of The Roots.

  • @unstopology
    @unstopology Місяць тому

    Bought the album for "You Got Me", found out the whole album was amazing! Revisiting it, with this new knowledge, makes it so much better.

  • @Davidcfillion
    @Davidcfillion Рік тому +5

    Another GREAT video, thanks for breaking this down by using this amazing track. I have always loved music but these videos really are making me appreciate music on a new level and help me understand the why I love music.

  • @chrisbullock6477
    @chrisbullock6477 Рік тому +2

    Much appreciate your coverage of The Roots, and your care and respect of their style of Hip Hop.

  • @DPSFSU
    @DPSFSU Рік тому +1

    Things Fall Apart is probably my favorite album, ever. Do You Want More is up there as well.

  • @eespecialeventsdj
    @eespecialeventsdj Рік тому +11

    Thank you for doing this video!! My mind has changed over the years about this chord!
    Also thank you for digging into the cadences. The Db acts like a tritone-sub! Great job bro!

  • @MrBarney2107
    @MrBarney2107 Рік тому +2

    Another important aspect of this track is that the D flat/C minor section is 14 bars long, but each switch from D flat to C takes up 4 bars. This means that the other section breaks in 2 bars earlier than you expect, which makes the change sound much fresher and more interesting - I've been listening to this track for 20 years, and it never gets old. I guess this is another jazzy influence?

  • @unworthyServant08
    @unworthyServant08 Рік тому +6

    Thank you so much for covering this! When I first got introduced to beatmaking back in 2004, I quickly grew fond of the Roots, especially ?'s drums and Hub's basslines. I own pretty much all of their albums, and I too think they are (or maybe were, at this point??) underrated hip hop heroes. There's no band or act as unique as they are, and with the breadth of experience they have. As luck would have it, The Next Movement was the first of their songs that I got into, then pivoted over to Illadelph Halflife, and then it was history from then on!

  • @CDMESD
    @CDMESD Рік тому +1

    I love how you incorporated Stetsasonic. The HipHop Band! Illadelph Half-life and Things Fall Apart were my albums.

  • @im2dirty4u
    @im2dirty4u Рік тому +4

    Man, this took me back to music theory class in high school. So cool! Great vid man!
    I am sad to say, i havent listened to this album yet, but i damn sure am now.

  • @jpaw1325
    @jpaw1325 Рік тому +1

    Killer video. I love how you boil it all down to the tritone sub. Strong metaphor.

  • @bpt11
    @bpt11 Рік тому +4

    Dude I swear it's like you make these videos just for me and my musical interests thank you for making this content please keep doing what you're doing you are so good at it

  • @stevenlyle6390
    @stevenlyle6390 Рік тому +2

    Great video! I always love your music history breakdowns, and it's very cool to see you bring in some music theory with it.

  • @q-dawwg626
    @q-dawwg626 Рік тому +2

    You explain and take myself and everyone that subscribe to your channel because you have an amazing love for music and giving the artform of HIPHOP a universal platform. To which I say THANK YOU brother.

  • @billhoult3262
    @billhoult3262 Рік тому +2

    It is insane that every single video of yours is about an artist or album that i like and listen too, and yet i always learn something new. Top music channel on youtube rn!

  • @devwhite22
    @devwhite22 Рік тому +2

    Well said and perfectly edited; WELL DONE! Thank you for sharing these jewels of musical history! #RESPECT

  • @morgangleave8518
    @morgangleave8518 Рік тому +2

    Man I love this video. I really dig how the music is broken down, and it makes so much sense to me, with making my own sounds - and why the C Harmonica is my favourite to play! Thank you!

  • @nullnullnull_03
    @nullnullnull_03 Рік тому +3

    Love this channel!

  • @timpanini
    @timpanini Рік тому +1

    It’s crazy how much i enjoy your videos and this channel. And you only talk about that kind of hiphop that i love! Wow!
    Love from Sweden

  • @stevechase2232
    @stevechase2232 Рік тому +1

    You are a masterful rabbit hole maker! Informative and creative!

  • @dreddiknight
    @dreddiknight Рік тому +3

    Damn, I remember my piano teacher showing me the tritone substitution a few years back! I have to go and get out all my Roots albums now too! 🙂

  • @DaveDTitan
    @DaveDTitan Рік тому +2

    There is one person you seem to leave out when you talk about this collective, and that person is DJ jazzy Jeff. He is on the next movement Shrek, and he also collaborated and produced on most of the artist you named. You should check out his production on Jay lives instrumental, a charmed life. his influence on the Philadelphia. Sound should not be ignored.

  • @keiththomas111
    @keiththomas111 7 місяців тому +1

    I met quest love dad in Yeadon he had a flea market there look just like him🥁 Don't forget there Organix album with Malik B also they had the 5 Spot jumping in Philly on Bank Street if you know you know also with Kindred the family soul I was there for all that good times and music 🎵🎶😊

  • @goatmade8933
    @goatmade8933 Рік тому

    The breakdown of using the 7s and music theory resolution. Love this channel!❤

  • @marknesium
    @marknesium Рік тому +1

    very very nice breakdown!!!! kudos.

  • @gheefreak
    @gheefreak 6 місяців тому

    I love watching music theory videos because I can kind of here where they're going before they get there, and I haven't been a musician for like ten years. It reminds me of skills I used to have.

  • @brendanokellymusic
    @brendanokellymusic Рік тому +1

    Great video as usual. I learned a few things. Thanks for the chords ...

  • @chloemchll3774
    @chloemchll3774 Рік тому +1

    Just found the channel w this video.
    You got a subscriber from it.
    Love seeing this sort of mixed approach (a little music theory, a little historical context, etc) being applied to hip hop.

  • @bryanbalment7993
    @bryanbalment7993 Рік тому +3

    Full disclosure: I'm completely illiterate in terms of musical theory.
    But Things Fall Apart is one of my favourite albums of all time and that chord on The Next Movement is one of my favourite things about it.
    I still don't really understand the theory, but it's pretty cool to know that it exists.

  • @cartermyers9554
    @cartermyers9554 Рік тому +3

    The roots probably are my favorite rap group and I love how you are analyzing them and helping me understand them. More people need to make videos on them.

  • @michaelruiz74
    @michaelruiz74 Рік тому +1

    MTV needs to give you your own special!

  • @kylebradley8172
    @kylebradley8172 Рік тому

    Man, you have a gift. You’re a grown musician’s Bill Nye.

  • @Ramos-Lavina
    @Ramos-Lavina Рік тому +1

    There ain’t too much YT content that I’d consider auto-like ‘able… but your content is definitely in that category for me 💯💯💯

  • @fla.one_
    @fla.one_ Рік тому +3

    As a crazy Roots fan that as Mo Metta Blues as bible, I approve this message and gotta thank you for the content you create!!! TEACH THEM!!! 🙌🙌✨

  • @xAntoIRL
    @xAntoIRL Рік тому +1

    This chord pumps energy into my bones idk y

  • @juanrojas7505
    @juanrojas7505 9 місяців тому

    excepcional episodio!! the roots are legends.
    greetings from chile

  • @dad_fi
    @dad_fi Рік тому +1

    This all this your killing it thank you

  • @spaggio
    @spaggio Рік тому +1

    Great job

  • @EddieHazel87
    @EddieHazel87 4 місяці тому +1

    The Neapolitan chord. Phrygian vibes. Plus some harmonic minor because of the major/dominant V chord in a minor key.

  • @dave_s_vids
    @dave_s_vids Рік тому

    I've figured it out, you're the Rick Beato of hip-hop! Love it, keep going please!

  • @A.ChristopherJohnson
    @A.ChristopherJohnson Місяць тому

    Great theory B !!

  • @Btone33
    @Btone33 11 місяців тому

    @Diggingthecreats First I enjoy your videos. I love history as a whole! Second I love Jazz, My Dad was A Quasi Beatnik from the '60s and Hung out with some amazing people. some Who I've met in life. This is a very enjoyable perspective about hip hop and The Roots! Thanks

  • @MrDecksels
    @MrDecksels Рік тому +6

    I think a video on 'Act Too (The Love of My Life)' wouldn't be a bad idea.
    It's hard to explain, but there's just something about this song that makes it stand out on the entire album. It almost feels like a hymn.

  • @els1f
    @els1f Рік тому +1

    We talking tritone substitution today!?🙌🙃 Goddamn these videos are amazing!

  • @thatslucachris
    @thatslucachris Рік тому

    Yes!!! 🙌🏽

  • @tenormadness
    @tenormadness Рік тому

    Bringing me back to my undergrad days with that cadence talk!

  • @freezerman5871
    @freezerman5871 Рік тому

    Super intersting analysis.

  • @tobbetobster9930
    @tobbetobster9930 Рік тому +1

    Another one of my faves, was lucky and copped things fall apart on vinyl a few weeks ago

  • @discobeatsrock8720
    @discobeatsrock8720 Рік тому +1

    …and I dig you. Great stuff man

  • @CDMESD
    @CDMESD Рік тому

    Thank you for the chords. Truly appreciate that.

  • @sharondalewis1620
    @sharondalewis1620 7 місяців тому

    This is literally my favorite Roots song

  • @ryanlafond9488
    @ryanlafond9488 Рік тому +2

    this dude's a genius

  • @bisiesto29
    @bisiesto29 Рік тому +1

    Those chords, man! 🔥🔥🔥

  • @Xolanidj
    @Xolanidj Рік тому +1

    I love the breakdown. Yea, Questlove is a living music encyclopedia! Yes, Black Thought is one of the best emcees to ever do it. If you are a person who does any kind of music performances, you better study The Roots!

  • @coltondillard7811
    @coltondillard7811 Рік тому +1

    So I wake up on my birthday hoping to find something cool to watch and BAM there you are. Freaking sweet

  • @AlexGwaze
    @AlexGwaze Рік тому +10

    I have a challenge for you. You must do at least 3 videos on DIGABLE PLANETS!! I seriously can't wait any longer. Just the bass alone in Rebirth of The Slick is worthy of one. Then Ladybug's (sweetest voice in hiphop) comparison to other rappers. Their poetic lyrics, politics (Blowout Comb), production. There is series with of cotent like you've done with the legend Dilla. Show the Planets some love. Only you can do it right.

    • @KwisBwown
      @KwisBwown Рік тому

      drummer pushin the quacckine too now a Pfizer peddler

  • @bmuhamad
    @bmuhamad 11 місяців тому

    Interesting take on the origin of The Roots. Thanks.

  • @djbonne1
    @djbonne1 Рік тому +1

    Very nice mah friend...thankxx

  • @Pimpshopchronic210
    @Pimpshopchronic210 5 місяців тому

    Love your content g. Down here in San Antonio TX. Maybe you can do an episode on some of pimp c's samples and production.

  • @limeyamos
    @limeyamos Рік тому

    the kick drum on Clones off Illadelph is one of hardest hitting bass drums ever

  • @SuperChocolateCocoaBear
    @SuperChocolateCocoaBear Рік тому

    The begin of "The Next Movement" is pure Hip-Hop Bliss, and I have to rewind it a few times before I let the song fully play. Whoooo!

  • @franckateba2970
    @franckateba2970 Рік тому

    I'm feeling the vibe on this one

  • @MrBigjay00
    @MrBigjay00 Рік тому +1

    Fire!

  • @prodbynhedev4520
    @prodbynhedev4520 Рік тому +1

    yooo great knowledge

  • @cjcoinz7730
    @cjcoinz7730 Рік тому

    Great video as usual. You think you can do a video about Das EFX?

  • @yomommastupid
    @yomommastupid Рік тому +1

    From what i know they never moved to London. They supposed to sign a deal that felt through so they went on a promo tour in Europe. Released their first songs through Gilles Petersons label Talk Loud Records, as well as independently releasing their first album Organix, before signing a million dollar deal with Geffen.

    • @Shades-of-76
      @Shades-of-76 Рік тому

      According to Questlove on Talib’s PP podcast they spent a year in London back then. I loved Talkin Loud stuff, Galliano, Young Disciples, Incognito, 4hero 😎
      Didn’t know The Roots released on it though, thanks for the heads up. I actually caught Gilles DJing again just a fortnight ago. Class as always.

  • @TeagueChrystie
    @TeagueChrystie Рік тому +1

    You've done no wrong - nothing even close, it's all been great - since you started, but this one was *particularly* well constructed.

  • @alexanderclaylavin
    @alexanderclaylavin 11 місяців тому +2

    Malik B rest in peace

  • @thinkandgrowbtch
    @thinkandgrowbtch Рік тому +2

    Why is your channel always so dope tho?

  • @kidusfantaw1323
    @kidusfantaw1323 Рік тому

    I can't thank you enough for putting me on the soulquarians in general

  • @NewGrow-kb1bg
    @NewGrow-kb1bg Рік тому +2

    Thank you for these videos; I really like the music theory and history.
    Is there anywhere I can watch you perform with nas online?