The Roots- Don't Say Nuthin

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WTF? Lead single? Pretty lackluster coming from the roots.
Generic keyboard beat. weak rhymes.
The song sounds like a throw away

― jj, Monday, 10 May 2004 22:46 (twenty-one years ago)

plot=lost

― oops (Oops), Monday, 10 May 2004 22:49 (twenty-one years ago)

havent heard it but i imagine its shit. the roots' questlove is the king of hyperbole, but their last album was MOR hop.

― thesplooge (thesplooge), Monday, 10 May 2004 22:50 (twenty-one years ago)

they finally did a song that sounds like a regular rap beat and it sucks

― Al (sitcom), Monday, 10 May 2004 22:52 (twenty-one years ago)

it's ok. the guitar part is kind of knight rider/spybreak ish, but not enough. obviously they broke their own three syllable single title rule (break you off, what they do, you got me etc etc).

― .rob (rgeary), Monday, 10 May 2004 22:53 (twenty-one years ago)

"Generic keyboard beat. weak rhymes"

this honestly sums up most roots songs for me

― jake in portland (cerybut), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:04 (twenty-one years ago)

apparently there is a "virtual duet" between them and sly on the new record

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:08 (twenty-one years ago)

move over bono!

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:08 (twenty-one years ago)

Strongo, you have given me fears. Specifically because what Hilburn and the ex-drummer from Gay Dad will now say.

― Ned Raggett (Ned), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:09 (twenty-one years ago)

Phrenology was totally excellent, and now they're doing virtual duets? Humph.

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:13 (twenty-one years ago)

haha yeah someone we both know is writing about it for a certain antiquated tech mag (that starts with wir and ends in -ed) who are very psyched by the idea of this virtual duet.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:16 (twenty-one years ago)

oh, I know! we talked about it, believe me.

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Natalie Cole to thread!

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:20 (twenty-one years ago)

perhaps someday in the distant future black thought will be duetting with a vacuum cleaner in a commercial

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:22 (twenty-one years ago)

check yr email strongo

― Matos W.K. (M Matos), Monday, 10 May 2004 23:24 (twenty-one years ago)

haha!

the reason the 'virtual duet' was even possible is bcz the roots have access to the original sly masters, because they are doing a sly remix album which will be released in like six months i guess (i think this is an awful idea, too.), so they were able to 'play' w. the band (by using various individual tracks from the original multitrack recording...guitar, etc) from the original of 'everybody is a star'. it sounds just fine, but that's because their source material is a great song. it's not by any stretch an amazing reinterpretation, though. i'd much rather just listen to the original.

didn't think the album was so terrific as a whole, but it's certainly nice enough. then again, i only got to listen to it once in a studio. (no thanks, major record labels who don't "do" promos!)

― geeta (geeta), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 02:24 (twenty-one years ago)

don't get me wrong I'm a fan but it's a weak song
the beat is by Scott Storch.
go figure

― jj, Tuesday, 11 May 2004 03:20 (twenty-one years ago)

Scott Storch sucks, go figure

― Al (sitcom), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 03:22 (twenty-one years ago)

He does? "Murda Marcy" coulda fooled me.

The Roots get unfairly shit on cuz of the fanbase that chooses to hoist them up as an ex. of rap that uses "real instruments" etc. but they are a v. interesting group that have released a number of great songs over the years and put on terrific live shows. "Silent Treatment" is beautiful.

That said, yeah this new single sucks pretty much.

― djdee2005, Tuesday, 11 May 2004 07:38 (twenty-one years ago)

at first i thought DSNuthin' was too little of everything- a rather weak and safe radio song that would not convert any 'radio-loving non-roots fans' nor would it satisfy the die-hards, if for no other reason than cuz the song is damn near transparent.

now, i think the same thing- but i see it's getting them a pretty good amount of face/ear time on tv & radio... so if that was the point, mission accomplished.

wish i'd caught their performance on jimmy kimmel last night

ps. DSNuthin' is like a hyped up club version of what they were trying to do with "Comin' to Break You Off"

― naturalaw-dp, Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:11 (twenty-one years ago)

oh the roots do plenty themselves to encourage that same fanbase, djdee! have you ever read a ?love interview?

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:38 (twenty-one years ago)

don't get me wrong, the roots have made some fine music in their time (though never a wholly successful album, shocker of shockers), but their whole schtick is suspect.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:41 (twenty-one years ago)

For a drummer, Ahmir is a very good writer.

I can't believe I haven't even heard OF this song. As a member of "that same fanbase", I feel like I've failed them.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:43 (twenty-one years ago)

also being named "hip-hop's best live band" is like being called "jazz's best rock drummer" or "klezmer's best rhythm programmer".

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:44 (twenty-one years ago)

It sounds so forced when they try to make pop hitz these days. The ideal Roots album would be Things Fall Apart-style hard beats with only Malik B. and Dice Raw on the mic (they can keep the ?uestlove dn'b beats from 'You Got Me' and 'Break You Off' though).

― Jordan (Jordan), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:46 (twenty-one years ago)

klezmer's best rhythm programmer".

I think I've found my niche.

― Jordan (Jordan), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:46 (twenty-one years ago)

haha i knew you'd appreciate that.

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:48 (twenty-one years ago)

"With contributions from Jean Grae, Martin Luther, Devin the Dude, guitarist Captain Kirk Douglas, producer Scott Storch and comedian Dave Chappelle, 'The Tipping Point' also highlights the collective of artists and producers who the Roots have championed throughout their career. Elsewhere on the record, comedian Dave Chappelle makes an appearance on "In Love With (The Mic)" and the group also pays homage to Sly and the Family Stone with a "virtual" duet on "Everybody is a Star."

WTF with "Everybody is a Star"? Is it required that once-phenomenal groups attempt to cover this song to questionable ends (I'm thinking also about Fishbone's WTF-to-the-max version ft. George Clinton y Gwen Stefani).

If there is no Malik B. on this album I will be sadified.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:51 (twenty-one years ago)

And wtf "guitarist Captain Kirk Douglas"? What's the name of the song he guests on "I Am Spartacus"?

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:52 (twenty-one years ago)

wait a minute, martin luther?!

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:53 (twenty-one years ago)

the protestant reformer or the civil rights activist?

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:53 (twenty-one years ago)

i got 99 thesis and a bitch ain't one

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:53 (twenty-one years ago)

http://www.ohwy.com/history%20pictures/martin-luther.gif

Looks like he's mc'ing to me.

― Jordan (Jordan), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:55 (twenty-one years ago)

jay-z could teach him a thing or two about rhyming from memory.

― scissors (Honda), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 18:57 (twenty-one years ago)

Yeah, he's not exactly free-styling there, is he. Maybe he's more on the Saul Williams spoken word tip.

― Jordan (Jordan), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:04 (twenty-one years ago)

saul williams? ML...K? hmm

― scissors (Honda), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:07 (twenty-one years ago)

oh man i totally forgot to suggest that dj krust/saul williams track when ethan was trying to come up with his "10 horrible rap songs" list

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:12 (twenty-one years ago)

That is indeed a horrible song, I can't believe he put it on his record.

― Jordan (Jordan), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:16 (twenty-one years ago)

http://theroots.umusic.com/default.asp?referrerCode=rootssite

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:16 (twenty-one years ago)

four grand is an odd amount

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:17 (twenty-one years ago)

holy god, this really does suck rocks

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:17 (twenty-one years ago)

uh nickalix, I don't think Malik B. was on the last album, either

― Nate in ST.P (natedetritus), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:31 (twenty-one years ago)

He DEFINITELY wasn't, I was hoping he woulda heard "Water" and changed his ways, but alas, it was all for not...

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:33 (twenty-one years ago)

Black Thought looks like a motorcycle cop in those sunglasses.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:34 (twenty-one years ago)

no, he's the stunt double for the Cee-lo Green is the Soul Machine cover shoot

― Nate in ST.P (natedetritus), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:35 (twenty-one years ago)

I was hoping he woulda heard "Water" and changed his ways, but alas, it was all for not...

Maybe it would have worked if they hadn't put that five minutes of "avant-noise" in the middle of the song. He probably heard it and said, "Damn, now why would I want to clean up and re-join a band that intentionally ruins their only song about me."

― Jordan (Jordan), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 19:42 (twenty-one years ago)

having now heard this i can say with all certainty that it is indeed total ass. the video sucks too. (you fucking lamers are NOT FROM NEW YORK!!!:"O)_*(U(+)(*&^_&_Y*)(*(8!!!!) (fuck will smith too while i'm thinking about it.)

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 23:19 (twenty-one years ago)

i almost wonder what the kids on the okayplayer messageboard have to say about it. almost.

― mark p (Mark P), Tuesday, 11 May 2004 23:33 (twenty-one years ago)

There's nothing wrong with the beat. WTF is up with that hook though?

― Jordan (Jordan), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:28 (twenty-one years ago)

i know klezmer's best rhythm programmer!!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:34 (twenty-one years ago)

http://members.aol.com/Polecattt/bears1.jpg

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:38 (twenty-one years ago)

that sure beats the picture of naftule brandwein i was trying to post

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:40 (twenty-one years ago)

your xpost ruined my "what is up with that hook" joke!!

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:41 (twenty-one years ago)

i thought you were trying to send me a cryptic message!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:42 (twenty-one years ago)

i was kind of embarrassed to ask what that meant!

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:42 (twenty-one years ago)

does know one know the hillbilly bears?! where the hell is adam?

― strongo hulkington (dubplatestyle), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:44 (twenty-one years ago)

i'm jewish, we're not allowed to watch that stuff

― s1ocki (slutsky), Wednesday, 12 May 2004 00:46 (twenty-one years ago)

oh the roots do plenty themselves to encourage that same fanbase, djdee! have you ever read a ?love interview?

I haven't ... but industry rule #4,081 is that all modern hip-hop artists who release good music have to talk about how corny other hip-hop is.

― djdee2005, Wednesday, 12 May 2004 04:24 (twenty-one years ago)

three weeks pass...

having heard the album now, all the scott storch productions suck, the rest of it kicks... especially the sly stone track (more of a remix than a straight cover)

― stevie (stevie), Monday, 7 June 2004 14:02 (twenty-one years ago)

two weeks pass...

The production on this album is surprisingly loose (I don't want to say sloppy as to imply a negative sound, it's like AWESOME slop) and even kinda abrasive, something The Roots (except for the Stockhausenisms of "Water") haven't ever really messed with much.

"Don't Say Nuthin" seemed kinda weak at first but god if it isn't growing on me. The hook is fucking really getting to me (that's a good thing), it almost reminds me of some of the more mumbly less heartbroken drunken Tom Waits moments.

I will say that The Tipping Point gets increasingly better with each listen. Their "that fan base" we metioned above aren't going to like it, because they expect that Roots sound (the Rhodes, the upright bass, the clean as shit drum mix, etc), which they really definitely aren't going to get from this.

― nickalicious (nickalicious), Friday, 25 June 2004 13:20 (twenty-one years ago)

the beat has grown on me for this, and black thoughts rapping is really good, especially on the first verse. the hook is kinda catchy/silly/quirky too.

― dickvandyke (dickvandyke), Friday, 25 June 2004 18:47 (twenty-one years ago)

Hmmmm. I will check it out, but I prefer the anal how-do-they-get-those-sounds tight production style to their more live-sounding stuff (The Seed, Water, etc.).

(Nick, they've hardly used upright bass since Do You Want More!)

― Jordan (Jordan), Friday, 25 June 2004 18:54 (twenty-one years ago)

This is the only Roots single I like ever. Video's shit though.

― Dom Passantino (Dom Passantino), Friday, 25 June 2004 19:26 (twenty-one years ago)

This single still annoys me...And not bcuz its a new direction but bcuz its boring.

"Silent Treatment" is their best single by far in my opinion...that said I'm not a huge fan of their "classic" sound for the most part, I've been waiting for a "new direction" for awhile - hopefully the new album is as you say.

― djdee2005, Saturday, 26 June 2004 02:38 (twenty-one years ago)

I used to really love the Roots and have all their albums, but ugg this song...

I'd second "Silent Treatment"s goodness, but their best album is Things Fall Apart w/the studio fuckery and all.

They are playing this jam band festival a few hours from me over the 4th of July weekend. The fact that this makes perfect sense is one of the reasons (also Black Thought ain't sayin nothin new) I don't rate them anymore.

― artdamages (artdamages), Saturday, 26 June 2004 03:35 (twenty-one years ago)

black thought has become one of the most boring MCs ever. he talks about the same stuff (personally, i never want to hear him talking about performing live on stage with his band ever again) in virtually every song with the same flow. he even sounds bored with himself.

― dickvandyke (dickvandyke), Saturday, 26 June 2004 10:00 (twenty-one years ago)

thirteen years pass...

love this song and the video idk

― Spottie, Thursday, 14 December 2017 23:43 (seven years ago)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VB5coQcelAk

― Spottie, Thursday, 14 December 2017 23:43 (seven years ago)

I was sure this revive would be for the recent Black Thought freestyle on Flex

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prmQgSpV3fA

― Simon H., Friday, 15 December 2017 14:36 (seven years ago)

Listened to "Things Fall Apart" for the first time in ages last week. What an awesome sounding record.

― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 15 December 2017 14:58 (seven years ago)

xppost Jesus. Forget his virtuosity, that really makes me appreciate how slow my brain is.

― Josh in Chicago, Friday, 15 December 2017 15:09 (seven years ago)

yeah it's one of the best radio "freestyles" i've ever seen, even moreso because the lyrics are actually great and deep, not just impressive technically the in the late Eminem or whoever battle rap youtube bullshit perhaps i'm bad because i stab a crab and slap my dad with a maxipad in the back of a taxicab type junk

― Joan Digimon (upper mississippi sh@kedown), Friday, 15 December 2017 15:16 (seven years ago)

lol, otm.

Funny how old-school skills are so suited to the viral clip era.

― change display name (Jordan), Friday, 15 December 2017 15:51 (seven years ago)

yah its good, was going through roots stuff yesterday after watching it. i dunno how someone can do that without breaking for ten minutes or whatever. no slip-ups.

― Spottie, Friday, 15 December 2017 16:46 (seven years ago)

perhaps i'm bad because i stab a crab and slap my dad with a maxipad in the back of a taxicab

literally indistinguishable from the quotes from the new Em album on the other thread. uncanny.

― Simon H., Friday, 15 December 2017 16:47 (seven years ago)

yah lol

― Spottie, Friday, 15 December 2017 16:51 (seven years ago)

love this song and the video idk

― Spottie, Thursday, December 14, 2017 4:43 PM (yesterday) Bookmark Flag Post Permalink

otm, was always great

― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 15 December 2017 16:58 (seven years ago)

was weird reading this thread and seeing all the hate for it. been a top ten roots track since i first heard it.

― Spottie, Friday, 15 December 2017 17:28 (seven years ago)

Things Fall Apart is still one of my favorite sounding albums ever and I go back to it at least once a year. Can't say that for any Roots album since. Also sounds the best out of that crop of Soulquarians @ Electric Ladyland records.

― change display name (Jordan), Friday, 15 December 2017 18:00 (seven years ago)

havent listened to that one in years but i reckon it's still my favorite roots record.

― Spottie, Friday, 15 December 2017 18:02 (seven years ago)

How I got over and rising down are pretty underrated. Great band

― In a slipshod style (Ross), Friday, 15 December 2017 18:04 (seven years ago)

I haven’t checked Anything since rising down, which I liked at the time

― Spottie, Friday, 15 December 2017 18:07 (seven years ago)

i'm guessing there's still no such thing as a bad roots record but i also haven't really checked out anything since how i got over

game theory was my fav when i listened to this band regularly, maybe i should go through the whole catalog soon

― flamenco drop (BradNelson), Friday, 15 December 2017 18:12 (seven years ago)

yeah same. i started in on Do You Want More yesterday.

aways loved the organ on I Remain Calm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dduCiaOoeHw
and the one w the bagpipes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNbug0_F0Io

― Spottie, Friday, 15 December 2017 18:34 (seven years ago)

"i told you stay out the hood....circumcised" lmao

― BIG HOOS aka the steendriver, Friday, 15 December 2017 18:36 (seven years ago)

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