Homegrown: Understanding the Roots Vol. 1 & 2

I can make you dance; I can make you shout... the scripts and the scroll turn the whole party out.

What else can I say but The Roots? Nothing. In fact, I havent not been excited about a single release from the Roots since I started liking hip-hop. This next joint that is to be released sometime next year (www.billboard.com) Im pretty damn keyed up for. But for now, theres this.

So we all heard the news, if not then read about it here. The Roots have left their previous label Geffen and sprung for bigger and better things with Def Jam. Im not going to get into the politics because this aint TNT, and I dont know drama.

Geffen was nice enough to want some extra money out of the Roots by bringing us these Home Grown! The Beginners Guide To Understanding The Roots Volume 1 & 2 compilations. Sweet, count me in, Im all for unreleased, rarity, and live releases just give me some fucking headphones and leave me alone... please! After close analysis and enjoyment while smoking a marijuana cigarette Ive come to the conclusion that these two volumes contain the inferno yall. Shave before you listen to this shit because youll be covered in curled up and singed hair stench if not.

Geffen brings us many of the Roots music that weve all heard before, but in versions we havent. One particular song comes to mind when stressing this point: The Seed on Volume 2. But that song sucks! Ohhhhh no it doesnt grashoppa you HAVE to hear this live version, yes live, with emphasis on the HAVE. The Roots break it down and go off like only a true band could and it sounds fucking insaaaaane! With Blackthought bustin out men at work adlibs and ?uestlove vibin with the band (and a noteworthy percussion) the song spans for over 15 minutes and blends seamlessly with Melting Pot and Web. I had to listen to this track twice (30 minute Roots bumpage) because the recording, band, and sound these fools are capable of producing is worth every single bit of soul living, warm, funk groovin admiration they receive.

Gratefully, the Roots retained all of their rights to their music which is definitely a plus for them as well as their new label: Def Jam [DJ]. There are heads out there who are crazy upset about the Roots signing with DJ, but I think its a great step for them. I know, I know... DJ has done some booty ass hip-hop shit, but it hasnt always been bad. Ever since the somewhat recent Def Poetry Jam on HBO Ive had a newfound trust and respect for DJ that was lost long ago somewhere between the age of DMXs hype and the Survival of the Illest Tour in 1998. Aside from releasing a few ugly things here and there, DJ has held on to its roots fairly well, and respect is due for both DJ and the Roots. The Roots crew, the next movement, you are now in tune to the sounds of the Legendary, Foundation. So stop your fucking whining you fucking sissy bitch newly informed uneducated prematurely manifested hip-hop ninjas, DJ is here to stay with its new friends: the Roots.

I dont know what else to tell you all except:
1. Get these two compilations
2. See the Roots live
3. Get ready for their new Album
4. Im inspired