8. Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995): This was the record that brought the Roots to the world -- or at least as much of the world as was willing to pay attention. At the time, it was the crew's focus on musicianship and live-band dynamics that brought it the most notice; among those fans looking to see hip-hop expand its horizons, as well as those enamored by the band's heavy jazz influence, Do You Want More?!!!??! was a revelation. Really, it was the sound of an act grounded in live jams and experimentation figuring out its way around a proper studio and more cohesive song structures. For this reason, as great as it sounded back then, it falls short of what the Roots would accomplish once they got a better sense of themselves as composers. Viewed by many as their official debut, this established the original sound of the band -- as well as the musical visions and influences of Trotter and Thompson -- but it did so more by capturing their live vibe than creating a classic release. As with The Tipping Point, the tracks that stand out ("Proceed," "Mellow My Man," "Datskat," "Essaywhuman?!!!??!") really stand out, but much of the remainder tends to blend together.










































