the Roots sign to Def Jam.

[Neovingian]

Jay has signed the legendary HipHop live band the Roots. Thier next disc labeled the GameTheory will be out in the later part of the year and be released under DefJam. It is rumored it may even feature a verse or 2 from Hova himself.

What impact will this have on the industry. Does this mean more HIpHop acts will incorporate a live band and live instrumentation into thier stage shows?

This is a great move for all parties involved as the Roots have never truly been properly marketed or understood by thier previous labels.

There is speculation that a new subdivision of DefJam [rumored to be DefJam Left ] that may be created to house and develop more raw & underground talent.

No other label has stood the test of time & been around as Long as Def Jam.

[the watcher]

jay has always recognized the raw talent that the roots pocess.
they were his band during his live performance at MTV unplugged.
good move

[Kurtz7834]

I guess this is a good thing. They seem to be headed in a more 'commercial' direction though, which may not be to all the fans' tastes, if the last CD 'The Tipping Point' was any indication.

I saw them live at the Kool Haus and they were AWESOME though. Every one of them did a length solo, it was like seeing Zeppelin!

[shadowfighta]

i enjoyed the tipping point. I hope they don't stray from their "roots" and turn to crap, like Black Eyed peas.

[Neovingian]

i enjoyed the tipping point. I hope they don't stray from their "roots" and turn to crap, like Black Eyed peas.
They could never stray from thier ROOTS....and will never truly conform the the masses. With Jay behind them they could never turn2 crap like the BEP. I read a quote that said these guys are touring something like 320 days out of the year.

For those in the GTA and don't know, the ROOTS will be in town @ the Docks on October 12th....

[Hulkster]

Rahzel!

[Headhunter]

i enjoyed the tipping point. I hope they don't stray from their "roots" and turn to crap, like Black Eyed peas.
Their music is still catchy, even if it's shallow. Don't get me wrong though, I'm not justifying the change; at least their music hasn't completely imploded.

[fuhreal]

JAY-Z doesn't need to make any more money. I am quite confident that the ROOTS will always produce strong hip hop music.

With ?uestlove on the production and his organization, he will not ever stoop to the level that pop culture artists do.

Since back in 94 or 95 when i saw them live at the Ex..... can't get enough!!!

Oct 12th they'll be in town.... if you've never been to a roots show, i sugest checking it out