What Had Happened Was
Illadelph Halflife
Nov 22, 2023
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.
54:04
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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.
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