The Top Ten Must Hear Songs by the Roots

The Roots are a hip hop band, which is rare enough by itself, but they are also one of the most influential and exciting groups in the music world. You may recognize them from the Late Show with Jimmy Fallon, where they play as the house band, however they have had a long and illustrious music career before their current gig. With an evolving lineup anchored by drummer Questlove and front man Black Thought, they have never failed to push the boundaries of what a hip hop act could be while putting on one of the best live shows in the business.

The Roots have never had widespread commercial success, but they have nibbled around the edges of the mainstream. They have worked with some of the biggest names in rap, including Jay-Z, Mos Def, and Common.

If you haven't heard them already, here are the top ten must hear tracks from The Roots:

10. 100% Dundee
A bombastic song off Things Fall Apart, their breakthrough album, "100% Dundee" is an example of a classic brag track. Black Thought announces the arrival of The Roots crew with this song.

9. Clones
"Clones" is from Illadelph Halflife, their third album. While I generally enjoy their later work (Things Fall Apart and beyond) more, their early stuff is full of gems. On their first few albums they eschewed many 90's rap conventions, like sampling, so songs like "Clones" have an old school, beat meets lyrics, feel to them.

8. You Got Me
"You Got Me" features Erykah Badu, and was their biggest radio hit. It helped Things Fall Apart become The Roots' top selling album and is probably their most commercial song. It is a sultry reaffirmation of trust in a relationship, and Badu's vocals give it a smooth, sensual feel.

7. I Will Not Apologize
Off of their latest CD, Rising Down, "I Will Not Apologize" is an electro-funk groove with lyrics that would be at home on any Public Enemy album. The song is a commentary on the forces that act on them from all sides.

6. Water
Phrenology was an album full of things that hip hop groups aren't supposed to do, and Water is the epitome of that philosophy. It's a ten minute song that acts as an open letter to Malik, frequent collaborator and early member of The Roots who was suffering from drug issues. It ends with a free form, acid jazz coda, meant to depict the inner workings of Malik's mind as he struggles with his demons.

5. The Seed 2.0
"The Seed 2.0," also from Phrenology, is an out and out rock and roll song. It is another song that hip hop groups aren't supposed to make, yet The Roots did it. More importantly, it is catchy, fun to sing along with, and shows off their chops and versatility.

4. False Media
"False Media" kicks off the Game Theory album and sets the mood for the rest of the disc. Although there is only one verse, Black Thought makes it count. It is dark, political, and haunting.

3. Stay Cool
The Tipping Point is an album that isn't loved by many purist Roots fans, but it still had some great standout tracks. This song only highlights their versatility; it's a jazzy, big band sound with quick time signature changes and a fun groove.

2. Here I Come
"Here I Come" is an anthem that drives a hundred miles per hour without any brakes. It never fails to whip any live crowd in to a bouncing frenzy. It is guaranteed to get your head moving.

1. I Can't Help It
The highlight of "I Can't Help It" is a verse right in the middle, with lyrics speaking of depression, a loss of hope, and regret in life. With this song The Roots prove that hip hop doesn't always have to be about parties, or violence, or women. It can be sad, anxious, nervous, and go deeper then most people thought it was possible for hip hop to go.

Information from Okayplayer was used to make this list.