The Roots feat. Bilal: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert
Watch The Roots feat. Bilal play at the Tiny Desk.
Did you know you can watch new Tiny Desk Concerts on ONE WEEK before they go up on YouTube? Click here:
Follow NPR Music:
Twitter:
Instagram:
Oct. 30, 2017 | Abby O’Neill -- Can you believe it? Yes, those are The Roots packed behind the Tiny Desk. Black Thought, Questlove and the crew carved out a few hours in their hectic Tonight Show schedule to visit NPR headquarters in Washington D.C. Why travel four hours for a 12-minute concert when you own the late-night airwaves? The answer can be found in the lyrics to The Roots’ new song, “It Ain’t Fair.“
Armed with the incredible vocalist Bilal, The Roots performed the signature track from Detroit, a film about the race riots in 1967. “It Ain’t Fair“ glares unflinchingly, takes a knee and raises a fist against the societal construct that has systematically denied equality of experience to those “presumed inferior,“ to quote one of Bilal’s verses. And it achieves all this while covering its heart with its right hand. This reflective hymn tenderly yanks your heart strings and offers a window into the ethos of those who would like to stand for the flag but cannot in good principle, lest these same evils continue to exist.
Those lucky enough to be in the Tiny Desk audience witnessed masters at work. Black Thought is truly one of the most intelligent emcees ever, and his razor-sharp lyricism was on full display. Questlove, a musical and cultural historian nonpareil, was both a metronomical and moral anchor. It felt like the culmination of decades of academic rigor and boom-bap sessions, fittingly backed by a seven-piece horn section. Bilal’s falsetto-laced vocals and warm resonance evoked powerful messaging reminiscent of Curtis Mayfield’s “Don’t Worry,“ delivered with the eccentricity of Prince.
Late last year, Common premiered “Letter to the Free“ at the Tiny Desk and later won an Emmy for the song. It wouldn’t surprise me if “It Ain’t Fair“ becomes another award-winning performance when the Oscars roll around early next year. This is a song that deserves to be heard in the millions of households that watch The Roots every night.
Set List
“It Ain’t Fair“
MUSICIANS
Curtis L. Jones Jr (Trombone), Arnetta Johnson (Trumpet), Hiruy E. Tirfe (Sax), Richard L. Tate II (Sax), Joseph Streater (Trumpet), Norman J. Bradshaw (Trombone), Damon Bryson (Sousaphone), Ahmir (Questlove) Thompson (Drums), Tarik (Black Thought) Trotter (Emcee), Bilal Oliver (Vocals)
CREDITS
Creative Director: Bob Boilen; Producers: Abby O’Neill, Morgan Noelle Smith; Audio Engineer: Josh Rogosin; Videographers: Morgan Noelle Smith, Maia Stern, Kara Frame, Alyse Young; Photo: Claire Harbage/NPR
For more Tiny Desk concerts, subscribe to our podcast.
1 view
48
9
2 months ago 00:04:12 1
In This Moment - “Roots“ [Official Video]
2 months ago 01:00:00 1
KULTTUURIN SYNTY/ SUOMEN HISTORIA
2 months ago 00:00:34 1
Shin Megami Tensei 5 Vengeance - Dazai Gameplay
2 months ago 00:21:56 1
第十一代 大樋長左衛門の陶芸 Ohi Chozaemon IX Japanese Master Hand
2 months ago 00:10:55 1
SEVEN DEADLY SINS - Escanor VS Estarossa Live Action Fight | RE:Anime
2 months ago 00:01:03 1
Alien: Romulus | Teaser Trailer
2 months ago 00:03:06 1
Invincible: Guarding the Globe Hack/Mod - How to Get Unlimited Gems! iOS Android
2 months ago 00:11:22 1
The Ultimate Retro GT Collection Tour With Hans Rey
2 months ago 00:39:08 1
BBOY MUSIC LORDS OF THE FLOOR BREAKDANCE MIX 2000s // BREAKING BATTLE MIXTAPE
2 months ago 00:03:42 1
MANUDIGITAL - Digital UK Session Ft. Tippa Irie “All the Time“ (Official Video)
2 months ago 00:40:11 1
BARRY LONG ≡X≡ CUTTING EDGE 1/4
2 months ago 00:05:28 1
BARRY LONG ≡X≡ ONLY STILLNESS CAN RESTORE LOVE & LIFE
2 months ago 00:15:59 1
BARRY LONG ≡X≡ THERE IS A SOLUTION TO EVERYTHING
2 months ago 00:01:00 1
Great idea to propagate Lemon tree by air layering using a Carrot🥕 #propagate_lemon_tree
2 months ago 00:13:00 1
IN-SHADOW - A Modern Odyssey - Animated Short Film
2 months ago 00:04:03 1
Myriad Celestia Trailer — “Kyoden: A Cleave Across the Transient World“ | Honkai: Star Rail
2 months ago 00:03:25 1
Official Reveal Trailer | Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare
2 months ago 00:09:56 1
Rating The Best Dropshipping Suppliers (3-5 Day Shipping)
2 months ago 00:00:15 1
240411-Fist on the back and vibrating arm.
2 months ago 07:30:00 1
| HEAL & CLEANSE ALL 7 CHAKRAS 🌎 Earth Star Frequency Meditation Music To Relax Mind, Body
2 months ago 00:35:18 1
7 Chakras Mantra Chanting Meditation LAM VAM RAM YAM HAM OM AUM
2 months ago 00:04:53 1
Lullaby Of Birdland (Ella Fitzgerald / Jazz Standard) feat. Amber Woodhouse
2 months ago 00:03:53 1
La Bamba (Los Lobos) feat. Andrés Calamaro | Playing For Change | Song Around The World
2 months ago 00:12:00 1
The magic secret for the orchid to take root quickly no one has shared