Favorites from The Roots, Part II

My list of my favorite songs by The Roots continues with their second album, Do You Want More. It continues their jazz-rap style from Organix but features collaborations with jazz musicians and better beats and lyrics overall. This album also was the first to heavily rely on the keyboard. Unfortunately, the issue of repetitive lyrics can also contribute to making some songs unlistenable or at the very least difficult to bear. Furthermore, this album brought The Roots some fame and was their first good album. I believe The Source considers this to be one of the best 100 hip-hop albums.

"Proceed" is the opener and still one of my favorites from the album because of the jazzy keys.

"Distortion to Static" is another good one. I like the heavy hip-hop drumming from Questlove and the acoustic bass. However, like most other songs on the album, it sounds very dated (90's jazz-rap) but to a historian and lover of nostalgia such as myself, that's part of the appeal. The incessant laughing in the track definitely makes it worse though...

"Mellow My Man" is one of the few songs from the album that The Roots continue to play during recent live shows. It's also jazz-rap, but it's a highlight from the album. It's driven by the bass, drums and keys, although the guitar playing is one of the reasons I like this song.

"Datskat" is from an early EP and was shortened for the album. It's unfortunate that the jazz musicians aren't given enough time to shine on what could be a great jazz-funk album. Instead we're treated to Black Thought and company constantly repeating dat skat and attempting to scat. It's still a catchy song and I love the saxophone player (can't remember who it is, maybe Joshua Redman?). One of the best from the early recordings by The Roots and a highlight of the jazz-rap era that should be better-known. One of those rare fusions of jazz and funk that works well in my opinion.

Here is the original, extended version

"? Vs. Rahzel" is just Questlove and beatboxer Rahzel playing together. I always enjoy hearing Quest play those drums! The beatboxing? Interesting but not nearly as funky as it should be, despite Rahzel imitating James Brown's voice in the song. Near the end of the song, the bassist joins and Quest steps up his drumming.

Title track, "Do You Want More," is an instant classic for successfully fusing hip-hop and bagpipes. The bagpipes player, an African-American Philadelphia jazz musician, plays excellently. The jazzy keys and Quest's drumming succeed here. Who would've thought bagpipes in hip-hop could still be funky? The sax sounds a little TOO much like smooth jazz but it was a classy way to end the song.

"Essaywhuman" is the result of a live show that was used for Organix but remixed for this album and improved. Really funky and a fine opportunity for the band to show off their skills as musicians/vocalists.

"Silent Treatment" is a great fusion of R&B, jazz, and hip-hop. Black Thought's letter to angry lover is the best song on the album, or at least up there with "Mellow" and "Datskat." The funky drums, half-sung, half-rapped chorus, and smooth horns come together well. 

"The Unlocking" has an interesting beat but is a feature for Philadelphia's native spoken word artist, Ursula Rucker. Interesting music and spoken word performance from Rucker, who collaborated with The Roots in the future.

Overall, the second album from The Roots is a huge improvement. Although technically their last 'jazz' album, it would continue to influence their future albums, even if the jazz themes are not as explicit.