The Roots

Lyrics

[Intro]
Uh, uh, come on, S-P in the
Up north into the NYC and the, out West
And to niggas in Cali and the
Down South type dynamite
What, yo, yo, come on, dynamite, dynamite
Uh, check it out, uh, uh
A-yo, yo, yo, yo, yo

[Hook x2]
Check it out
Eve-ry, bo-dy! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite
C'mon! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite
C'mon! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite

[Verse 1: Black Thought]
Yo, check it out!
In-in-tro-tro-duc-ducin' the sole missin' link
What could MC's who listen think?
It's Black Thought, open your eyes and don't blink
Yo! To rock this mic is like a basic instinct
But yo, in-in-tro-tro-duc-ducin'

[Verse 2: Rehani Sayed]
Rehani, the mic champion, more than a step beyond
Motherfuckers sweatin' me, beggin' me just to get me on
Macro-cosmic, micro-master
[Verse 3: Black Thought]
A-yo, I'm all the way, way, Phil-Phil-lay-lay
People wanna see the way the Illadelph play
Yo, look in the mirror, watch what yourself say
I'm from S-P, no mortal man can test me!
Thought, I keep 'em in-line-ean, upper echelon-ean
Heineken, hold the rhymin' in, flows remindin' 'em
Cats that hit me up, some shit from back in the past
Your half-steppin' ass could never fathom or grasp 'cause...

[Verse 4: Rehani Sayed]
A-yo, we got a doctorate in cold-rockin' it
Bringin' this apocalype, nigga, you mad topical
*Hctib* my raps tricks your optical
Mr. Superficial, I'm rippin' apart your heart tissue
This is your official dismissal, I don't study the artificial
Who fuckin' with the dark crystal? Yo, where are is you?!
I'm movin' like a smart missile, aimed and guaranteed to hit you

[Verse 5: Black Thought]
Word up, but when the Fifth do get on and perform, you in for it
It ain't no way to cen-sor it
My style metaphoric to bricks and ten-ton stacks hard to lift
The artist comin' out the Fifth darkness!

[Verse 6: Rehani Sayed]
We go back like ancients, while you ain't shit
Subterranean, never against the gradient
Afro-American/half-Pleiadian
In your universe, my star's the most radiant
[Hook x2]
Check it out
Eve-ry, bo-dy! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite
C'mon! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite
C'mon! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite

[Verse 7: Black Thought]
A-yo, it's all the way live from 2-1-5
Plus admission is denied, so just wait outside
Two extremes collide like Jekyll and Hyde
And I provide you with the swerve you need, but take heed
You travellin' at light speed, iller than adventures you might read
Official original breed, The Justice League
Yo, it's the P-5-D style fashionist
Other MC's — they actresses!

[Verse 8: Rehani Sayed]
Yo, Mr. High-post, you 'bout to get shot down
Tryna fly above this Illa-Fifth compound
You've known since the get-go, I rock your disco
Ain't nobody badder, but yo! You get my gist, so
See? I represent, so you gotta squint
As far as how I really do it, you incognizant
We causin' nuisance and get in-decent, so save your two cent
Don't come in my district kickin' that *bullshit*
[Verse 9: Black Thought]
Yo, your simplistic limited clique get lyrically lifted, touchin' the Fifth shit
Trenches of the mentally twisted that you enlisted
'Five' was the emblem on the mic you got hit with

[Verse 10: Rehani Sayed]
And I stomp ya, 'til you call me conqueror
Back-slappin' all them niggas that slept
Thinkin' that Elo could ever disappear, I'm strippin' they veneer
Wit' this non-ether reefer, quite frequent premiere

[Hook x4]
Check it out
Eve-ry, bo-dy! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite
C'mon! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite
C'mon! Touch this Illa-Fifth dynamite

If there's one thing that The Roots are known for, it's their ability to deliver hard-hitting, energetic tracks, and "Dynamite!" is no exception. This explosive song, featuring the talented ELO the Cosmic Eye, is a true masterpiece that showcases the artistry and creativity of this legendary hip-hop group. Produced by the renowned Jay Dee, "Dynamite!" is a standout track from their classic album "Things Fall Apart." So, let's dive deeper into this electrifying song and explore its unique qualities that make it a must-listen for any music enthusiast.

...

About Dynamite!

"Dynamite!" takes listeners on a wild ride from the very first second. From the opening notes, you're immediately hit with a powerful sense of energy and excitement. The fusion of The Roots' dynamic rhymes and ELO the Cosmic Eye's mesmerizing vocals creates an irresistible combination that captivates the audience from start to finish.

This track brilliantly samples "Nirvana - Indiana," infusing it with new life and transforming it into something entirely fresh and original. The Roots masterfully blend elements from different musical genres, creating a sound that is uniquely their own. This ability to seamlessly integrate diverse influences is what sets them apart as true pioneers of their craft.

One of the standout features of "Dynamite!" is its infectious rhythm. The beat is intricately layered, with each element working in perfect harmony to drive the song forward. The Roots' signature percussions are complemented by a stunning array of instruments, creating a multi-dimensional and engaging auditory experience. It's impossible to stay still while listening to this track – it's just too enthralling.

But it's not just the musicality that makes "Dynamite!" truly special. The lyrics are equally powerful, delivering a poignant message that resonates with listeners on a deeper level. The Roots have always had a knack for tackling important social issues through their music, and this song is no exception. Through their thought-provoking verses, they shed light on the struggles faced by marginalized communities, urging listeners to take action and create positive change.

As with many of The Roots' songs, "Dynamite!" is infused with their signature high-energy performance style. Their delivery is electric, with an intensity that is unmatched. Their powerful presence on the track is further enhanced by the captivating vocal prowess of ELO the Cosmic Eye, whose soulful and emotive singing adds a layer of depth and emotion.

Another aspect worth mentioning is the expert production by Jay Dee. Known for his innovative and boundary-pushing work, Jay Dee injects "Dynamite!" with his distinctive style, further elevating the song to a whole new level. The production perfectly encapsulates the raw energy and spirit of The Roots, creating a sonic landscape that is both vibrant and captivating.

What truly makes "Dynamite!" shine is the way it encapsulates the essence of The Roots' artistry. Through their impeccable musicianship, captivating lyricism, and infectious energy, they deliver a track that is not only enjoyable to listen to but also thought-provoking and impactful. It's a testament to the group's enduring influence on the hip-hop landscape and their ability to continually push the boundaries of the genre.

In a nutshell, "Dynamite!" is a tour de force that showcases the immense talent of The Roots and ELO the Cosmic Eye. With its explosive energy, infectious rhythm, and socially conscious lyrics, this track is a testament to the enduring power of music as a form of expression and a catalyst for change. If you're looking for a song that will get your heart pumping and your mind racing, look no further than "Dynamite!" by The Roots.

• Release Date: February 23, 1999
• Artist: The Roots