Back in the mid ’90s when The Roots were unknowns on the national music scene but already buzzing in the underground, they were criticized in the pages of URB. Even though we had recently published a glowing multi-page feature on the band in 1994, another writer later ridiculed them for playing covers of classic hip-hop tracks in their live show. A Roots member by the name of Brother Question—soon to be known as ?uestlove, the de facto band leader and icon—took umbrage to say the least and wrote an angry letter to the editor which we published. 15 years later and The Roots are one of music’s most enduring hip-hop bands, …
Aside from starting the year off with a fashion faux pas, as in Cudi’s kilt, this looked like one awesome party at the W. You can hear Cudi exclaim that someone tried to rip his kilt off. How’s that for sex appeal?
Common isn’t what he used to be, but it’d be hard to tell from this joint right here. Making use of Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit” pretty much ensures a weighty heft to any track. Couple that with Common’s flow and listeners are granted something close to perfection.
It’s still kinda eerie to hear Billie’s voice in the background even given the clapper of a track that it accompanies. Cop it well.
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