curiosity has me.

answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.

1)how old are you:

a.younger than 18 years old
b.18-35
c.older than 35

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

3)when did you first hear the group?

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

a.if so, did they take to the music?

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it?

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far:

a.bad promotion
b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . .image
c.bad music
d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
e.bad timing
f.other or combination of those (list)

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums?

thank you.

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>b.18-35
19
>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
I. Things Fall Apart II. Phrenology
>3)when did you first hear the group?
first heard you got me in my high school radio station freshman year; that would have been 1998.
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
yes
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
probably. don't really remember.
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
automatic.
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
no
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
not even that, though. record companies, mtv, etc. don't want anything but what spike lee calls 'minstrel shows' to be popular. there are some exceptions- jay-z isn't terrible, kanye is pretty good. yet none of them are the roots.
>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?
Either as successful as the Things Fall Apart or their must successful album yet.

>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

b

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

DYWM

>3)when did you first hear the group?

summer of 98

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

zero

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

no

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

nope

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

all except for "c"

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

most commercially successful

>>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia

will smith and jazzy jeff are both from philly, as is musiq and (i don't know what determines 'success' since both are pretty successful and the roots are too) bilal and jill scott.

- - - - -

"ask beavis, i get nothing but head" - big l

peace & love

- - - - -

peace & love

i just think it's easier for NY rappers to get on, or rappers associated w/ a NY rapper (see: Freeway).

radio/mixtape bias.

yes other cities have made it, but from my West Coast perspective-

LA : SF :: NYC: PHILLY

and i know SF gets little love.

>>>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>
>will smith and jazzy jeff are both from philly, as is musiq
>and (i don't know what determines 'success' since both are
>pretty successful and the roots are too) bilal and jill
>scott.
>
>- - - - -
>
>"ask beavis, i get nothing but head" - big l
>
>peace & love

except when i see freeway i associate him with beans, cause beans put him on...

peace

---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
I was formerly thenextbestthing if
you were wondering.

My name is in the middle of
equality~ Talib Kweli

Slow up ak before you get
dropped and closed like a
caption~Black Thought

So many people focusin on black
people extermination, but we
keep it balanced with that
knowledge of self
determination~Talib Kweli in
Blackstar

yea you pronounce my name
kweli! any questions?-talib kweli-
the blast

yeah you pronounce my name
tariq..any questions?-Black
Thought-Thought at Work

i just noticed that

"I'm sick of these clones/ spitten
written sh** off the dome/im
sendin em home/back/when I
react to this track im gone" ~Me
aka BL aka QS

"Rappers are artists and not just
lucky kids from the ghetto."--
Monch in an old RapPages
interview

-------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Music http://www.myspace.com/blyrikal
The Business, Let me sell your mixtapes!
http://www.myspace.com/mixtapesareus

My name is in the middle of
equality~ Talib Kweli

>1)how old are you:

-b.18-35

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

-phrenology

>3)when did you first hear the group?

-'92

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

-about 100 (no way i can say approx.)

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

-yeah

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

-most did

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

-automatic

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

-no

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

-b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . .image

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

-more

_____________
if racism is a cancer, black thought is the answer.

Rjcc is code for "bitch-ass troll"

DROkayplayer™

1)how old are you:

a.17

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

I. Illadelph II. DYWM

3)when did you first hear the group?

'00 through mon frere

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

8

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Of course
a.if so, did they take to the music?

Of course

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it?

Automatic

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

On certain levels absolutely but I invision it as a different kind of success, with just as many units sold

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far:

None of these... I think that it's just a lack of interest in new music mediums in the public arena

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums?

I think that it completely depends on the single, but with Phernology's success and all its very likely that TTP's gonna be a big seller

"Believe nothing on the faith of traditions, even though they have been held in honor for many generations, and in diverse places. Do not believe a thing because many speak of it. Do not believe on the faith of the sages of the past. Do not believe what y

>1)how old are you:
>
>>b.18-35

(30 this year, in fact)


>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

things fall apart

>3)when did you first hear the group?

i got hooked on DYWM? upon it's release.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

one dj quest set
one roots show
one afterparty show

they need to tour here again pronto..
>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes, many times.

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

i've only ever had one negative reaction- and that person just couldn't get into hip-hop, so..

however, i've converted a lot of people

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic reflex

>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

i think the root's longevity is a success that 50 cent WON'T have

will the roots ever do those numbers?

i think it's possible and they have momentum right now- if they release the right single, they could well finally be an overnight success

i think TTP could well be their stankonia

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion

yes

>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image

not so much- the right song promoted well would render that irrelevant

>c.bad music

hell, no

>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia

i think there's enough precedent of successful acts from philly to safely answer 'no'

>e.bad timing

maybe- but i think push from the record label is more pertinent


>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

i have no doubt that TTP will be their most successful album to date- reiterating, i think this will be the root's stankonia and next year tariq will be onstage telling people that 'organix' was their first album

time will tell


shock

1.) b - 25
2.) ... I'll say illadelph (it's tough, though)
3.) Concerto video on Rap City
4.) 3 (Smokin' Grooves '97 & '02, Lawrence, KS '03)
5.) But of course
a.) First was my best friend at the time after I picked up
illadelph. He though "What They Do" was kinda cool, but
mainly he was bored to tears. Others throughout the years
taken to them much easier
6.) Yeah, I'll pick it up
7.) No
8.) Of the available options, I'd go with some a., a bit of b.,
but mainly just some good ol fashioned "peepel arr stoopid"
9.) I'll say comparable with TFA, but hopefully better

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
b.18-35 (22)

>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Tough one, its between Do you want more and Things fall apart
>
>3)when did you first hear the group?
98-99ish
>
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
5

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
yes
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
yes
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
automatic
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
i'm not sure. they should, they deserve it. They are just an incredible group, they are some of the most talented artiest out there.
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .

>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?
I think it will be more commercially successful.

>thank you.

_________________
"Do these hide my thunder?"
-Tobias Funke

1)how old are you:
b.18-35

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
do you want more

3)when did you first hear the group?
dont remember the exact year, but in high school (about 10-12 years ago)

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
zero, but someday man, someday

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
yes
a.if so, did they take to the music?
yes

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it?
automaitc purchase

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
no

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far:
f.other,im not sure about this one, my guess is most people are not into the lyrics, i mean, you know they are good and i know they are good but my guess is that most people just cant get into them like a jay-z rapping about drugs and guns and what not, but honestly i dont know

9)will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums?
i think it will be in the same range as the last 2

"thank God for 9th"

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>21
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35
>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots? COME ALIVE
>
>3)when did you first hear the group? I WAS IN MY JUNIOR YEAR OF HIGH SCHOOL SO LIKE 2000
>
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended? 4
>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots? ALL THE TIME...U GOTTA PRECH ABOUT EM
>
>a.if so, did they take to the music? OF COURSE WHO WOULDNT...PEOPLE GET BLOWN AWAY BY THERE WORDS, AND THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO THOUGHT HIP HOP WAS CHINGY, AND JA RULE...I HAVE TO SAY THAT I SAVED THEIR LIFE THE KNOW WHATS UP NOW....
>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it? AUTOMATIC BABY
>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
>NOPE
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far: PERSONALLY I THINK MY THOUGHTS ABOUT THIS ONE WOULD BE THAT I DONT THINK THEY WOULD WANT TO
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)
>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums? IT WILL SELL MORE THEN 850,000 IF NOT MORE SOME WHERE RIGHT AROUND THERE
>
>thank you.

1)how old are you:


b.18-35


2)what is your favorite album from The Roots? illadelph

3)when did you first hear the group? '94

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended? 0

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots? yep

a.if so, did they take to the music? yes,but not as much as i have

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it? yes,automatic

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has? hope so but I dont think that the roots will make the same compromises that those artists make.

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far:
a.bad promotion
b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . .image
c. people dont appreciate good music/radio tell tehm what's hot

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums? it will be as succesful but to be more successful will depend on the lead single.

thank you.

____________________________

"If you don't give me some mofuckin' cognac,I'll kill you!!!!!!!-ghostface

>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

20

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

things fall apart

>3)when did you first hear the group?

spring 1999

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

3

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes, at least 10

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

about half have

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

no

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

they make music they think is good, not what the masses think is good

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

more from the way ?uest has been talking about it

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>
22
>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

dywm

>3)when did you first hear the group?

what they do

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

5-10

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yep

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

>yep

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

no, I want to hear the single first.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

no

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

a. but also, they don't make pop music.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

no idea, but I hope ot goes gold.

>thank you.

-----------------------------

i cant see how people are so blind to his (cam'ron's that is) obvious genius. - OKP UncleClimax

my response: Maybe because he's a complete fucking DOUCHEBAG.

and its fun to put a cat on ur girl lap and make it purr, i made a girl cum like that before, well i guess my cat made her cum. once when i was having sex my cat came and licked my feet. i liked it....made me more horny - southphillyman

1)how old are you:
--->b.18-35

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
--->Things Fall Apart

3)when did you first hear the group?
--->"What They Do"

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
--->Three

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
--->Yes, many people.

a.if so, did they take to the music?
--->most

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
might you not buy it?
--->AUTOMATIC

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
--->NO IDEA

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
larger commercial success thus far:
--->F.other or combination of those (list)


9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
commercially successful or less commercially successful than
previous Roots albums?
--->my guess would be: MORE (they keep getting more and more known with each album it seems)



thank you.
you're welcome

>
>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

mid-point of b + 1

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

DYWM

>3)when did you first hear the group?

'95, when i was in school in Philly. First heard some cuts on Colby Colb's friday night show. (Am I remembering right?)

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

0, Always intend to, something always happens

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Yep
>a.if so, did they take to the music?

Some did, some try to pretend like they knew about em' all along in that being up on the roots means you're more cultured/have more refined music tastes, I'm trying to impress someone kind of way.

I've also gotten quite a few blank stares, but, hey i live in Nellyville, so...

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Yes

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

Maybe not, but like someone else said, I think they'll have a different kind of success. Will 50's fans be interested in him in 11 years? I think they'll continue to grow their loyal fan base and continue to strike a balance between art and commerce (my favorite theme) that is right for the Roots, which is a major accomplishment in itself. Sometimes they may be successful, sometimes they may not, but they get props from me for trying.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

They don't have all the elements Quest listed in his what makes a celebrity post.

They don't have a "story" or "angle" outside their music that draws people (the masses) in. No celeb relationships (I guess), No intentionally over-the-top personalities, etc. No one really courting celebrity,which helps sells records to the casual music fans.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

I hope it will be the most commercially successful. I think at least it will be as successful.

_______________

blah

_______________

blah

>
>>
>>1)how old are you:
>>
>>a.younger than 18 years old
>>b.18-35
>>c.older than 35
>
> A
>
>>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
>
> Phrenology
>
>>3)when did you first hear the group?
>
> 97-98
>
>>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
>
> 1
>
>>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
>
> YES
>>a.if so, did they take to the music?
>
>I think I have about a 70% conversion rate

>
>>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>>might you not buy it?
>
> Yes
>
>>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
>
> NO, but I view that as more of a positive thing. Some artists that become magastars are able to maintain their careers and don't fizzle out, but most are never able to reclaim any fraction of their prior success. And the quality of music always eventually declines.I mean it would be great if they did reach that level, but it won't happen, and they still are a very successful and consistent group.
>
>>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>>larger commercial success thus far:
>>
>>a.bad promotion
>>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>>.image
>>c.bad music
>>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>>e.bad timing
>>f.other or combination of those (list)
>
>
> a,b
Maybe e, but they haven't ever belonged in any fad categories; I do believe that there is a strong luck aspect involved.
>
>>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>>previous Roots albums?
>
>I need to hear the singles...
but I have a feeling that it will the best album so far, and perhaps that talent and material will equal greater sales. They also have the acclaim and recognition of their other albums,so people should be interested.
>

1)how old are you:

a.younger than 18 years old
(b.18-35)
c.older than 35

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?(Things Fall Apart TO be exact tracks 4-8 are my alltime favorite because 4 " Step Into The Relm" starts kind of low and climaxes at track 8 "Ain't Sayin' Nothin' New" and my sister and I have discussed this what a work of art that was...total genius)

3)when did you first hear the group?(1997)

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?(None)

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?(My sister)

a.if so, did they take to the music?(Immediately)

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it?(Automatic Purchase Because personally they always come out with good shit to listen to)

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?(No)

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far:

(a.bad promotion)
b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . .image
c.bad music
d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
e.bad timing
f.other or combination of those (list)

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums
( I don't know)

1)how old are you:
>b.18-35

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Things fall apart, then Do you want more

3)when did you first hear the group?
Summer of '98, went into a record store, they had it at a listening station and I somehow thought the name "Roots" sounded cool, so I listened to it (Do you want more) and was blown away. I think I drooled on the cd cover.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
None yet

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
Yes, my high school dorm room mates right after I bought "Do You want More"

>a.if so, did they take to the music?
They were twice as ecstatic as I was.

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
Automatic. I didn't like Phrenology as a whole, but I will always support the Roots.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
Yes, after the grammy they got a whole crap of attention. I hope they win another one. This kind of music needs to be POPular.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
Well, Phrenology had lots of great tracks but sometimes the masses get lost in the band's artistic directions. (too weird for some) True fans will always support. That's what matters.
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?
I hope so. I will repeat: They deserve another Grammy


>thank you.
Great Poll/Questionaire!!

Enter the mind of the CoolPoet
http://www.geocities.com/coolpoete

Enter the mind of the CoolPoet
http://www.geocities.com/coolpoete

>1)how old are you:
>c.older than 35

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Illadelph Halflife

>3)when did you first hear the group?
When DYWM came out and I wasn't feelin' it at the time.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
6

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
hell yes.

>a.if so, did they take to the music?
yes.

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
auto-matic.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
No, unless like Jay did and "dumb it down for the masses."

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
promotion and the alternative thing.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

hard to say, but the fellas could pull out a hit with the right track(s).

>1)how old are you:

>b.18-35

>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

illadelph

>3)when did you first hear the group?

whenever you got me came out

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

two *edit*

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes

>b.if so, did they take to the music?

pretty much

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

not automatic, because i was pretty disappointed in phrenology

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

nope

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

they make music that appeals to people who appreciate music for the art...they do not make music that appeals to the average mainstream music listener (the person that needs to buy the album for it to blow up)

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

i think this will be the album that sells the most for the roots, because they have reached a level of underground notoriety in which they are a "cool" band to like for a large group of independent music listeners (hipsters, if you will), not just for people who like rap (similar, but not to the commercial extent of, outkast)...this is because of the more, in my opinion, accessible sound (when compared to their previous albums) of phrenology...that said, this album will be their last chance at a big hit before they become a truly cult band (such as yo la tengo (pick that apart if you really want)), and i hope (honestly, and for mostly selfish reasons) that they do not succeed

"Hypocrisy is the ultimate form of intellectual freedom." - Walleye

It's so funny to have people compare Yo La Tango to The Roots. Or to hear any comparisons of indie rock bands to the Roots, Mos Def, Kweli, etc.

Because the latter are on major labels selling gold while yo la tengo and the like are on indie's selling maybe 50,000. I really should look this up before I post and get clowned (there is probably one yo la tengo album in their back catalogue that has sold quite well) but at this point I'd say 50,000 per album is about right for them.

To call the roots a cult band is just ridiculous. But living in a city or reading independent/alternative publications will mess with your perspective. Also the lack of visibility they get in mainstream hiphop has a lot to do with it.

But to paraphrase Jay-Z, "The Roots sold what your favorite indie rockers sold in their first week".

>It's so funny to have people compare Yo La Tango to The
>Roots. Or to hear any comparisons of indie rock bands to the
>Roots, Mos Def, Kweli, etc.
>
>Because the latter are on major labels selling gold while yo
>la tengo and the like are on indie's selling maybe 50,000. I
>really should look this up before I post and get clowned
>(there is probably one yo la tengo album in their back
>catalogue that has sold quite well) but at this point I'd
>say 50,000 per album is about right for them.
>
>To call the roots a cult band is just ridiculous. But living
>in a city or reading independent/alternative publications
>will mess with your perspective. Also the lack of visibility
>they get in mainstream hiphop has a lot to do with it.
>
>But to paraphrase Jay-Z, "The Roots sold what your favorite
>indie rockers sold in their first week".

i do not know what yo la tengo's numbers are like, and i was not comparing numbers

i was trying (and as i said, the analogy could easily be torn apart) to get at is that yo la tengo has a loyal following that buys all that they release, but they don't get many buys outside of that fanbase, and that i think the roots are headed in this direction, though obviously their following is/will be larger

*edit for grammar* (gotta start reading this crap over before posting...)

"Hypocrisy is the ultimate form of intellectual freedom." - Walleye

I know you plucked the comparison out of the air and I don't want to belabor a point, but the comparison of the roots to an indie rock band are just inapt. A better comparison would be to the White Stripes or the Strokes. Bands with a cache of cool selling fairly well on major labels with a lot of critical acclaim.

>I know you plucked the comparison out of the air and I don't
>want to belabor a point, but the comparison of the roots to
>an indie rock band are just inapt. A better comparison would
>be to the White Stripes or the Strokes. Bands with a cache
>of cool selling fairly well on major labels with a lot of
>critical acclaim.

once again your missing my point...i wasn't using the analogy to compare numbers, labels, etc. (which you seem to be concerned with)

i am using it to emphasize the loyal/cult following that bands like yo la tengo have and, as i said in my original post, i think the roots will end up having, and that the white stripes and the strokes do not

"Hypocrisy is the ultimate form of intellectual freedom." - Walleye

>1)how old are you:

>b.18-35

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Things Fall Apart

>3)when did you first hear the group?

DYWM??

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

3 + a ?uestlove DJ set

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

come to think of it, no...

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

no, but they will get bigger than they are now.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

More, if there's a single.

>thank you.

You're welcome.

>1)how old are you:
>b.18-35


>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Things Fall Apart and Iladel

>3)when did you first hear the group?
When ever Do You Want More Dropped?!?!?!?

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
Zero

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
Most of my peer group is already down and the others just can't digest anything other than their style of music i.e. 106 and park and/or TRL.

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
It would be if Phrenology didn't leave a funny taste in my mouth. I really liked what they did with Things Fall Apart, but I think last year was just a sort of creative "growing pains" where their fan base wasn't ready for their transition. Mind you it wasn't as drastic as "Electric Circus". Never the less I do know some fans, including myself who felt kind of indifferent about Phrenology.

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
If they start rapping about pimpin bitches, hoes, skalwops and skeezers and incorporate that to their day job of selling crack then sure why not. Also a production credit to Em wouldn't hurt (Drippin in Sarcaism)

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
larger commercial success thus far:
I think they are in between to worlds, their humble beginnings and their commerical potential. I really feel the only way they will really blow up, is start doing some strange colabos with people outside of hip hop such as John Mayer, Coldplay etc. Sort of like how Run DMC piggybacked Aerosmith to mainstream acceptance.

a.bad promotion (I think for the style of music they do, they get a respectable amount of promo, although you can never have too much)
b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . (Not really, I think for the most part they are percieved as a rap group and anyhow if Hybrid groups like linkin park can get away with it, why not them)
c.image (I think they really have a chic, too cool for your appeal. I see nothing wrong with their image)
d.bad music - I really like their work, although I do miss Dice Raw and Malik B. Essentially now it's Black Thought and is band. At least before you were getting different perspectives and styles. Now it's mostly Black thought. Not that it's a bad thing, but just a thought.
d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia - Geography has nothing to do with it, unless your from Toronto. No one seems to be able to digest the music we're making up here. With the exception of Saukrates.

e.bad timing - but when is it the right time. True their are lulls in every music season, but I think at the end of the day, people will reach out to new and exciting music.


9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
commercially successful or less commercially successful than
previous Roots albums?

I think they will be able to build on the success if they remain true to their fan base. They going Plat this time around. One big single will do it.

Fuck a David Stern

www.juelz.com

1)how old are you:

>b.18-35

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

illedelph/alflife

>3)when did you first hear the group?

94 freshman year of highschool, my homegirl in the band gushed about them everyday. she played, sax, keys and drums and loved the roots.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

6 or 7, not many by most standards i know, but i love em just the same

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

anyone who rides in my car knows what gets play in this riiiide

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

loved it, for in the car, but rarely ever bought it on their own...im the music geek in the crew, they all download

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic...blind faith

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

no.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

they don't have a personality that is immediately acceible or categorizable. they appeal to so many, they end up appealing to none. jay-z is the hustla, 50-cent is the 'bad-guy'....but the roots are...the band. thats it, they march to tbeat of their own drum (no pun intended), and folks try to put them into the "conscious" crew, but they are more guilty by association. conscious by proxy. not to say they don't have something to say...they (thought), just says alot of shit that isn't exactly "consious)....


>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

hard to tell, they get fans everyday, and hip-hop is selling realy big now. with a hot single anything can happne (twista). its really wide open for people to blow off of 1 hot single, and some healthy buzz. they have the respect of every critic worth their ink, they just need to capture something else...

ayo i'm straight gutter/up-in-that-ass foot-putter...i straight KILL muthafuckas!! -- mr tariq trotter

________________________________________
It's A Boy and his name is MILES KHALIL YOUNG

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>
>b.18-35

>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
DYWM
>
>3)when did you first hear the group?
1998
>
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
8
>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
>
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
yes
>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
automatice purchase
>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
no, I dont want them to. I want them to be my little secret! lol
>
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image

>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

not sure, depends on the first single.
>
>thank you.

The CDs were stolen...so what...get over it!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"The beautiful sex organ is between your ears, not your legs"....or something like that.

>1)how old are you: 19
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
DO YOU WANT MORE
>3)when did you first hear the group?
2000 i think (maybe early 2001, i dont remember)
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
4 shows and counting
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
yes of course
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
some did, and some did not. the ones who did attended a show with me and were blown away. the ones who did not, do not even give them a chance.
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
automatic. its the album of 04 for me.
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
unfortunately no.
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
i think maybe a combination of the two of these. i really could not say and i dont understand.
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?
more, b/c more ppl are turned onto them and many musicians since 'phrenology' came out have given them a chance to shine. they are respected in the industry by a great number of celebrities and other musicians. the unplugged with jay-z, grammys with eminem, name checked by chapelle, john mayer, natalie portman, aisha tyler, etc...

http://twitter.com/phenompyrus

Get Out the Room
http://getouttheroom.podomatic.com
http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/get-out-the-room/id525657893

1)how old are you:
b. 23 holmes

what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Roots come alive and Things fall apart

3)when did you first hear the group?

Proceed single, same time i saw them in the next section of vibe.


4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

3 shows

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Mostly women i tried to put on, my pops, they usually stick with it after they hear the albums. Some dudes be frontin though

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Its an automatic purchase, b/c i hope its finally that all around roots album. I think certain albums show there skills but not all together. Illadelph really showed there studio acumen, where as things fall apart showed their versitility, and Phrenology translated to the stage well. So i just hope it come together, b/c phrenology was missing something.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

Never. unless black thought dumbs down his lyrics to double his dollars.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
Always picking the female single, the alternative stamp, the most charismatic person is the drummer not the lead mc, not enough intrigue or controversy(not that they should make shit up), bad promotion, and videos. After you got me, shits been lacking.

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

Tipping point will exceed if they drop it round summer and finally have a hot summer single.

God is my Bodyguard!

Torn between saturday night and early sunday morn, I don't know i'm somewhere stuck in between(tween)!-Dre 3000

>1)how old are you:
24

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Do You Want More, although Illadelph ranks REALLY close

>3)when did you first hear the group?
When the Distortion to Static video was first on. I HATED it. Now I love it.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
Three? I was supposed to go to Bonnaroo, but they were talkin rain, so I didn't bother getting my ticket hookup because I figured if it rained in a big-ass field in Manchester that I wouldn't get my car out to go to work on Sunday morning. Now that I have the show and it only rained for 10 minutes that day, I'M PISSED.

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
Yes. To no avail.

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
Automatic for the People.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
I seriously doubt it. I just don't think that Thought has enough charisma / personality to pull off that type of shit. He's not the "media darling" type.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
Man, I seriously can't call it, but if I had to say one? Image.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

LMAO at this question. I'm not even gonna play myself like that. However, if I could just get some snippets....

>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

B

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Organix.

>3)when did you first hear the group?

Live, in 1999 - opening for Santana in Massachusetts. I'd been listening to them since 1997.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

Maybe five or six.

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
>a.if so, did they take to the music?

Absolutely, and all my friends have responded warmly. It ain't hard either - dope music is dope music.

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Definitely picking it up. The real question is...vinyl or CD. The question remains.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

Well, no - but that's because they exist (in my opinion) in a different vein of hip-hop. commercial success in hip-hop means different things depending on the direction you're coming from. Very few, if any, groups launch there live shows and albums (to some extent) with the base musicianship that the Roots employ. So...given that they create their sound differently than other big name hip-hop acts, I'd say their commercial success should be measured differently as well.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

I don't really think any. Maybe a bit of B, but i don't even really buy into that. I just think they are continuing to work hard toward the goal of getting known on a widespread level. It took Dilated 10 years to blow up, and even that was just on the underground circuit. So, I dunno. Music--especially with a band--is a life-long pursuit in some regard. They gotta just keep doing what they're doing. I like ?uest's goal of trying to get 10 solid albums out there....I mean, that's a hell of a milestone to reach. The Tipping Point will be a nice stepping stone toward that goal.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

Don't know. Depends on promotion I guess.

>thank you.

You're welcome.

https://soundcloud.com/djplainview

>1)how old are you:
29

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Things Fall Apart

>3)when did you first hear the group?
1995 - Distortion to Static video/cassingle (believe it).

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
4 in NYC (including legendary sets at Irving Plaza, Wetlands and Lincoln Center)
2 DJ Quest sets
2 in Colorado
1 in Florida
1 in Paris, France

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
Yes, plenty. Some have taken, some not.

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
Not really. Phrenology shook my faith in them pretty bad. "Break You Off" was as bad as anything on the radio at that time. Actually sold my copy back - and was amazed I did that.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
No. They aren't that kind of crew. And some of their best records went largely unheard.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
Definitely
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
Somewhat - but people who know hiphop know Roots.
>c.bad music
Def not.
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
No.
>e.bad timing
At times yes. Their records always get pushed back and back... Releasing "Phren" in the same month as Kweli and Common also not the smartest move.

>9) They are more famous than ever - they will sell records. Quest has it in his head that that is their mission so I'm sure that's how they are approaching it. Frankly they aren't Outkast. Never will be. They should stop trying to be that immediately. Black Thought is a talented MC but he is far too gassed on himself at this point - esp. coming off a 50/50 record and if he does another whole album of bragging on his skills then he's going to lose even more crediblity w/me.

All that said - the Roots are a classic. Nothing they do now will erase what they've already done. I hate to sound stuck in the past but what they were doing w/"Things Fall Apart" was just the epitome of hiphop as art to me. They were making extremely high quality music with lyrics that spoke on the music and life and working with like-minded and equally talented artists on genuine collaborations. "Phrenology" was just a huge step back from that for me... And I think it's safe to say I'm entitled to my opinion (see answer to question 4).

BTW

1)18
2)Illadelph Halflife
3)When I was 15 (3 years ago)
4)0 (Unfortunately, but hoping to see them this summer)
5)Yes...some liked it, some didn't
6)Automatic Purchase if they put at least one of the two Rjd2 tracks on it.
7)Never
8)Not sugar coated radio/club friendly hits
9)Can't tell without hearing a single yet, but around the same area as the others (loyal fanbase)

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35
>

b. (24 in a couple of weeks)

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
>
DYWM

>3)when did you first hear the group?
>
probably back in 97-98

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

>let's see.... i think 2...yeah 2 (would be more if they ever came through Syracuse or any where else in central NY...hint, hint)

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes
>
>a.if so, did they take to the music?

believe it or not, the first song that they heard was "The Seed" and she told me that this is what is wrong with Hip-hop (that it is degarding to women) and then I got into a big old debate about it and now she loves them
>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic!!
>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

no
>
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

all of the above except C
>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

I believe and hope that this will be there most successful album to date.

>
>thank you.

"No dissrespect bruh........but don't overthink the music...
That last statement you made was concise, but this is HIP-HOP...

This is what we do:
Spray paint on walls
Scratch records
Chopp samples
Emcee"
-9th Wonder

_____________________________________

*Currently holding tryouts for a new sig*

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

>b
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

>THINGS FALL APART
>3)when did you first hear the group?
>
right before they came out w. Iladelph Halflife
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
>
only one, but that shit is gonna change....trust...
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
>
absolutely
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
>
absolutely
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

>you damn right it's an automatice purchase, just like groceries are....

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

> I'm not sure, but either way the loyalty of the fansd wills take them a long, long way
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

>how about G. the narrowmindedness of a large percent of people that are easily influenced by mainstream media...
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

> I it wll be more successfull as more and more people are finally starting to get it......
>thank you.

I want something good to die for, to make it beautiful to live..

>1)how old are you:

b.18-35

>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Do You Want More??!!! (at least right now)

>3)when did you first hear the group?

93/94 when Proceed video came out... however didn't really get into them until 97 when IH came out.. then I listened to DYWM

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

3

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

by "put on" if you mean expose, then yeah...

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

usually folks like it, but don't get into them all the way

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Automatic!!

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

No

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

they're not what the "mainstream" hip hop crowd wants, they're style isn't "simple" enough, they haven't sold out from what they are

>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

Hard to determine that, but it depends if they have a killer single to the level of "You Got Me". If so, I think they may hit platinum this time.. since people are more generally aware of them now than before

1. I am 28.
2. Favourite album: Roots Come Alive
3. I first heard the Roots 1996-ish. A guy I was adting at the time liked them, so i began listening to them. Then they were touring and the guy I was with wanted to go, but we got in a fight and I only bought 1 ticket, and went by myself. he was so pissed, and it felt so good.
4. I've seen them more than 40 times
5. I have turned many people on to them and their music, this website, and their shows. Once they listen, then they get into it and want to join in the fun.
6. I will buy the Tipping Point, day it comes available.
7. I think they have the ability to be very successful, but the commercial market is so skewed and fucked up (see my next answer).
8. Why haven't they been more commercially successful? Let me go on a diatribe por uno momento...Talen and musical ability go widely unnoticed to the mass media and public. if you take a look at the majority of "artist" around, do they really have talent? Do they write their own misic, play their own instruments? produce their own shit, do original things with original ideas? Or are the popular people more screen and radio worthy, because they look pretty or have an image to sell. Are people more popular for their talent or their publicity? When you look at the Roots, they obviously have the talent, work hard at what they do, accomodate their fans, don't haul off and have shoot-outs or major brawls everywhere they go, and they are well-spoken, mature people. Is thatwhat sells? It should be. But what people want you to believe is talent is very often overlooked and undersold and not made readily available, and not marketed. Bottom line, and the point..The Roots have crazy talent and originality, sexiness and funk, things that are appealing to knowledgable people and people who are fans of music. the reason that they haven't been more popular is because the American public is spoon-fed what to think, listen to, and see, and that's not what the Roots try to do.
9. I think people are aware that the Roots exist and do their thing, and there is a general respect for their music. I think if people were to unjam their noggins from their arses and become more independent in their thinking and choices, then that opens the door for more people to try and like new and better things, like the Roots. Success is based on so many more factors other than numbers of albums sold, but unfortunately, in the minds of most, that is all that matters.

Yes I know my enemy, they're the teachers who taught me to fight me. Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission, ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite. All of which are American dreams

-christ.

-STUDIO album, people.

_____________
if racism is a cancer, black thought is the answer.

Rjcc is code for "bitch-ass troll"

DROkayplayer™

[]

-your ballgame....

_____________
if racism is a cancer, black thought is the answer.

Rjcc is code for "bitch-ass troll"

DROkayplayer™

Fine. Favourite Studio album: Do You want More.

Yes I know my enemy, they're the teachers who taught me to fight me. Compromise, conformity, assimilation, submission, ignorance, hypocrisy, brutality, the elite. All of which are American dreams

1)how old are you:

a.younger than 18 years old (17)

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

changes periodically... they're all good, but all different so i play one until i'm in the mood for something new and switch to a different one.

3)when did you first hear the group?

mid to late 90s

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

2

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes

a.if so, did they take to the music?

yes

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it?

i'll do research first, but most likely i'll buy it

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

black eyed peas did... i guess anything can happen

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far:

b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . .image

AND... bad promotion (companies scared to try new things often)

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums?

depends what the style is. phrenology was very "alternative" to their past stuff (more so that usual, i think) and that turned some longtime listeners and others off... (people will say stuff like 'that's not hip hop, that's weird rock').


- - - - -

"ask beavis, i get nothing but head" - big l

peace & love

- - - - -

peace & love

.
>
>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

24


>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Phern

>
>3)when did you first hear the group?

1995
>
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

10plus
>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

yes
>
>a.if so, did they take to the music?

they love them now
>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

auto

>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
>

For some reason no. They are diamonds in the rough

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

Other- People are robots they just listen to what the radio plays.
>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

I think this album will sell more they will hit a million this time
>
>thank you.

Your welcome

-----------------------------------------------------------------

>1)how old are you:

b.27

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Illadelph

>3)when did you first hear the group?

Spring 1994

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

I've lost count. 15? 20?

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Yep

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

Yep

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Yep

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

Jay-Z got the type of success he did from consistency and keeping his name out there. I was mad at the Roots for not capitalizing on the buzz created by TFA. That being said, I think that The Roots will go plat this time around.

As far as 50 Cent success, that's lightening in a bottle baby.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.poor promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .

combo of these two, although the latter isn't really an issue anymore, but it was in the mid nineties

>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

More

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>

b.18-35

>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Do You Want More?!?!!?!!!

>
>3)when did you first hear the group?

On a local video show in 1994 (Urban Xpressions been around that long y'all). I saw the video for Distortion to Static. I liked it and then I heard mad folks talk about them and suggest I peep these cats 'cause "y'all (Instrumental Phunk) sound like them." Then I saw the Proceed video and was like OK playa. So I copped the jawn. And the rest, as they say...

>
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

2. One at PA College of Pharmacy and Science (now, University of the Sciences at Philadelphia) and one at the Electric Factory. I think both were a little before Things Fall Apart.

>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Yep, my nephew.

>
>a.if so, did they take to the music?

No, he's into mad hardcore thug rap.

>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic

>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

No.

>
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>

>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off...image
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing


>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

I think it will be about the same. I mean think about it. These cats have been recording for like 12 or 13 years now. If they don't have the platinum touch by now, they're not going to have it. What did AJ Shine say on Iladelphalife: "their concept has not blown up and it is possible that it won't." The Roots are like an old school Jazz artist who play all their lives and 40 years from now when half of them are old, dead, or dying, cats are gonna be like: "Yo, that was that isht!"

>
>thank you.

Rev. Steve S. Jackson
revstevesjackson@verizon.net*|*steve.jackson@nbcuni.com

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:


b.18-35 (21)


>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Things Fall Apart. Close second for Phren though.

>3)when did you first hear the group?

Saw "The Next Movement" video on MTV2, believe it or not. And I copped the album because I was intrigued.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

0 as of now, but hopefully will see them when they come to ECU soon.

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

a.if so, did they take to the music?

edit (my grammar was deplorable here) - Yes, most of my friends, although not huge fans, dig their stuff. A few have even bought their albums.


>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Automatic


>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

Highly doubtful, though I'd like to see it for their sake.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

alternative stigma with bad promotion. Plus they're not exactly "catchy" in the radio, TRL sense of the word. A lot of people don't bother with music that doesn't have a melody they can carry with them for the rest of the day.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

Based on the fact that they've supposedly worked with The Neptunes for this album, I'd say yes. Other than that, I have no basis for deciding either way.

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
>DYWM or Things Fall Apart
>3)when did you first hear the group?
>When TFA came out....I was like 14 maybe
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
>1
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
>Yes
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
>Not really, they thought it was "ok"
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
>All Roots albums are automatic
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
> If they start talking about living rich maybe....but that would turn off many Roots fans.
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>

>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image


>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?
> YES, it will be more commercially successful then any other Roots album. The reason being..... Things Fall Apart was a classic, and Phrenology attracted a different type of Roots fans I guess. PLus the fact that they toured heavily around the country, I think there fan base is the largest it has ever been at this point, even though many were dissapointed with phrenology.
>thank you.

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:
>
>b.18-35

>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
Illadelphalflife - cause it takes me back to undergrad.
>
>3)when did you first hear the group?
Senior year in H.S.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
1 (2 if you count the Jay-Z concert in MSG since they were the band.)
>
>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
Yup.
>
>a.if so, did they take to the music?
Yup.
>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
Yup.
>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
Probably not.
>
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image




>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

I think more. They've been getting more exposure each time and showing how versatile they are. And they get decent rotation now they in that white girl's video.
>
>thank you.

"Arrest the President" (c) Intelligent Hoodlum a/k/a Tragedy Khadafi
Read My Blog! http://canelanyc.blogspot.com/
myspace.com/canela_nyc (sigh)

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:

>a.younger than 18 years old


>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
things fall apart

>3)when did you first hear the group?
when You Got Me came out.


>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
0


>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
yeah


>a.if so, did they take to the music?
no


>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
automatic


>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

no

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image


>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?
>

how the fuck can you know unless you've heard the album?

1)how old are you: 20, b

2)what is your favorite album from The Roots? Things Fall Apart

3)when did you first hear the group? 98

4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended? 10

5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots? yes

a.if so, did they take to the music? some yes, some no

6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or might you not buy it? automatic

7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has? no

8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a larger commercial success thus far: bad timing

a.bad promotion
b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . . .image
c.bad music
d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
e.bad timing
f.other or combination of those (list)

9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more commercially successful or less commercially successful than previous Roots albums? more

>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.

>1)how old are you:


>b.18-35


>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots? DYWM!?!

>3)when did you first hear the group? Things fall apart

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended? NADA

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots? YEP
>
>a.if so, did they take to the music? YEP
>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it? AUTOMATICO

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has? H TO DA NIZZO

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

>a.bad promotion

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

MORE COMMERCIALLY SUCCESSFUL

>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old
>b.18-35
>c.older than 35

B - 21.


>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

Tie between Things Fall Apart and Phrenology.

>3)when did you first hear the group?

1996 I believe.

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

6.

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Sure.

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

Very much so.

>
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Automatic.

>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

No, but I think they have potential to be a powerhouse.
>
>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

Bad promotion, lack of feasible, marketable singles as well.
>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

Provided Don't Say Nuthin is single material and they have something on the level of The Seed, they can go plat easily.
>
>thank you.

------------------------------

17x NBA Champions

>
>1)how old are you:
>
25
>
>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
>
Roots Come Alive

>3)when did you first hear the group?

early on high school

>
>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
>
5-7

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
>
yep

>a.if so, did they take to the music?
>

usually
>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

automatic
>
>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
>

Wide spread hype ? Nah. Will the Roots be playing long after others' careers are over? most def.


>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)

Good music rarely gets over big.


>
>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

Depends on the single
>

>curiosity has me.
>
>answer if you will, as brief, but as specific, as necessary.
>
>1)how old are you:

b.18-35

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

DYWM

>3)when did you first hear the group?

Video Music Box, NYC. 1994. Saw the video for proceed at my boys crib and thought to myself,"Who the hell are these cats tryin to sound like ATCQ?" Been a fan ever since. Holy shit, that 10 years!

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

1

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

All the time, a couple of takers.

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

Automatic Purchase.

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

No, but they will be critically acclaimed when all is said and done.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

>f.other or combination of those (list): Non-conformity. They don't do the hottest sound of the moment.

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

More commercially successful.

>thank you.

You're welcome.

>1)how old are you:

b. 23

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?

illadelph Halflife

>3)when did you first hear the group?

1996 (sophomore year of high school)

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?

Two

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?

Yes

>a.if so, did they take to the music?

Yes

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?

I'll buy it the day it's released.


>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?

No, for that you need must reach the lowest common denominator . . .

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:

>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image


>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

More, although only slightly

>1)how old are you:
>
>a.younger than 18 years old

>2)what is your favorite album from The Roots?
> do you want more?!!?!

>3)when did you first hear the group?
> when "you got me" appeared, and then when my friend's older sister was playing TFA in the car

>4)approximately how many shows of theirs have you attended?
>well, lets say, .5 it was a festival show.

>5)have you ever tried to put someone onto The Roots?
> yes

>a.if so, did they take to the music?
> sort of

>6)is The Tipping Point an automatic purchase for you, or
>might you not buy it?
>auto like pilot

>7)do you think that The Roots will ever meet with the same
>type of commercial success that a Jay-Z or a 50 Cent has?
>unfortunately, i'm a realist and will say no. they don't fit any mold, no matter how hard they try and say they do.

>8)what do you think has held the group back from meeting a
>larger commercial success thus far:
>
>a.bad promotion
>b.the "alternative" band element throwing folks off . .
>.image
>c.bad music
>d.the fact that they come from Philadelphia
>e.bad timing
>f.other or combination of those (list)
f: a,b,e

>9)for the record, i believe that Phrenology has sold
>somewhere around 700,000, while Things Fall Apart might be
>in the 850,000 units range. knowing that it's hard to
>determine without hearing the music, i ask you to play the
>part of Creskin for a moment: will The Tipping Point be more
>commercially successful or less commercially successful than
>previous Roots albums?

hard to tell. i honestly think if an album was gonna take off, it was gonna be phrenology. TFA put them on the mainstream map w/ "you got me." The Seed 2.0 put em up there too w/ phrenology. If this first single is as crazy as the lyrics make it out to be, it could be a hit. I predict over a million sales, but it will be over months, not weeks. For example, this could be the roots' "elephant." "elephant" was the album everyone hoped the white stripes would make. it had an incredibly strong first single and was comin off good buzz, and it achieved platinum over a few months.

Or, will this be the roots' "kid A"? The radiohead fans had grown and grown overtime, and that album when plat pretty quick i do believe.

I also think though that this is the roots' last chance to really get to that next level. If they don't make it on their what, 6th, 7th try now, they're gonna half to accept the fact that they never will.