What Had Happened Was Organix
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Oct 18, 2023 Questlove and Black Thought of The Roots discuss the formation of the band, choosing their name, their musical influences, and their early experiences in the Philadelphia hip-hop scene.
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Origin of Street Bucket Drumming
- Questlove and Tariq started busking on South Street playing drums on buckets and freestyling to earn money.
- They earned around $110 in four hours, enabling them to enjoy date nights and continue performing weekly.
Building Credibility in Philly
- The Roots gained underground hip hop credibility by playing live shows in Philadelphia's diverse venues, including coffee shops and clubs.
- Their live instrument approach won respect from audiences who normally rejected rap music at the time.
Live Instruments vs. Sampling
- Performing live with real instruments gave The Roots artistic credibility beyond typical rap groups.
- Their musical style challenged the prevailing norms of using samples and helped set them apart in hip hop.