The Roots - What They Do (Official Music Video)

[@iamshyni69]

The fact that this song was written in 1995, and it hits even harder now shows how this gem is timeless.

[@RaymondMiramontes-t7c]

Nothing but a fact iam still stuck in the 90's and don't care what anybody says I could give a crap less.it was too good to just ignore hip hop came into its own in that golden era

[@reptheh]

timeless g

[@dominicchester0328]

95-96 era

[@juanme5097]

Ryi​@@dominicchester0328

[@joncohill3033]

95? Wow time flies

[@Kunalsharma0044]

Black Thought never dropped a wack verse. Definitely one of the greatest.

[@skll2081]

the greatest

[@bliffblam]

@langston122 Em definitely has serious skills and bars, he just doesnt say anything. Totally different styles. But em has never been my go too. Rocking the roots, de la soul, tribe etc on a daily

[@tomashorvath6323]

I smoked a blunt with him once. My best memory ever.

[@tomashorvath6323]

@fuck all touts ftra fap 2020 he doesnt eat meath, they say

[@layoung4513]

@@Kunalsharma0044 He did NOT break the Colour barrier there were whiite rappers before Eminem

[@chillback00]

38 now and realizing how blessed my generation was to grow up to this level of creativity.

[@theplug23]

Exactly!

[@roido6614]

Also 38 here, and know real Hip Hop! Where did we go wrong man?

[@pipedreamism1]

Facts bro and look how lox beat up the dipset in veruz

[@a.taylor8294]

Yes, we were RIGHT at that great time of radio stations that played the old and the new, quality music videos, jumping parties, and people dancing!!

[@MrDMC11889]

I'm 32 and my sister is 38. Neither one of us can stand the current music scene.

[@markquiswest6607]

You can't beat the 1990's Hip-Hop Music!

[@steffenjaschob2415]

true

[@hasan7786]

@@steffenjaschob2415 Rappers were really REALLY hungry in the 90's. They throwing them money now but back then, you had to be competative to be in the spotlight and to prety much, eat. I think money corrupted a great art form.

[@gregh_777]

apparently it was shot mocking these type of videos. biggie took offensive thinking it was mocking him

[@lanasawyer3128]

I’m not disagreeing at all! But don’t forget or check out the OG Otis Redding ❤

[@lanasawyer3128]

@@hasan7786 Money and Power has destroyed everything! We were not supposed to be divided!!!!, and conquered… Still working like the same scam it’s always been! The addiction to power and money, makes heroin look like candy… Don’t see any of them, I do not mean musicians… But the real problem, giving it up any time soon, do you? In the words of the Mighty Aretha, you need me and I need you there ain’t nothing else for you to do! ❤❤

[@Amari19_]

The 90s decade was and still is the best decade of Hip Hop Music!!

[@NorthPhilly-zr7xc]

We came from this to this smh

[@stevenstrube726]

ABSOLUTELY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@triphoptimism]

80s 🤙

[@rmr3528]

Golden Era

[@markmccain48]

Not sure bout that

[@OMEGADAGR8]

Black thought to me is the epitome of what Intellectual Hiphop is. He is one of the best lyrics to ever touch the mic.

[@symbolstrattman9705]

P

[@adamcole7]

Him and KRS

[@snowgoons]

R.I.P. the great Malik B 🙏🏽

[@samueloladelelayiwola2370]

👤Death is a fountain of life.🇳🇬

[@Django_fahi93z]

❤️🙌🏾

[@mahyo2512]

: (

[@Phearsum]

His memory and music will live on forever. May Allah grant peace upon his soul.

[@onepunchflan3071]

Malik B is dead?? 😳

[@djjaydarealist9031]

One of my favorite songs from The Roots! I'm still playing this in 2025!

[@TenshinhanIsKing]

Black thought underrated under appreciated

[@iveywebb]

Yasin BMT FAAAAAACCCTTTTSSSS

[@agustinmunoz6431]

agree, top 10 def

[@mlamulidhlomo7169]

Cypher. But this line is def true!

[@Popeyethesailorsman]

Agustin muñoz top 2

[@ejohnson4844]

One of my all time favorites

[@A1isDopee]

How is blak thought not talked about when it comes to top lyricists? Mad underrated 🤦🏾‍♂️🔥 he bodied this shyt effortlessly.

[@jeffreylittlejohn9584]

One the best to do it!

[@Eliinfamous14]

Yea I never understood that. He has spit some of the best verses of all his peers back then

[@wilsonmuholo4121]

Black thot, AZ, Nas,Eric sermon, method man, Red man, Dre, warren g,big L, etc always underated

[@patriceadelemua2366]

I agree 100%

[@mwauraedward7556]

Underrated! No, I don't think so. He not mainstream that's why they don't talk of him alot

[@catchwreck928]

thats crazy the towers were still up, aaliyah, dmx, kobe, MJ, prince, Biggie, Big L, Prodigy, ODB, Freaky Tah, left eye, Heavy D, and so many of our loved celebrities and family members were all alive when this was recorded and released. Dam i miss the 90s

[@PacoSmith]

Word!

[@useyourthirdeye9083]

Word up. It's like the Twilight zone nowadays. And to me ain't none of them gone. If you stuck in the 90s you know.

[@paulgoodall_]

You're not the only one missing the 90s Catch ♥️

[@seibetsu]

unc

[@pennywise1682]

​@@useyourthirdeye9083thats dangerous bro! Dont get left behind, keep your head up and live on, happy and proud!

[@thephillipjosephshow7472]

Black thought has the perfect rap voice ever

[@adamgordon2572]

His cadence is one of the BEST 🔥🔥

[@iwillmusic6090]

I feel so embarrassed but I wanna cry when the chorus kicks in... so soulful man, what a record

[@miiiiisvibes]

Don't be ashamed to show your emotions, nobody is going to judge, you're a human being❤️

[@TwoLeftSh0es]

Don't listen to Tomás, he's a European. Hold it down and bottle that shit up bro, emotions make you weak.

[@OBZRV82]

Dope music has that effect.

[@RyanHattingh420]

Only the real can feel that ! Love from South Africa ! ❤️🤝 I agree with you , difficult to have a female on the instrumental but still come off gangster yet so intelligent and sophisticated. These boys paved the way !

[@nottelling4548]

@@TwoLeftSh0es 😂😂

[@leedza]

The writing was on the wall. There were those who could see the trajectory of what the rap and music is general would be. Within 10 years of this song that golden era had died out.

[@blaxpoitation8528]

Its crazy how accurate your comment is. The level of creativity, lyricism and musicianship is dead today (in hip hop). Damn I miss this kind of music, and that era.

[@puresunshine79]

RIP King Leonard Nelson Hubbard. Iconic bassists from the iconic Roots crew. Sleep peacefully fam 🖤🤎

[@MaddenLegend]

People are always asking who's here in (insert year here) every year. I'm listening forever.

[@serenitymuszings]

Drink Champs brought me here. Didn’t realize Raphael Saddiq was in this🔥🔥🔥

[@williamtendo7835]

Me too 😊

[@tonyv269ify]

Me too

[@crazviolin5385]

he sang the chorus

[@DOOM-ir6wg]

This is the most 90s music video ever

[@nicolebrewer5075]

xcfxhhj7op5 u4pl)

[@TBoynyc]

Yup and that ATLiens album cover!

[@DOOM-ir6wg]

TBoyislive :)!

[@DOOM-ir6wg]

blunty1 I realized after I commented, my bad!

[@yoshiwall5870]

I mean.. Two Dope Boys (in a Cadillac)

[@Aaron-dk1rf]

Pound for pound one of the greatest Hip Hop tracks of all time

[@dynamic9016]

N I used to love H.E.R by Common

[@maryannappiagyei4277]

Word

[@edgargutierrez137]

💯 percent hands down!

[@misheckmpotela5212]

I'm rooting for roots. My kinda rap

[@SlimeKingK]

This kind of style is what today's hip-hop/rap is missing. So smooth.

[@adalbertobeats]

I agree bro i miss old hip hop

[@wonderboytroy7484]

Pro Era check them out

[@cymatixgod]

there not on paper

[@germansausage3364]

true words

[@RyanHattingh420]

This comment was 8 years ago and it’s still so relevant from then till today .. extremely sad that the real good music will never come back like this again.. no auto tune , no guns and drugs . Female on the chorus , instruments and words from the heart . Rhythm and poetry at its finest not this other newschool bullshit 😒😂❤️ LOVE FROM SOUTH AFRICA BORN AND BREAD🤝❤️

[@jevinday]

"the principles of true hip hop have been forsaken"

[@hekimaasilia6207]

It’s all contractual and about money making! 😂

[@rayhanes1347]

Damn this beat is smoother than decade aged cognac.

[@robertmiller4712]

Real music

[@1kennylo]

Gotta give Rapheal Saadiq his flowers while he here

[@spooningwithyourmoma1769]

Damn son were'd you find that.

[@sanelesibiya5201]

You ain't never lie, bro!

[@G17x]

Frfr

[@jsincere2113]

I love that my son found this son he’s 15 and loves real hip hop

[@ajamucollins4395]

Your son has GREAT pair-rents

[@Crazymike1975]

Rest in Heaven Malik B.

[@Duzykutas]

This is the song that introduced me to the magic of The Roots.

[@lol4793]

Me too!!!!

[@hotskullagyallis]

Nicolas Brisson

[@MazBringsby]

When The Roots used to be cool...

[@kencabinson9720]

Maciek Kusnierz Love this song..Showing us how clowns in rap today be living and perpetrating a fraud....Rip 2pac..Youre a cutie....

[@theironhorse8227]

MazBringsby used to be???

[@legwasabellewn2444]

Black Thought has the sickest pronounciation of All time.. Hands down.

[@cainification]

His flow is ridiculous, smooth as fuck. He just sounds dope there's no way around it

[@herm2424]

Jay Z too

[@anthonylott7698]

Him and Jay Z are carrying the torch for real and raw hip hop period.

[@tyronetaylor5471]

No doubt!!!!!!!!

[@realitycheck1092]

On crip

[@drogbambumalanga8894]

2024 and this is still real HIP HOP

[@vidallopez1800]

I'm here because of good music.

[@johnperkins8348]

This Song Represents The End Of The Beautiful Golden Era Of Hip Hop (Cries Tears Of Nostalgia)

[@nirvanatesfay5391]

Lol I just commented nostalgia before looking at ur comment.....I have a different kind of nostalgia tho

[@Aaliyahbaby19]

💯💯

[@NapoleonSuarez]

I was a big sneakerhead when I was in HS, but I couldn't afford any of the hot pairs so I got a paper route and saved up my money for six months to buy the very first Iverson's with the blue toe. On the car ride home from getting them I opened the box to admire my first pair of cool shoes and when I did, I heard this song for the very first time on Power 99 (Philly/NJ/DE people know what's up) and this song brings me right back to that moment every time. CLASSIC!!!

[@thuggin214]

Crazy how music can trigger emotions that you felt the very first time you heard said song the exact same way it initially happened. Music is the universal language.

[@a.taylor8294]

LONG LIVE POWER 99!!!!!!

[@KuttyJoe]

Haha. That's a great story. That was a teachable moment for you. The sneaker game now has become a tragedy. Kids that can't afford anything are struggling to get shoes that cost $300.00 or $800.00.

[@theabstract9568]

Nostalgic picture you painted with that story. That's what real music is all about

[@wendyhurtado1826]

🔥

[@mrsam0496]

The 90s were golden coz all subgenres were on. This anti-gangsta movement was fire too

[@SunniWrld]

🎶”Never dooo, what they do, what they do, what they doooo...”🎶🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 #classic

[@talkdattrashimmapullyacard4396]

😍Marry me to this song😘

[@fambertrini8032]

Ugh love it

[@derrickdallas3170]

Sing that shit luv....

[@vanman757]

​@@fambertrini8032Yesss man !!!

[@tashaburnett12]

This song just puts my soul at ease

[@Rohan-t4d6m]

One of the best rap group to ever do it

[@Nate01_]

THE LEGENDARY ROOTS CREW 👑💐

[@taratatabo]

One of the best songs ever made.

[@joanvg18]

+Tom Verhoeven agree 100%

[@nicksatie8072]

Siitä voit lyödä sun nailonis vetoo, true that ;)

[@tapio3376]

Perkele

[@aaqilian5.085]

Stupid hyperbole

[@johnsmith-zh1iv]

Big facts

[@magnnum100]

"The principles of true hip-hop have been forsaken, it's all contractual and about money making..."

[@MGB36913]

2019 same but WORSE

[@ajamucollins4395]

Our truest hip-hop never left the streets

[@alissa6]

Oh really? Cause this certainly sounds far from Rappers Delight and The Breaks.

[@gregh_777]

@@alissa6 and what was it that rappers delight was promoting?

[@josephsanders5308]

that bass line is crazy!! simple but dope!!

[@TonyStark-qk9sj]

This song rings true in 2024! Never do what they do!

[@getmoneychill6462]

Understood

[@FrederickJGaming]

40 years old white boy and still bumping my head to these cool grooves

[@renemunoz8965]

I’m 19, Mexican American

[@lastnamepinto7568]

the love is real. ❤ nuff respect to ya'll

[@Jose-ew7xg]

Rene Munoz same but im 24 👍

[@radical3072]

back then when everything was fine, mum was still alive, always thankful for my childhood/youth and this music was a part of it ❤️ #bornintheeightiesraisedinthenineties

[@Jaantastic]

@@radical3072 ❤️🖤❤️🖤❤️

[@youtubecreatorszr3]

Rest in peace, Malik B. :(

[@millygang2166]

RIP

[@ashsusjsjekwek8282]

RIP

[@Thiccbutsexyblac]

OH Nooooo is this why I'm here? Love and Light R.I.L King

[@sliduyzamnoyu]

Rip but roots didn’t like him no more for the longest

[@blaze12day]

@@sliduyzamnoyu biggest disappointment

[@markbanks7960]

I always liked this song, it's easily one of the greatest hip-hop songs ever IMO

[@Edgar_Allan_Poe_50]

Agreed, it has everything. Lyrics, rhythm, a message, and is still as relevant today is it was when it came out. Maybe more so.

[@markbanks7960]

@@Edgar_Allan_Poe_50 I can dig it! If you like this track, check out Silent Treatment by the Roots also! It's just as exquisite & lush, though you probably already know the track or record 😉

[@MaximusRGZ]

Indeed, without any doubt

[@freekey_son]

It's my best hip-hop song of all time. In 98 I was playing it back to back like there isn't any other song, now this is 2023 and I'm still listening to the song, you can tell.

[@shogun......]

You guys heard any other hop? lolo

[@tysonjames2884]

Classic hip hop hits different when the message in the music is still relevant to today's lifestyle 🎤🐐 let's keep this genre alive 2023 & beyond 💯

[@musiclover-cn7tb]

Exactly

[@sirjackkoff5018]

That first verse actually made me tear up.. I have to get their albums.

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

This song is the perfect commentary on 'hiphop' right now/these days.

[@anthonytruman]

This is a perfect song. The instrumental plus every line by Black Thought is incredible

[@BrynxxWorld]

2023 im still applying this rule NEVER DO WHAT THEY DO!!!! my own sound!!!

[@stixnpoles2564]

Back when Hip Hop was saving souls, not sacrificing them.🤷🏾‍♂️🔥💯

[@jazzdagreat]

Real Rap!

[@blackberrycat]

💯 facts💯☮️🧿🇯🇲🇬🇧

[@lincolnhunter5524]

ACCURATE! 🎯🙏🏽

[@jeffb4762]

I'm literally in a trance listening to this entire album ‼️ it immediately transports me back to my childhood where I was actually truly happy. Also its kinda crazy that Tariq has probably one of the most viewed freestyles on funk flex most recently! 🥂✊🏾✊🏾

[@mmarmrcz6770]

I know what you mean.

[@vanezburkett8212]

Yes 90s was a beautiful time for music

[@Microdave75]

You're joking? 90's was garbage for music, the last era for decent music was the 70's

[@kemurinine4272]

@@Microdave75 it wasn't garbage but yeah 70s was the peak. Not just for innovations in music but all art, technology and thought. Kinda interesting

[@jeffb4762]

​@@Microdave75 😂😂 stay off the crack homie

[@verefiedxL]

no need for subtitles...Unless you don't listen to lyrics. This is genius. The roots are on another level..

[@SDSOverfiend]

Wrong.. Sub explains "What they do" the reason for each camera shot in videos back then

[@kaleitha]

Walter, you need to watch the original. The subtitles explain the cliche ish rappers (and rock stars) do in their videos. Real hip hop doesn't need the typical or predictable...

[@bongz8041]

+Walter White People, they are NOT "subtitles" they are "CAPTIONS". And they are a must for this brilliant video.

[@sirjackkoff5018]

+Nick Layer Word up. Legends

[@smackaleto215able]

Nick Layer this album was the best album when it came out

[@ElaineBuchananArt]

This!!🔥🔥🔥90s Hip Hop, if kids of today could really take this in👌🏾👌🏾👌🏾

[@LittleMissSunshine721]

One of the chillest hip hop beats ever made! 🎧😊🎧

[@Kev_-qm1je]

You fine

[@anash578]

“ you wanna be a man / then stand your own / to MC require skill / I demand some shown “ 👍🏾 if you agree

[@robertmiller4712]

👍🏿

[@lifeismusikmusikislife4684]

The most impactful verse of the song.

[@3rteenthdisciple]

Baseline is sick on this track

[@hopeshorizon8317]

Forever a Classic!

[@susanhurst3292]

Rest in peace to one of the founding members of the Roots. The Roots music always been A1

[@ashsusjsjekwek8282]

RIP Malik B y'all

[@maximus215]

What a delight! I'm just so happy to have lived the greatest time for Hip-Hop. Thank you The Roots!❤

[@DJJamOfThaDose]

Blessed with Hip-Hop In This Timeline. #TheRoots

[@choptdup]

This gets even more relevant by the day absolute classic

[@mondialman]

One of the SMOOTHEST and COOLEST hip hop songs of all time!!

[@Stoney-Jacksman]

I listen to this and miss the feeling I had when I used to listen to this. So much happened in life..

[@growngrownman5950]

I'm with you and Stones. I miss it so much. It makes me happy and sad at the same time.

[@northsiderz9468]

Old Good Times:)

[@nerdbamarich2063]

James Cone same here my man...that nostalgia hits home...

[@haniveljones7404]

Stones Jones I second that homie!

[@groundswelllegitcoffeeandb3810]

Stones Jones bro! You just said it perfectly!!!

[@TBrown-mi8ik]

This song is definitely in my top five favorites of all time

[@rorywooden2429]

Greatest song ever in the 90's. I was 5 years old in elementary school when this came out. I love this video 'cause it got all the women poppin' their pussy.

[@naimalee1046]

Please God bring back those kind of music to me😍😍🔥🔥💜❤😋

[@timothecabelguen2988]

Naima Lee i hope too

[@naimalee1046]

That girl just broke something from moving her ass too hard😂😂😂😩👍

[@timothecabelguen2988]

Naima Lee lmao 😆😆 listen riders on the storm by the doors and snoop dogg it is doooope ✌✌

[@naimalee1046]

***** U think so with all the young thug new generation I don't see it..

[@naimalee1046]

***** True🙂

[@NlightenedOne1]

The best rappers in the world know Black Thought is the illest. He embodies lyrical and rhythmic perfection

[@KuttyJoe]

This is one of those hip hop songs that ages very well, like a classic R&B record.

[@youngiverson6228]

So chill

[@annlin_the_archaeologist]

I love this song SO SO SO MUCH. It basically set the tone for my entire adult life..."infinitely go against the grain".

[@shanenolan085]

I heard this on IG and LOVED this song ever since!!! Social media isnt all bad, put me onto this classic jam!

[@melkrollwz]

Windows down, warm summer night just cruising with the boys and this comes on. You just can’t stop the vibe.

[@michellerice5226]

Wheww Raphel Saadiq and that guitar...musical genius👑🎸🙌

[@TKRPMUSIC]

R.I.P. Leonard 'HUB' Hubbard on the bass... one of the greatest bassists of all time!! 🖤🙏🕊

[@ArashiKageTaro]

Black Thought IS the GOAT. Literally YOUR favorite MCs’ FAVORITE MC. Pun’s favorite MC, Big’s fav MC. Best believe Thought had/has bars on deck for EVERYONE. ANYONE could get it. Paws.

[@mhk0105]

This is one of the most perfect hip hop songs ever made.

[@chegadesuade]

The Roots were always ahead of the game itself; best hip hop group and best emcee alive. Respect to Black Thought.

[@jamboaxsum2641]

90's are the best years of hip hop! I'm glad I grew up with this music! The roots is one of the best of all times

[@chicago23cub]

100

[@ARegularCommentator]

They're the best. There is no such good lyricist as Black Thought

[@brunomalik4048]

Real hip hop "It's all contractual and about money makin'" So true

[@ajamucollins4395]

Our truest hip-hop never left the streets

[@willis2780]

This has always been my most favourite Roots joint.

[@georgemanteaw]

This beat has never left my head from the time I first heard it.

[@BOMBER_GBF_DBL_SUK_FBI]

Love that hook. Great tune of the golden era of Rap. True blue brothers. Peace n love …

[@yoshiwall5870]

Black thought is the greatest rapper of all time

[@GoodxJ]

#facts

[@368carameldelux]

Definitely top 5. I have Chuck D in that position. [Lyricist].

[@derrickhepburn528]

Yoshi Wall he's lyrical, sharp, and versatile at least very well known but to say the greatest not sure about that.

[@kurexx3424]

Yoshi Wall MF DOOM is but Black Thought Top 3

[@arnoldmhlanga3075]

THAT IS VERY TRUE...

[@darkknight7011]

"Jokes on you...you heard a bitin' ass crew."........2021 and STILL undefeated.

[@hent1438]

The Roots must be protected at all costs.........

[@hulkrules1567]

We tried 😥

[@kelligutierrez7022]

They got rid of the truth..So actually they did what everybody else did.. Get rid of the truth serker

[@dandylion2837]

How did they get rid of the truth?

[@edgargutierrez137]

Perhaps the most well structured verses and layed down lyrics in history. 💯

[@rosserjake]

Imagine if real hip-hop like this was on the radio.. the genre and culture would be given so much more respect

[@soundcheck2k7]

"Welcome to the 90s"

[@codylarkhart261]

Record Labels had other plans for "rap".

[@DavidSaintloth]

The standard bearers for the the full definition of Hip Hop. Then and Still.

[@SeeMoneyMusic]

One of my favorite songs of all time. Still inspired hearing it till this day. To me, it means to never be "normal" like regular robotic sheep type people. Forever legendary.

[@russellhoutman4853]

The Roots are classic hip hop 🔥

[@talrenmcl]

The beat is really smooth.

[@jefferythomas001]

One of dopest songs ever, (across ALL genres).

[@claytonmogashwa]

" the principles of true Hip-Hop have been forsaken it's all contractual and about money making " thank you Mr Trotter . 💯

[@AlphonsusSeketa]

Wow! The lirix relevant 👌 today more then ever . ❤ 😢

[@gtimba81]

2021 Still one of the best songs Ever.

Straight flames, Black Thought is a straight monsta. One of the greats!

[@SirAuron777]

This beat smooth af, that summer cruising vibe, bbq pool party vibe

[@imnotdone3813]

Keeping your party jumpin' with an original sumptin' REAL HIP HOP. ...my 9 to 5... This whole song, every bar, the jazzy feel, the effortlessly flow. FOREVER-REIGHN OFFICIAL AND TRUE.

[@marcelobzrv2962]

Black Thought was warning us since way back then.

[@snappy_.]

Wish kids at my high-school would get it. We need more hip hop touchin’ on the good vibes like this.

[@billybillions3351]

Frfr I’m the only 16 yr old Ik still hanging on to real music

[@The_Fonz1]

At least y’all get it. Some people grow up not getting it and never do. Keep playing that real ✌🏼❤️😁

[@kelligutierrez7022]

The fact the real video isnt around anymore is a big red flag.. This song is the truth.

[@robbyandrews223]

I was wondering where are all of the subtitles pointing out everything was, and thought i was making it up.

[@djIZNICE]

@@robbyandrews223 Thank you. i thought i was going crazy. Makes the whole video kinda pointless now.

[@neversleepgang]

I was looking like when they gonna say sparkling cider on the screen lol

[@porquefresco585]

Bro when I watch it through the TV the subtitles/descriptions are there, but when I watch it on the phone, they’re not! What kind of KZbin glitch is this??

[@SENARIO76]

I was the class of 95 wu tang, and, das efx, bigge Craig Mac that summer was I time I’ll never forget GREATEST ERA OF HIP HOP 😢😊

[@rohandavis5357]

One of the best rap group ever 💯