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RTB Rewind: The Roots Drop 'Do You Want More?!!!??!'

RTB Rewind: The Roots Drop 'Do You Want More?!!!??!'

Published Tue, January 17, 2023 at 4:57 PM EST

On January 17, 1994, The Roots released their sophomore album Do You Want More?!!!??! Much of the public assumed that Do You Want More?!!!??! is the band's debut album, but the project literally picks up where their debut Organix left off down to the numbering of the tracks (Do You...starts with track #18 where Organix ended with #17).

As one of Hip-Hop's premiere bands The Roots further delivered what they define as "organic Hip-Hop Jazz" with this release and the combination of the late Leonard Hubbard on bass, Scott Storch on keys, Questlove on drums, Rufus Harley on bagpipes, Steve Coleman on sax, Joshua Roseman on trombone, Rahzel on human percussion and Graham Haynes on trumpet The Roots delivered the authentic Jazz sound that their contemporaries attempted via sampling.

From the intro track which features Leonard Hubbard's upright bass, the listener knows to expect an organic musical experience. One of the superpowers of The Roots is the ability to combine those Jazz sensibilities with a Hip-Hop execution. This talent is displayed perfectly on "Proceed" where the late Malik B holds it down with Thought, and Rahzel blends in perfectly with the band.

"Just think what if you could just blink yourself away" the refrain questions and serves as a perfect sub hook on a perfect song. "Mellow My Man" is another example of the bands ability to combine Hip-Hop, Jazz and even the technique of scatting all into one incredible track. "I Remain Calm" follows the same formula as the aforementioned to great effect.

Songs like "Datskat" allow the group to flex their musical muscle while "Lazy Afternoon" is loose and experimental but very much inspired by the progressive Jazz that the group likely came across in their parent's collections. The title track, "Do You Want More?!!!??!" with its chanted hook and horn-driven track remains one of the album's highlights and one of Rahzel's best performances.

"Essaywhuman?!!!??!" is a freeform display of musicianship, human beatboxing, scatting, and crowd participation that sets The Roots apart from their contemporaries. "Swept Away," "The Silent Treatment," "You Ain't Fly" and "The Lesson Pt.1" complete The Roots' most revered release.

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