but I can't really recall even what happened with Scratch's departure, I just remember it being awkward.

And I think I saw Rahzel's last show as a member of The Roots (Hammerstein Ballroom with Gangstarr) the weekend before his solo album dropped.

I recall later seeing them both play a festival that following summer with sets right before/after the other but not ever share the stage during either performance.

I never understood why either thought they could actually be a solo act doing what they did but maybe they could get paid more off session work or just wanted to make a living without having to travel 300 days a year before the show.

The Roots of today don't really bear much resemblance to the band from back then overall.

This incarnation is the world's greatest house-band, that one was a rap group.