The Roots October 3, 2007

The Philadelphia based group, The Roots, showed the way for live rap, building on Stetsasonic's "hip-hop band" philosophy of the mid-'80s, by focusing on live instrumentation at their concerts and in the studio. Although their album work has been inconsistent, more intent on building grooves than pushing songs, The Roots' live shows are among the best in the business. The Pharcyde are an influential alternative rap quartet from South Central Los Angeles, comprised of MCs/producers Tre "Slimkid" Hardson, Derrick "Fatlip" Stewart, Imani Wilcox and Romye "Booty Brown" Robinson. Chicago rapper Rashid Lynn, known as Common, is currently touring to support his album, 'Electric Circus.' Rather than use hard posturing or cartoon gangster themes, Common expresses himself with intelligence and a subtle sense of humor.