There is no question about it, The Roots are one of the most innovative and accomplished musical groups to ever rise from the city of Philadelphia. The city has a long, rich history of the arts dating back to their contribution to soul music’s popularity in the 60’s but The Roots crew took it to a whole new level. Their storied career has been continually studied as they made a career of trusting their gut and putting the music first, creating classics such as Illadelph Halflife and Things Fall Apart. The band’s longevity is nothing short of extraordinary yet completely predictable from the jump, the jump being their 1995 debut Do You Want More?!!!??! The sixteen songs that make up the album introduced us to the funky jazz of their approach to hip-hop, a refreshing take on the genre that emerged right in the middle of the Golden Era.
For this week’s Golden Age Thursday, we take a look at another debut for The Roots that happened that same year. In 1995, The Roots made their T.V. debut on MTV’s The Jon Stewart Show. A legendary late-night talk show host/comedian introducing the world to a legendary band, both icons meeting at what would be the beginning of their long, historic careers. The Roots performed “Proceed” from Do You Want More and this performance shows their natural showmanship and undeniable talent as their chemistry shines while performing as a unit.
