New old heat from Black Thought and Malik B. from 1994.

Originally the last track on Rising Down (couldn’t be cleared because we did not know who the DJ was). Recorded in 1994 at WPPW radio station, peep how young Black Thought sounds.

Download the freestyle.

Download a live version of 75 bars and check a youtube of roots freestylin with Quest and Consequence here.

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The Roots - In the Music
“A Video Comprised Of Live Clips From Tour For “In The Music” Off “Game Theory.” Made by The Roots’ Lighting Director.”

Rising Down out April 29th.

Bonus: Rising Down NY Jam Session, Jam session at The Studio here in philly last week

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June 7th The Roots are Playing at the Festival Pier with Gnarls Barkley, Sharon Jones + The Dap Kings, Santogold!, Diplo, Cool Kids and more.

Get your tickets now. They’re $50, but I think this might be worth it.

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Last night at “The Studio” some members of The Roots were on hand to host a listening party for their new album, “Rising Down.” No, Casi, it’s no Organix, but really, what will be? It is, however, a fantastic album. Many Roots fans have already heard Rising Down featuring Styles P and Mos Def, Get Busy with Dice Peedi Peedi and Jazzy Jeff, 75 Bars (Black’s Reconstruction) [Black Thought's sickening nonstop barrage of lyrical fire] and the reportedly recently axed “single” Birthday Girl.
So after hearing most of, if not all, of the album I can honestly say this is one of their best in years. The beats are really heavy and dynamic. Their sound shows more growth and strength in direction. The guests are plentiful but well placed. It’s just a phenomenal album…from the 1.5 listens we were treated too last night.
The party itself was nice. They provided a some beer and a decent helping of catered food. DJ Excel was spinning when the party started and during an interlude before they played some more of the album.
I wish I would have brought my camera to share some pics of the event and of my awkward meeting with Black Thought (is that a pound he’s offerin? no a shake/hug combo? nope, it was elbow dap…misread that one…oops…) Nothing like a seasoned music DJ/writer/promoter/blogger getting star struck by one of his favorite artists caught on film to really hammer home how great of a night it was…entertainment on all fronts.

Dice Raw, funniest comic to be a rapper? could be….

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Not my favorite song. By the way recognize anyone?

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The Roots Ft. Dice Raw, Peedi Crakk & DJ Jazzy Jeff - Get Busy. Rising Down is scheduled to be released April 29th.

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Blackthought running over that bassline, kidnapping people and setting them on fire. Rising Down to be released in 2008 on Def Jam.

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“Drum-off at The Roots Grammy Jam Session, Feb. 08″

Click the link above for pics from the night. Who is the jawn with shaved side of the head? And who is that in the yellow? I am really feeling that shirt. Anybody? Tom?

Just to keep with the Okayplayer movement, Jean Grae plays dress up for her first single off of Jeanius (a collab album with 9th Wonder) “Love Thirst”. Not only that she’ll be answering your love/hate/dating/sex questions over at HipHopDX.

(via Nahright)

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