Questlove takes us back to 1994 to discuss the creation of The Roots' Illadelph Halflife album and the controversial direction change it brought. They explore their sound influences, the meaning behind the album title, and their struggle to get their music played on radio. They also touch on therapy, the origins of their production company's name, and their financial situation after closing the budget on their previous album.
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Quick takeaways
The Roots' album 'Illa Delve Half-Life' marked a significant change in their sound, motivated by a desire for approval from influential figures in the hip-hop community.
The creative process behind 'Illa Delve Half-Life' involved experimentation with sampling their own music, exploring improvisation, and incorporating different sounds.
Deep dives
The Roots' Shift in Sound
Season 4, Episode 7 of the podcast discusses the Roots' third studio album, 'Illa Delve Half-Life,' and the significant change in their sound. Despite the belief that the band intentionally shifted from live instrumentation to more traditional beats and rhymes, the podcast reveals a different perspective. Not everyone in the group was on board with the change, and this played a significant role in shaping the album. The podcast highlights the influence of Funmaster Flex, a Sprite commercial, and Philadelphia barbershops in this change of direction.
The Decision to Change Direction
During the podcast episode, the roots' internal discussions about their sound and direction are explored. The group discusses their desire to make a more traditional hip-hop album, which led to a shift away from live instrumentation. This decision was motivated by a desire to gain approval and recognition in the hip-hop community, particularly from influential figures like DJ Funmaster Flex. The podcast touches on the challenges and concerns regarding this change, as well as the impact it had on their creative process.
Exploring Dark Studios
The podcast episode delves into the roots' visit to Dark Studios in Atlanta, where they worked on their album 'Illa Delve Half-Life.' Their experience at the studio involved experimentation with sampling their own music and incorporating different sounds. The group acquired a new perspective on improvisation and explored their creativity in a unique environment. The episode shares anecdotes from their time at the studio and the creative process behind creating tracks like 'Panic'.
Reception and Criticism
The podcast discusses the reception of the album 'Illa Delve Half-Life' and the initial criticism it faced. Despite the critical acclaim the album later received, it was initially met with mixed reactions. The episode touches on how fans, critics, and even band members had varying expectations and reactions to the album's sound. The podcast also highlights the ongoing evolution of the roots' sound and the challenges they faced in balancing their artistic vision with the expectations of different audiences.
In this episode Questlove takes us back to 1994 to tell the story of the creation of The Roots' third album Illedelph Halflife. This album marked a notable and near controversial direction change in the group's sound and in this conversation we learn what motivated it and the existential crisis it created for this founding member.