The Legendary Roots Crew have been in the game for 20 years now. Before appearing on television nightly with Jimmy Fallon, The Roots toured endlessly around the world doing something close to 200 shows a year. In between hitting the road hard, the crew always found time to hit the studio to work on 10 albums.

14 years after releasing “Things Fall Apart” in 1999 The Roots Crew finally have a platinum album after their belt. Pretty amazing considering in 20 years, I can only remember one song “You Got Me” feat. Badu receiving any airplay on commercial radio.

I still have my copy of “Things Fall Apart” with the same cover art pictured above. Here’s some more info about the project.

The February, 1999 MCA Records release boasted two singles, including the Grammy Award-winning “You Got Me” featuring Erykah Badu and Eve, along with “The Next Movement,” which featured DJ Jazzy Jeff, along with The Jazzyfatnastees. The mainstream breakthrough LP from The Roots included extensive production from then-member Scott Storch and contributions from J Dilla (as Jay Dee). Guest emcees included Common, Mos Def, Beanie Sigel and Roots Crew mainstay affiliate Dice Raw.

Upon release, Things Fall Apart, which had five different album covers, debuted at #4. The other Roots album plaque belongs to 2002′s Phrenology, which is certified gold.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE ROOTS… Proof that if you keep building things don’t always fall apart.

Got a chance to check the Jay Z “Open Letter” joint about a week ago along with everyone else. I don’t keep up with the news much, so I didn’t even know Jay or the President were in Cuba, I mean it’s not like they brought a brotha no cigars back or nothing. HA.

I heard a lot of different feedback about it. I personally liked it. I didn’t dig too deep into it, hearing Jay talk his ish (which is what he does best) is alright with me.

I must say though I was SUPER surprised when I saw Common jump on this track for a lil remix action. Shouts to J. Period for coming through on this one. From the man who truthfully wants to rhyme like Common Sense, you’d think we would of heard something with these two in the past 10 years. I guess this is a good start though. Hopefully it leads to an official collaboration. Until then… Y’all gone learn today!

And it looks like I’m gone learn today too. The man who fought so hard to bring the Nets to Brooklyn is selling his portion of ownership in the team? Interested to see how this will play out. Until then, enjoy the music.

Spotted at OkayPlayer.

Salute to Chuck D, Professor Griff, Flavor Flav, Terminator X and the big homie DJ Lord. Tonight Hip Hop legends Public Enemy were inducted into the 28th Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame. Salute to Public Enemy for always making music true to their hearts. PE has never compromised their thoughts, ideas, and sound and it’s great to see them still able to tour the world to packed shows bringing the noise.

And to think back in the day, record labels, media, and many more said that Hip Hop would not last and it just a passing fad. Now it’s in the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame with Beastie Boys, Run Dmc, Grandmaster Flash & Furious Five and now Public Enemy.

NEW SHOW ALERT!
I’ll be performing live on Tuesday April 30th at the Beat Society ATL edition. It’s going down at Xcess Ultra Lounge on Spring & 3rd. Also featuring performances by Torae, Rock Most, and a special guest.

Beat Society is the original showcase dedicated to the fine art of beat making. Producers on hand for the evening will be Kuddie Fresh, Ill Gainez, Brain Storm and Philly’s Own Hezekiah. DJ Sonny James on the wheels and Dres The Beatnik on the hosting duties. It’s also an 18 and up event for all my young heads. See you there. Check the flyer below for more info, and OH you might want to get your tickets early.

Tickets $10 now. $15 at the door. Purchase tickets HERE.

New video from Sean Price for the song “Bar-Barian.” You can catch this and more foolishness on his latest LP “Mic Tyson” which is out now.

Two Queens legends who have never worked together. Well… I guess it’s better late than never. New joint from N.O.R.E. who is officially calling himself Papi… I think I’ll stick to calling him NORE for a while. Lol. Large Pro on the track and it’s called “Built Pyramids.” If I was from Queens, this would be my anthem right now.

Been jamming to this joint for the past few weeks now, just caught the video, thought I’d share. Rae and AZ, can’t go wrong there… Check it out.