Complete List Of The Roots Albums And Songs

Feature Photo: Adam McCullough / Shutterstock.com

The Roots were formed in 1987 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Known for their unique approach to hip-hop, which incorporates live instrumentation rather than relying solely on sampling, The Roots have become a pioneering force in the genre. Over the years, the band expanded its lineup to include notable members such as Kamal Gray on keyboards, F. Knuckles on percussion, Captain Kirk Douglas on guitar, Mark Kelley on bass, and James Poyser on keyboards. As of now, The Roots have released eleven studio albums, four live albums, five compilation albums, and numerous collaborative projects.

The band’s discography includes influential albums such as Things Fall Apart (1999), which peaked at number 4 on the Billboard 200 and was later certified platinum, and Phrenology (2002), which received a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album. Game Theory (2006) and Rising Down (2008) further solidified their reputation, with the former earning a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The Roots won their first Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for the single “You Got Me” featuring Erykah Badu in 2000. They have been praised for their lyrical depth, social consciousness, and innovative sound, often addressing themes of political and social relevance.

In addition to their recording success, The Roots have gained widespread recognition as the house band for NBC’s The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon since 2009. This role has significantly raised their profile and showcased their versatility as musicians. Their commitment to musical excellence and innovation has earned them a loyal fan base and critical acclaim, making them one of the most respected and enduring acts in hip-hop.

THE ROOTS STUDIO ALBUMS

Organix

Released: May 19, 1993

Organix is the debut studio album by The Roots. It was independently released and primarily recorded in South Philadelphia. This album showcases the band’s raw and eclectic sound, blending live instrumentation with hip-hop. The production was handled by Black Thought and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“The Roots Is Comin'” – 3:22
“Pass the Popcorn” – 2:28
“The Anti-Circle” – 3:33
“Writin’ on the Wall” – 5:14
“Good Music (Prelude)” – 0:52
“Good Music” – 4:30
“Grits” – 4:13
“Leonard I-V” – 3:26
“I’m Out Deah” – 3:31
“Essawhamah? (Live at the Soulshack)” – 6:49
“There’s a Riot Goin’ On” – 0:14
“Popcorn Revisited” – 1:36
“Peace” – 1:31
“Common Dust” – 4:40
“The Session (Longest Posse Cut in History)” – 12:43
“Syreeta’s Having My Baby” – 0:42
“Carryin’ On” – 4:35

Do You Want More?!!!??!

Released: January 17, 1995

Do You Want More?!!!??! is The Roots’ second studio album and their major-label debut, released by DGC Records. The album was recorded at Sigma Sound Studios in Philadelphia. It includes a mix of jazz, soul, and hip-hop, with heavy use of live instrumentation. The production was handled by The Grand Negaz, Black Thought, and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“Intro/There’s Something Goin’ On” – 1:19
“Proceed” – 4:35
“Distortion to Static” – 4:26
“Mellow My Man” – 4:50
“I Remain Calm” – 4:14
“Datskat” – 3:58
“Lazy Afternoon” – 4:50
“? vs. Rahzel” – 1:49
“Do You Want More?!!!??!” – 4:54
“What Goes On Pt. 7” – 5:36
“Essaywhuman?!!!??!” – 4:57
“Swept Away” – 3:43
“You Ain’t Fly” – 5:36
“Silent Treatment” – 6:47
“The Lesson Pt. 1” – 5:15
“The Unlocking” – 5:18

Illadelph Halflife

Released: September 24, 1996

Illadelph Halflife is The Roots’ third studio album, recorded at The Studio in Philadelphia and released by DGC Records. The album features a darker, more introspective tone and includes collaborations with several artists. It reached number 21 on the Billboard 200 chart. The production was handled by The Grand Negaz, Questlove, and Black Thought.

CD Track Listings:

“Intro” – 0:41
“Respond/React” – 4:06
“Section” – 4:11
“Panic!!!!!” – 5:17
“It Just Don’t Stop” – 4:33
“Episodes” – 5:58
“Push Up Ya Lighter” – 4:38
“What They Do” – 5:57
“? vs. Scratch (The Token DJ Cut)” – 0:54
“Concerto of the Desperado” – 3:37
“Clones” – 4:56
“UNIverse at War” – 4:55
“No Alibi” – 5:12
“Dave vs. ? (The Masked Marauder)” – 0:47
“No Great Pretender” – 4:26
“The Hypnotic” – 5:17
“Ital (The Universal Side)” – 4:54
“One Shine” – 5:42
“The Adventures in Wonderland” – 4:34
“Outro” – 0:45

Things Fall Apart

Released: February 23, 1999

Things Fall Apart is The Roots’ fourth studio album, recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City and released by MCA Records. The album is critically acclaimed and reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features collaborations with several prominent artists and includes the hit single “You Got Me.” The album was produced by The Roots, Questlove, and Scott Storch.

CD Track Listings:

“Act Won (Things Fall Apart)” – 0:54
“Table of Contents (Parts 1 & 2)” – 3:37
“The Next Movement” – 4:10
“Step into the Realm” – 2:49
“The Spark” – 3:52
“Dynamite!” – 4:45
“Without a Doubt” – 4:13
“Ain’t Sayin’ Nothin’ New” – 4:34
“Double Trouble” – 5:50
“Act Too (The Love of My Life)” – 4:54
“100% Dundee” – 3:53
“Diedre vs. Dice” – 0:47
“Adrenaline!” – 4:27
“3rd Acts: ? vs. Scratch 2…Electric Boogaloo” – 0:52
“You Got Me” – 4:20
“Don’t See Us” – 4:32
“The Return to Innocence Lost” – 11:42

Phrenology

Released: November 26, 2002

Phrenology is The Roots’ fifth studio album, recorded at Electric Lady Studios in New York City and released by MCA Records. The album reached number 28 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features an eclectic mix of styles, including hip-hop, rock, and jazz. The album was produced by The Roots, Questlove, and Scott Storch.

CD Track Listings:

“Phrentrow” – 0:18
“Rock You” – 3:13
“!!!!!!!” – 0:24
“Sacrifice” – 4:46
“Rolling with Heat” – 4:10
“WAOK (AY) Rollcall” – 1:00
“Thought @ Work” – 4:57
“The Seed (2.0)” – 4:27
“Break You Off” – 7:27
“Water” – 10:24
“Quills” – 4:23
“Pussy Galore” – 4:29
“Complexity” – 4:48
“Something in the Way of Things (In Town)” – 7:17

The Tipping Point

Released: July 13, 2004

The Tipping Point is The Roots’ sixth studio album, recorded at A Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia and released by Geffen Records. The album reached number 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. It includes a mix of socially conscious lyrics and experimental sounds. The album was produced by The Roots and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“Star/Pointro” – 3:24
“I Don’t Care” – 4:09
“Don’t Say Nuthin'” – 3:35
“Guns Are Drawn” – 4:51
“Stay Cool” – 3:30
“Web” – 3:28
“Boom!” – 3:19
“Somebody’s Gotta Do It” – 3:49
“Duck Down!” – 3:55
“Why (What’s Goin On?)” – 4:22
“In Love with the Mic” – 2:29
“Melting Point” – 5:23

Game Theory

Released: August 29, 2006

Game Theory is The Roots’ seventh studio album, recorded at A Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia and released by Def Jam Recordings. The album reached number 9 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features a darker and more political tone, reflecting on social issues and personal struggles. The album was produced by The Roots and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“Dilltastic Vol Won(derful)” – 0:28
“False Media” – 2:42
“Game Theory” – 4:01
“Don’t Feel Right” – 4:08
“In the Music” – 4:07
“Take It There” – 2:49
“Baby” – 3:51
“Here I Come” – 4:10
“Long Time” – 4:21
“Livin’ in a New World” – 3:26
“Clock with No Hands” – 4:24
“Atonement” – 2:35
“Can’t Stop This” – 8:35

Rising Down

Released: April 28, 2008

Rising Down is The Roots’ eighth studio album, recorded at A Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia and released by Def Jam Recordings. The album reached number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. It continues the band’s exploration of darker themes and political issues. The album was produced by The Roots and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“The Pow Wow” – 2:15
“Rising Down” – 3:43
“Get Busy” – 3:21
“@15” – 2:13
“75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction)” – 3:15
“Becoming Unwritten” – 2:21
“Criminal” – 3:50
“I Will Not Apologize” – 3:35
“I Can’t Help It” – 4:34
“Singing Man” – 4:14
“Unwritten” – 3:06
“Lost Desire” – 5:00
“The Show” – 3:38
“Rising Up” – 3:44

How I Got Over

Released: June 22, 2010

How I Got Over is The Roots’ ninth studio album, recorded at A Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia and released by Def Jam Recordings. The album reached number 6 on the Billboard 200 chart. It features a more hopeful and introspective tone compared to their previous work. The album was produced by The Roots and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“A Peace of Light” – 1:52
“Walk Alone” – 3:54
“Dear God 2.0” – 3:52
“Radio Daze” – 4:16
“Now or Never” – 4:34
“How I Got Over” – 3:33
“DillaTUDE: The Flight of Titus” – 0:40
“The Day” – 3:42
“Right On” – 3:36
“Doin’ It Again” – 2:23
“The Fire” – 3:41
“Tunnel Vision” – 0:54
“Web 20/20” – 2:25
“Hustla” – 2:57

Undun

Released: December 6, 2011

Undun is The Roots’ tenth studio album, recorded at A Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia and released by Def Jam Recordings. The album reached number 17 on the Billboard 200 chart. It is a concept album that tells the story of a fictional character named Redford Stephens. The album was produced by The Roots and Questlove.

CD Track Listings:

“Dun” – 1:12
“Sleep” – 3:50
“Make My” – 4:15
“One Time” – 4:19
“Kool On” – 3:46
“The Jump” – 2:47
“Stomp” – 1:34
“Lighthouse” – 3:37
“I Remember” – 4:00
“Tip the Scale” – 4:22
“Redford (For Yia-Yia & Pappou)” – 2:11
“Possibility (2nd Movement)” – 1:44
“Will to Power (3rd Movement)” – 1:24
“Finality (4th Movement)” – 1:53

…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin

Released: May 19, 2014

…And Then You Shoot Your Cousin is The Roots’ eleventh studio album, recorded at A Touch of Jazz Studios in Philadelphia and released by Def Jam Recordings. The album reached number 11 on the Billboard 200 chart. It is another concept album, exploring themes of violence and culture in modern society. The album was produced by The Roots and Questlove.