Video: The Roots "How I Got Over"
Posted by Shamz on Sep 30, 2009
It's time to start visualizing exactly how The Roots got over. Here is the video for the title track off of The Roots' upcoming LP, How I Got Over. The BBGUN directed vid features Black Thought 'out in the streets' of a down trodden NY witnessing the ills of the city (cameos by ?uesto and Dice Raw). Get excited people, HIGO is coming soon.
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JayKay: ...
New hot shit from hiphops greatest innovaters! Props to The Legendary!!!
1
November 20, 2009 - 10:00:43 AM
geko bezerck: ...
Curtis Mayfield lives on. Sincerity is rare. Thank you Roots crew.
2
November 16, 2009 - 09:02:04 AM
Sugar Nini: ...
The video for J. Cole's song "Simba" is fire !!!!!! check it out by clicking the link below.....
http://vimeo.com/4938308
http://vimeo.com/4938308
3
November 03, 2009 - 11:31:39 PM
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October 29, 2009 - 10:29:21 PM
ricky donald: ...
nah, this is lame.
the roots: how long until it's over
the roots: how long until it's over
6
October 24, 2009 - 03:27:27 PM
the listener of sic!: ...
The band was funky, the lyrics were meaningful, and the vocals were soulful. This video was the definition of cool. Overall, the presentation is reminiscent of Edgar Winter's "Dying to Live" and Stevie Wonder's "Livin' in the City."
To be blatantly honest, the Roots are of urban cities FINEST. This song is sick!1
To be blatantly honest, the Roots are of urban cities FINEST. This song is sick!1
7
October 23, 2009 - 09:41:47 PM
Shaun P: ...
I agree wholeheartedly agree with King Jovis. The Roots always come from a place of artistic integrity with a sense of duty to teach and uplift. They are channeling PE in their prime, and ignoring the ignorant trends that's pervading the musical airwaves.
8
October 21, 2009 - 06:33:42 PM
Ivringwashington: ...
awesome song, the bluesy keys are what really bring it home for me, but album was supposed to come out yesterday! Where is it???
9
October 21, 2009 - 04:48:59 PM
BajeFAnForever: ...
I have been a fan of the roots since inception....and I will continue to be forever! The video is dope and the direction is off the hook...Can't wait to hear the rest of the album!!
11
October 17, 2009 - 06:41:11 AM
F.Murray: ...
Music is more than just beats & rhymes-what's most important is the message conveyed on this track. BTW...The Roots are a band ya know and they've been doing this for over 20 years. So, you either like it or you don't. Peace 215
12
October 16, 2009 - 02:56:05 PM
don kwon: ...
First off, I haven't seen this many comments in a while. Nice to see that The Roots evoke so much passion when they do something. But, I gotta say the video is definitely too monotone. The song, I'm conflicted.. its got a nice sound to it, but the lyrics/content sounds like so many other songs. I like that Black does the hook though. Eh, regardless.. I'll catch a live Roots show over almost anything else any day.
13
October 16, 2009 - 02:36:18 PM
Lucky33: ...
So this is coming out....... november 17th? right? I dropped the ball on this someone help me out.
14
October 15, 2009 - 11:28:12 PM
SHo: ...
Looks nice but but has no emotion or whatsoever. It doesn't work for the song at all. I miss those groundbreaking Roots videos from 90's. Too many yahoos shooting amazing artists for nickels and dimes. Music videos should tell stories. This attempts but failed.
15
October 15, 2009 - 10:47:29 AM
JEHSYN: ...
REEL TALK... Dopest direction of a Roots video ever. Next Movement, and What They Do were also very dope, but on a different level. This is the mature Roots... I dig it. Have been a Roots fan since 93, and as long as they stay true to themselves then it's all good. Let's remember that they are artist and they have a vision.
Blessings
Blessings
16
October 15, 2009 - 01:44:11 AM
D@nte: ...
The drums and chorus are what make the song stand out. I would agree that it isn't high on the list as far as Roots singles, or even songs, are concerned. But it's a good track.
And their live performances are almost always improvised, which is why it sounds so different.
And their live performances are almost always improvised, which is why it sounds so different.
17
October 14, 2009 - 11:22:16 AM
nje: ...
ZZZzzzz....
Sorry, doesn't really do it for me.
Doesn't pack any punch and would not consider this one of the Roots best.
Wouldn't even consider this a solid b-side.
Let's hope and pray the album is better.
Sorry, doesn't really do it for me.
Doesn't pack any punch and would not consider this one of the Roots best.
Wouldn't even consider this a solid b-side.
Let's hope and pray the album is better.
18
October 10, 2009 - 08:58:00 AM
Dre xxx: ...
Not as good as The Jimmy Fallon live performance. It sounds sort of neutered after hearing the live version. Why do they always do this?? Have slamming live versions and then the album version is watered down? I was so hyped after seeing Fallon and now this....
19
October 09, 2009 - 06:26:42 PM
calehawkins: ...
aight so... i dig the concept and the lyrics but there's not enough PUNCH to the song. ?uesto's drums always have that punch to them and the way they're mixed, it's so light that the song lacks a drive to it. the snare doesn't seem prominent enough and i think that's what the song's lacking. there's not enough filler. heavier organ and the antibalas horns would have made it 10x doper too.
hopefully the album's a little more exciting - i dig the new artistic direction but this song just seems to lack energy for me.
hopefully the album's a little more exciting - i dig the new artistic direction but this song just seems to lack energy for me.
21
October 06, 2009 - 07:25:44 PM
yaya from south jersey: ...
this song and video are great, how is it generic? how? ...............
23
October 04, 2009 - 03:44:26 PM
David R.: ...
This seems quite...cliché? Not very groundbreaking at all...incongruent to Black Thought's usual style (and not because of the singing). This is very generic...yes it's conscious and not like stupid ish you normally hear on the radio nowadays and such...but it's still very commercial. the lyrics are general and nondescript, and it almost sounds like BT sounds detached from what he's saying. He's expressed similar sentiments to this song much more profoundly on earlier tracks on earlier albums. I love the Roots and I highly encourage them to keep breaking barriers and changing their style, keeping things fresh, but this song is almost like a more musical version of Busta Rhymes "In The Ghetto". Not a song I'd normally associate with The Roots. Hopefully some of the other songs on the album are less generic and more real, and Black Thought won't have to look so hardcore and weather-beaten in the music video.
25
October 04, 2009 - 06:04:16 AM
KingJovis: ...
I teach at an what the system calls an "inner-city, at-risk" High School. Most of my kids like the same old shit, bitches,guns, and drugs. How are you going to hate on song so damn near perfect in it's observation of what is really going on...and maybe add a bit of hope. Look around. It's time to evolve. That tired old gangster/hustle shit, while fine as entertainment if you dig it, is not helping these kids figure anything positive out. Investing in oneself, seeking allies,help build a sense of community (where unity starts), and working hard to do good work, and love...that's what's up. God Bless THE ROOTS!
28
October 03, 2009 - 08:22:09 AM
jermainebodie76: ...
There are always, ALWAYS, going to be those that have nothing nice to say. But we need those individuals to push us further and pass our boundaries. Thank G.O.D that The Roots don't let the nay sayers stop them in the evolution of their craft. Keep making that Good SH!T, and eventually they give what is right right. Love
29
October 03, 2009 - 01:39:54 AM
theExperience: ...
people need to stop complaining and just go with the flow. would you rather the roots crew stop making music altogether?
and you know what, good. let a philly act make it out in the world. we're always so critical of every damn move, like the film not being shot in philly. just be proud a major act is facing the world, representing your city to the fullest.
have some pride, stop bitchin, and sit back and enjoy the damn ride.
and you know what, good. let a philly act make it out in the world. we're always so critical of every damn move, like the film not being shot in philly. just be proud a major act is facing the world, representing your city to the fullest.
have some pride, stop bitchin, and sit back and enjoy the damn ride.
30
October 02, 2009 - 04:12:46 PM
barbara: ...
black thought can't really sing. he's ok, but ehhh. maybe if they had musiq sing the song; or d'angelo; or maxwell. black thought should just keep rapping about how dope he is and about philly. oh, and one female love song per album. KEEP IT REPETITIVE!!!!
barbara whitman
barbara whitman
31
October 02, 2009 - 02:56:20 PM
KiNtaRo WeSt!!!!!!: ...
Damn.....Thought singing his ass off! Makes me wanna grab a mic! Bought to go play Game Theory to death while I wait for this to drop...keep it up!
32
October 02, 2009 - 02:17:55 PM
yaya from south jersey: ...
yoooo... first of all, this song is great.. so what if black thought is singing, it sounds good... and not to mention that he killed the second verse... the instrumentation on this song is crazy, because its live and sounds perfect. the lyrics are hot, the hook is hot, the music is super hot. the video is dope and for those who don't know bbguns work, their videos are crazy. And SOO WHAAAAAT that the video doesn't take place in Philly, F*** Philly!!! i live a few minutes outside of philly, and philly radio is terrible and hardly ever support genius that is the ROOTS. New York has been showing them mad love, (i went to one of their jam sessions at the highline ballroom and it was crazy). and i went to a live taping of Jimmy Fallon just to see them and they're doing their damn thing. I don't hate philly, but the Roots music keeps getting better and better, while other Philly artist fall off the face of the earth following trends. ANyway.. this video is great and it's probably my favorite single since the Seed 2.0... Peace !!!
33
October 02, 2009 - 12:57:33 PM
YOOOOOOO--KENNY???!!?!?!?: ...
what's up playboy? long time no see. how was prison? hit me up on the cell phone homey. or call darnell. let's go get it money. running it blocka blocka style
36
October 01, 2009 - 09:17:52 PM
janey'o'blaney: ...
why are the roots rapping about getting over?? why don't they rap about how hard work will help them succeed?
37
October 01, 2009 - 09:16:09 PM
jeremy taylor: ...
i like this. reminds me of the black eyed peas but with no lame white chicks.
38
October 01, 2009 - 09:13:42 PM
lil eact side roller locc: ...
diz shyt iz whack. they not rappen no mo? bring back dem hardcore joints they wuz on befo. when i get outta prison i want somethin to ride on fools wit. i cant roll on busta locc ogs wit dis cuddle joint
39
October 01, 2009 - 09:12:46 PM
AJFresh: ...
Really feeling this joint! Makes look forward to it's live performance, because it captures so much. Peace to growth and diversity.
40
October 01, 2009 - 06:20:58 PM
Section: ...
I wasn't a fan of Dice Raw's singing on Rising Down but I must say he is killing the chorus on here. Just want to thank The Roots for continuing to make amazing music that hopefully this time will truly reach out to the world.
42
October 01, 2009 - 03:57:17 PM
Kriswontwo: ...
dope video! now, all i want to know is if MALIK B or Rahzel did things on the new album???
43
October 01, 2009 - 02:35:37 PM
KD06: ...
Becky haven't you heard that anything critical of the roots on this site is blasphemy? Let these cats tell it they can do no wrong. I don't have the time or energy to be in this debate but let's suffice it to say this song is average... More singing than rapping....
44
October 01, 2009 - 12:15:11 PM
9/10: ...
This song is dope. So is Black Thought's singing, so is the video.
45
October 01, 2009 - 10:45:51 AM
batabata: ...
I really like both "versions." the "orignial" live version that premiered on Fallon was really upbeat funk. They channeled James Brown. I like the album version, but it could definitely use horns.
HORNS!
HORNS!
46
October 01, 2009 - 10:44:32 AM
ph: ...
Really like this song. Don't really care for the video though, except for a few nicely executed shots it dont leave that strong impression.
47
October 01, 2009 - 09:46:59 AM
oladle: ...
Yo, Becky, are you out of your mind? There is not a single part of this record that is remotely T-Pain. Black Thought's raw voice singing is no auto tune bull shit. This song far surpasses a Black Eyed Peas song as well. No offense to them, you're just straight trippin on somethin Becky.
48
October 01, 2009 - 09:38:28 AM
Thats what I call Hip Hop: ...
Yo the video is dope and the Roots continue to bring that raw real hip to the table. I wish more emcees could be a socially conscious as black thought.
49
October 01, 2009 - 09:26:31 AM
Mecca Soul: ...
Dope video, great concept, wish thought would have rhymed more on the song but its cool...can't wait for the album!!!
50
October 01, 2009 - 08:21:22 AM
music Lova: ...
Becky
What about the Roots is no longer dope? Because the music still sounds tight as ever to me.
Oh, you have a problem with the singing? Since when is singing, on a song, no less, a bad thing? Yeah, I know what Jay-Z said, but you KNOW he was not talking about Black Thought who, for the record is multi-talented and perfectly capable of holding down a hook with his own, unaltered singing voice.
The Roots are left of center, yes. but that does not make them bad. By ANY means. They are STILL talented musicians crafting captivating, original, solid music. Black Thought is STILL an ill-lyricist and has simply blessed us with another one of his talents.
It's still on beat. It still has a relevant and important message. It is not auto-tuned. It does not try to be something it is not and it is STILL The Roots.
What about the Roots is no longer dope? Because the music still sounds tight as ever to me.
Oh, you have a problem with the singing? Since when is singing, on a song, no less, a bad thing? Yeah, I know what Jay-Z said, but you KNOW he was not talking about Black Thought who, for the record is multi-talented and perfectly capable of holding down a hook with his own, unaltered singing voice.
The Roots are left of center, yes. but that does not make them bad. By ANY means. They are STILL talented musicians crafting captivating, original, solid music. Black Thought is STILL an ill-lyricist and has simply blessed us with another one of his talents.
It's still on beat. It still has a relevant and important message. It is not auto-tuned. It does not try to be something it is not and it is STILL The Roots.
54
October 01, 2009 - 01:54:15 AM
R3K: ...
lol becky...your name cracks me up. your whole post is an oxymoron
55
October 01, 2009 - 12:59:52 AM
SuperDopetastic: ...
too becky,please dont compare the roots to black eyed peas.The Roots always put out good music.This is still Hip-Hop in its proper form.dont know what else you want?T-paining?.this is far from that bullshit.
56
October 01, 2009 - 12:41:36 AM
Hiphopadvocate: ...
first off they're not Tpaining and two they were doing this before all that stuff went down. Have you forgot organix and then live performances ..thought can sing and flow as even shown in this video....so don't knock an original especially if they were doing this before the Jay era kicked in. they're no where near alternative........Black eye peas yes.....Roots Hell no where near it.
57
October 01, 2009 - 12:10:27 AM
real hip hop fan since 1998: ...
man, what's with this stuff? i used to like the roots when they were dope. now there like a alternative band. too much singing. jay-z said "get back to rap, you t-pain-ing too much." this song is like a little bit better black eyed peas song.
becky
becky
58
September 30, 2009 - 11:53:48 PM
music Lova: ...
Currently my favorite Roots song. I much preferred the live version before but this video has really made me appreciate the studio version more.
Awesome job with the video. Anyone who doesn't like it probably has no appreciation/knowledge for cinematography, direction or storytelling. It shouldn't matter that the video wasn't shot in Philly, as the song reaches further. (Also, ?uest frequently says The Roots don't get love in Philly in anyway.) Furthermore, The Roots tend to be spending more time in NY than Philly nowadays, so it probably made more sense to shoot there.
GREAT song, gorgeous video... I'm very much looking forward to this album.
Awesome job with the video. Anyone who doesn't like it probably has no appreciation/knowledge for cinematography, direction or storytelling. It shouldn't matter that the video wasn't shot in Philly, as the song reaches further. (Also, ?uest frequently says The Roots don't get love in Philly in anyway.) Furthermore, The Roots tend to be spending more time in NY than Philly nowadays, so it probably made more sense to shoot there.
GREAT song, gorgeous video... I'm very much looking forward to this album.
60
September 30, 2009 - 09:01:02 PM
DeeTeeJay: ...
Nice video, fits the song well. And who the hell expects rims and titties in a Roots vid?! Seriously.
61
September 30, 2009 - 08:30:27 PM
dilladillabeatsbeats: ...
Yeah, why wasn't this shot in Philly?
Great song otherwise. No James Brown break on the studio version, but I guess that's just another reason to see them live.
Great song otherwise. No James Brown break on the studio version, but I guess that's just another reason to see them live.
64
September 30, 2009 - 06:31:27 PM
Joe Dirt: ...
Song and video are tight. But live version is better. Yall need to do another live album!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
65
September 30, 2009 - 05:18:17 PM
Teflonblack: ...
Definitely a dope video. Let's all grow up together now! Song is timeless...
66
September 30, 2009 - 05:14:23 PM
omni osi: ...
love it!
i'm digging the evolution of Thought (and Raw for that matter).
their vocals go well with the band.
i'm digging the evolution of Thought (and Raw for that matter).
their vocals go well with the band.
67
September 30, 2009 - 05:08:56 PM
Matt Middleton: ...
I love the Roots, but this video is wack....excited for HIGO.
69
September 30, 2009 - 05:07:43 PM
Jahi: ...
nice mix on the music. timeless music right on time. Respect..Great song...
71
September 30, 2009 - 04:13:59 PM
ikraam: ...
real video, showing real life, goes dope with the track.
72
September 30, 2009 - 04:09:45 PM
Outstanding Standout: ...
Great Vid, and a great song.
So is this going to be a real full album or just a couple of songs?
So is this going to be a real full album or just a couple of songs?
74
September 30, 2009 - 03:53:03 PM
dapluva!: ...
outkast and The roots are the 2 best hiphop groups of alltime
75
September 30, 2009 - 03:42:17 PM
aknoblach: ...
real nice video, can't wait for the album
you guys are the best
you guys are the best
76
September 30, 2009 - 03:17:14 PM
non-confused roots fan: ...
this video is slamming. excellent questlove. i love you.
77
September 30, 2009 - 03:12:06 PM
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