About

The singular hip-hop band’s second album is a story about America and Philadelphia, memory and survival. Like a good book, it goes by quickly, yet you force yourself to linger.

For Black Thought, it all really started with his prologue on “Essawahmah.” In the early 1990s, when recording companies and mainstream media thought they’d figured out hip-hop via the popularity of its most beloved torchbearers, he drastically flipped the script. The track from the Roots’ 1993 debut Organix (a precursor to the later “Essaywhuman?!!!??!”) kicks off with a casual back-and-forth between the band and their audience, reminiscent of the ambiance from Gil Scott-Heron’s conversational songs on Small Talk at 125th and Lenox. The energy is lighthearted and the mood easygoing, until the lead MC decides to shake things up and introduce himself to the uninitiated. What follows is some beatboxing, scatting, vocal riffs, more scatting, more beatboxing, trading fours with the band, all the while telling you a story. It’s about hip-hop, jazz, collaboration, Philadelphia, and everything in between Black artistry and corporate America. What began on Organix arrived on 1995’s Do You Want More?!!!??!, now reissued in 3xLP and 4xLP packages. But the album title wasn’t really a question—it was more of a dare challenging you to say no, because how could you not want to hear the rest? And when you did listen, could you handle it?

Do You Want More?!!!??! showcased the Lead MC at home, at ease with his ability to sink his pen deep into the hidden truths of power, belonging, survival, and hustle. These truths related to his hometown and the legacy of art-making of which he is part. The stories of Philadelphia have only ever truly been distilled by writers who intentionally focused on the city, tracing the source of the intuitive innovation that emerges so fearlessly from those who call it home. The flight of Allen Iverson, the ecstatic sorrow of Patti LaBelle, the sensual nods of Teddy Pendergrass have never been fully articulated by outsiders. But when Black Thought steps to the mic, he is able to translate the very best of his kin. Zoom in on his layered storytelling and get a picture of a breathing, healing, and fighting city, an endless ledger of change documented by its scribe and hometown boy. — (via Pitchfork)

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Remaining a hip-hop staple, The Roots have released their latest album to be reissued in a deluxe package. Turning their attention to their underground and universally acclaimed debut, Do You Want More?!!!??!, hip-hop’s premier band have included the original album, now pressed on vinyl, along with eighteen bonus tracks, most of which have never been available digitally and five of which that remain entirely unreleased until now.

Originally released in 1995, Do You Want More?!!!??! is a true masterpiece that saw The Roots, led by drummer Questlove, and MC’s Black Thought and Malik B, follow in the footsteps of A Tribe Called Quest to deliver jazz and funk infused hip-hop. While not an overnight success, Do You Want more?!!!??! established The Roots as a cult favourite and remains a classic to this day. From the undeniable groove of “Proceed”, the chill vibes of “Mellow My Man”, the infectious rhythms of “I Remain Calm” to the swagger of “Datskat”, the bombast of the title track, and the live energy of “Essaywhuman?!!!??!”, The Roots’ debut remains fresh and unique, even over a quarter century later.

Much of the bonus material added to the reissue consists of remixes, on top of previously unreleased songs. While there is not a bad remix at all across the tracklisting, few, if any surpass the originality and excitement of the original recordings. Despite that, there is still some gold hidden amongst the wave of remixes. “Proceed II”, “Proceed III”, “Proceed IV”, and “Proceed V” fall into the latter category and double down on the hip-hop jazz fusion, while unreleased songs like “In Your Dreams Kid (I’m Every MC)” and “Pffat Time” further the creative well that The Roots built their careers and sonic identity on. Additionally, the lead single for the reissue, “Lazy Afternoon (Alternate Version)” adds to the record. While there is much among the additionally material to enjoy, I would have preferred less remixes and would have welcomed live material from ‘95/96.

Do You Want More?!!!??! stands strong as a unique album from a time where hip-hop was digging deep into samples and digital tones. With a decent collection of additional material, the reissue of The Root’s debut may not turn heads the way the original album did, and still does, but it provides a wealth that diehard fans will love. Regardless on your thoughts of the bonus material, Do You Want more?!!!??! is a classic album that sets The Roots aside as a truly one-of-a-kind band. — (via Spill Magazine)

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Remastered 3LP deluxe edition
Includes 9 extensive bonus tracks curated by Questlove (including unreleased material), and a 24-page booklet with rare photos and essays

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Label: okayplayer
Format: 3 x Vinyl, LP, Album, Deluxe Edition, Remastered
Reissued: 2021 / Originally Released: 1994
Genre: Hip Hop
Style: Conscious

File under: Hip-Hop
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