Click Click: The Roots @ 9:30 Club
The Roots are known as one of the best live music acts in the world, and for good reason. It was clear from the first song last night at the 9:30 Club, as the tempo slowly rose from a mellow rhyme accompanied by a simple beat to a full-band barrage of hip-hop stylings, that the tone was set for the rest of the night. Black Thought, Questlove and Co. brought it from that point on, proving to those in attendance that a recipe of great instrumentals and flowing lyrics is certain to equal success.
For the past two nights, the legendary Roots crew entertained those lucky enough to score tickets to the sold-out 9:30 Club shows with their unique live blend of hip-hop, jazz, funk and, naturally for the location, the occasional go-go beat. Ripping through a setlist on Wednesday that ranged from their humble beginnings to their latest release — as well as improvising and inviting multiple guests on stage through the night — it was evident from the start that The Roots simply love to perform in front of a crowd.
What could’ve been the highlight of the night was the inclusion of “You Got Me.” One of the band’s most marketable songs — due in part to the female vocals provided by Erykah Badu — “You Got Me” undoubtedly pleased the crowd, and seemed to add some romance to the air, bringing dates a little closer together. What made it a bit disappointing for me was the chorus; sung by an unknown guest who just didn’t have the soulful range of Badu, the song left me wishing for the studio version for the first and only time all night.