yo, people are talkin bout how this could be a good opportunity for the roots to get publicity, but i aint even thinkin about that. personally, as a kid who takes pride in a good lyrical contest, i say this is a good ol hip-hop issue.
i respect every single one of these roots guys...for the music they make...for the sincerity and integrity i sense from them (i.e. the acceptance speeches at the grammy's, seeing them with fans after shows). of course, without publicity, no one would get to hear the roots, but all im saying is that i think the primary objective is to ...represent/stand up for themselves.
nas called the roots "phony". and he referred to them as a bunch of rappers. obviously, he doesnt know enough about them. the rappers are thought, malik, and dice (sometimes)..and thats all.
man, this is the roots...let the world know.

peace