In light of recent developments involving The Roots' shiny new gig as Jimmy Fallon's Late Night house band, we thought it prudent to re-visit DJ Stylus's 6 points for why this won't be such a bad look (mostly the point that they are not taking a break from touring, depending on your definition of "touring"). Ultimately, this all looks like they will never be able to go to bed, and we still haven't learned whether or not Black Thought will be doing his rappity-rap thing every single night. Rap vocals might not make for organic "go to commercial" music but they may yet prove us wrong. The Roots are good with taking what they're given and turning it into fire. Check the points along with some maddening updates after the bounce!
NBC will no longer pay for published music: That means, the only thing that the Roots can play are original songs. "We have to write 200 new songs, which will probably last about a year," [?uestlove] says. "We've written about 55 so far."
The Roots will commute to New York City from Philly to tape their Fallon segments: "Were commuting via tour bus every morning at 8 am," [?uestlove] says. "I have to do adult shit now, like go to bed before 11, which I've yet to do." --RS
The Roots will not be retiring from the road!: "We didn't tell anybody we were retiring! I never want to pull some Eagles/Kiss shit where it's like, 'Okay, this is the last time you'll see us.' "They'll allow us ten weeks of touring time every year. We'll start with five shows each week night, but I'm certain that Jimmy will want to do it Letterman-style, taping two shows one night so we can get Fridays off. That's an extra 52 days so I'm sure we'll fill those up with shows."
The world's most renowned (and endless-solo-prone) hip-hop band are set to give Manhattan all the funk it can handle, with a residency at the swanky Highline Ballroom. "The Roots Present: The Jam" starts March 5 and continues throughout the spring. "Special guests" are promised. So far, shows are scheduled for March 5, March 19, March 31, April 14, April 21, May 5, May 13, May 18, May 26, June 2, June 10, June 16, and June 23. Also, on February 28, the Roots will perform at Power Shift '09, the "youth energy and climate summit" taking place in Washington, DC.
And if you're still jonzing for some ?uestlove action after that, check out the Roots drummer at his weekly DJ night dubbed "the fANtastic" starting March 26 at artsy downtown enclave (Le) Poisson Rouge. The residency takes place every Thursday until May 28.
The Roots are booked for five years: "I think if Jimmy turns on the charm like he did on Saturday Night Live, I'm almost certain that this show will work. Anything can happen. Knock on wood that this isn't the Chevy Chase Show or the Magic Hour. --RS
