The Roots feat. Bilal: NPR Music Tiny Desk Concert

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  • 게시일 2017. 11. 06.
  • Watch The Roots feat. Bilal play at the Tiny Desk.
    Did you know you can watch new Tiny Desk Concerts on npr.org ONE WEEK before they go up on KRplus? Click here: www.npr.org/tinydesk
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    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.
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  • @nprmusic
    @nprmusic  8 개월 전 +43

    Hey Tiny Desk Fans,
    Check out NPR’s Black Stories, Black Truths - a collection of podcasts hosted by journalists who speak truth to power. Our voices are as varied, nuanced, and dynamic as the Black experience. And stories should never be about us without us. Listen now: www.npr.org/podcasts/510372/black-stories-black-truths

  • @stringbean8994
    @stringbean8994 5 년 전 +9253

    My man with the Tuba hasn't stopped blowing since he walked into the room

    • @BrotherMalMusic
      @BrotherMalMusic 5 년 전 +799

      He could probably survive underwater for hours with that breath control

    • @lacaros2
      @lacaros2 5 년 전 +99

      solo de mirarlo me quedé sin oxigeno.

    • @harryaverill2877
      @harryaverill2877 4 년 전 +108

      sousaphone...
      and thats what she said

    • @Soul_Latina
      @Soul_Latina 4 년 전 +15

      JACKSON MCNALLY lmao 😂

    • @lilettex0421
      @lilettex0421 4 년 전 +80

      @JACKSON MCNALLY Lol who cares? A sousaphone is basically a tuba that wraps around you

  • @love.5198
    @love.5198 4 년 전 +3008

    This performance of "It Ain't Fair" deserves a Grammy.

  • @BradUNeed2CutIttt
    @BradUNeed2CutIttt 년 전 +220

    😳Bilal had 400 years worth of pain in that voice

    • @bluefood726
      @bluefood726 년 전 +4

      I’m black so I felt okay laughing at this because I’m laughing through the pain

    • @ronmendez-macfarland5251
      @ronmendez-macfarland5251 년 전 +5

      Bilal has always gone in.....

    • @Ishbikes
      @Ishbikes 9 개월 전 +5

      It’s called the “growl” voice. They claim it’s not good for the throat but Bilal does it so effortlessly.

  • @heyjoejp
    @heyjoejp 3 년 전 +314

    “It ain’t fair when your protector is your Predator”
    Bilal made sure we all felt that. He is incredible

    • @UltimateCheeto
      @UltimateCheeto 6 개월 전 +4

      This dude is beyond any charisma i´ve seen from a singer since maybe the likes of d´angelo in in the same age and really maybe curtis mayfield in the older times. His catalogue indeed is not well lit upon, reminisce is a masterpiece but i think this man chose a low-lit career also shining with robert glasper, where i discovered him as a nobody basically. The realness is high and maybe the realest aren´t meant for big fame. I pray he gets his tiny desk !

    • @diamondjack-cooper5322
      @diamondjack-cooper5322 3 개월 전 +1

      AMEN!

  • @TsetsiStoyanova
    @TsetsiStoyanova 4 년 전 +3347

    The tuba is a hero

  • @BrnBear
    @BrnBear 4 년 전 +2070

    Bilal didn't need to go that hard...
    He did that for us.
    He did that for us...

  • @dkmk2001
    @dkmk2001 2 년 전 +593

    As a former HBCU marching band tuba player. This dude is a certified Beast!

  • @gmikecstein
    @gmikecstein 2 년 전 +125

    11:24 : that moment when Questlove readjusts his afro pick without missing a beat. Legendary

    • @God1st924
      @God1st924 4 개월 전 +3

      It’s like Michael Jackson spin move without getting caught in the microphone cord

  • @islanddoggear
    @islanddoggear 5 년 전 +3091

    My man on the Tuba is absolutely killing these funky basslines

    • @sharasholar
      @sharasholar 5 년 전 +10

      💯

    • @cobbhc
      @cobbhc 5 년 전 +134

      The ENDURANCE.

    • @kasperz.5218
      @kasperz.5218 5 년 전 +59

      oh yeah he is so smooth and consistent - amazing skill

    • @djderizzz
      @djderizzz 5 년 전 +17

      yes sir !

    • @-Jumbus
      @-Jumbus 5 년 전 +80

      I believe its a sousaphone but you're damn right either way. Who even needs a bassist haha

  • @bigbake2k
    @bigbake2k 3 년 전 +1518

    I feel like we're making a mistake by not recognizing Bilal as the generational talent that he is. Voices like his are few and far between.

    • @darnellburtin
      @darnellburtin 2 년 전 +16

      Absolute Truth....

    • @BarathMiklos
      @BarathMiklos 2 년 전 +9

      although I haven't found music as good as this on his channel.

    • @archol6596
      @archol6596 2 년 전 +37

      @@BarathMiklos You might want to check out "Love for Sale", usually considered to be Bilal's best album

    • @stevechase2232
      @stevechase2232 2 년 전 +4

      A pure gem!!!

    • @marcusa.fromthebay7514
      @marcusa.fromthebay7514 2 년 전 +7

      If you don't recognize, then you are making that exact mistake and if, indeed you are then, SHAME ON YOU!✌🏾

  • @curiouslymavismade
    @curiouslymavismade 년 전 +233

    The Roots accomplished more in 12 minutes then most musicians have accomplished in their lifetime.

  • @BtheOutLIer
    @BtheOutLIer 11 개월 전 +12

    My boy Bilal went off.

  • @RochesterRJ
    @RochesterRJ 4 년 전 +1417

    ADVISORY: This video contains explicit good quality music.

  • @alexd2227
    @alexd2227 6 년 전 +581

    Leave it to The Roots to come play the Tiny Desk and only perform one song.
    Legendary.

    • @MistressOP
      @MistressOP 6 년 전 +6

      i like both the new stuff and old but ya.. lol one new song. only pls.

    • @klayniltasuwan7984
      @klayniltasuwan7984 6 년 전 +31

      Clearly wasn't only one song..

    • @TheRealTonyAdams
      @TheRealTonyAdams 6 년 전 +19

      How would you even follow that song up?

    • @ChristopherCJXJoseph
      @ChristopherCJXJoseph 6 년 전 +21

      Brilliant 12 minute opus...

    • @msdawg2
      @msdawg2 6 년 전 +4

      Klay Niltasuwan I hear one song with instrumental intros and outros.

  • @CloudTsuchiya
    @CloudTsuchiya 3 년 전 +50

    Omg Bilal's voice is miraculous!

  • @Nhilzer
    @Nhilzer 년 전 +40

    Black Thought is one of the best MCs we can witness to hear on this planet. Thanks NPR.

  • @Ang.143
    @Ang.143 4 년 전 +1426

    Bilal needs his own tiny desk concert. His catalogue is worthy of praise

    • @teamlean3717
      @teamlean3717 4 년 전 +20

      and when he does i'm downloading it to my phone, laptop, everything!!

    • @rtoriq
      @rtoriq 4 년 전 +39

      I have ZERO ideas why he doesn't have one yet. It's one of the most anticipated tiny desk concerts.

    • @valeo3508
      @valeo3508 4 년 전 +24

      Come on somebody,tell it his voice is a national treasure

    • @lashaphillips9919
      @lashaphillips9919 4 년 전 +4

      Sho you rite

    • @MusicIsLife11646
      @MusicIsLife11646 4 년 전 +1

      Indeed

  • @firecharger
    @firecharger 5 년 전 +3633

    More kids would wanna play the brass if they heard more music like this in their teen years

    • @briane810
      @briane810 5 년 전 +5

      Amen

    • @MiguelAcosta-up5kl
      @MiguelAcosta-up5kl 5 년 전 +3

      Fuck

    • @dankashmere5427
      @dankashmere5427 5 년 전 +2

      Dave Matthews grace is gone

    • @Yaser-ih2cx
      @Yaser-ih2cx 5 년 전 +7

      Word, that's exactly what I was thinking watching them. But hey, it's never too late too learn!

    • @firecharger
      @firecharger 5 년 전 +16

      @Carlton Beckford-Dozier I played trombone, tuba, and bugle growing up. Got a lot of love for a tight brass section

  • @johnnieluca3489
    @johnnieluca3489 2 년 전 +131

    Man. Phew. Wow. Almost 5 years and this still slaps. This'll forever be one of the greatest performances in all of music history.

  • @ShannonTheMojito
    @ShannonTheMojito 2 년 전 +31

    8:38 "I identify with Death, that don't mean it's not an uninvited guest" that hit hard

  • @qwertyismymom
    @qwertyismymom 6 년 전 +296

    Guy playing the tuba has lungs like a fucking submarine

  • @fkniga1390
    @fkniga1390 5 년 전 +3321

    Tuba Gooding Jr with those iron lungs.

    • @ericamerkin9043
      @ericamerkin9043 5 년 전 +21

      fkniga1390 Lol 😂😂

    • @AllWillFail
      @AllWillFail 5 년 전 +66

      it's a sousaphone....Sousa Gooding Jr still has a certain ring to it though.

    • @missunderstanding357
      @missunderstanding357 5 년 전 +13

      @@AllWillFail From what I understand he also plays a tuba.

    • @fkniga1390
      @fkniga1390 5 년 전 +37

      AllWillFail his twitter handle is @TubaGoodingJr

    • @DeA2875
      @DeA2875 5 년 전 +20

      You win the comments...😂😂😂😂

  • @DannySullivanMusic
    @DannySullivanMusic 2 년 전 +112

    How have I missed out on Bilal for my entire life?!? So much soul in his voice, 100% beautiful.

    • @jlou7287
      @jlou7287 년 전 +1

      that's very sad to hear, danny; however, the good news is: it's better late than never... glad you discovered magnifique bilal

    • @BabyGurlnJP
      @BabyGurlnJP 년 전 +2

      You need to start with his first album and go from there.

    • @montblancnoland1
      @montblancnoland1 년 전

      Felt that a couple years didn't know about him till I was listening to 88keys album

    • @tswagg504
      @tswagg504 4 개월 전

      @@BabyGurlnJP Facts

    • @DionJ.
      @DionJ. 개월 전

      Start from the beginning, check out his debut album and go from there.

  • @N.3242
    @N.3242 2 년 전 +216

    Tariq is the most slept on lyricist. I dont know why. Dude rhymes are sick. Blial just slayed the mic for sure. The whole set was on fire!!!

    • @cherylbesegai765
      @cherylbesegai765 2 년 전 +6

      Agreed, however the woke people have resounding appreciation for life. He steals the show IMO

    • @N.3242
      @N.3242 2 년 전 +1

      Yes!

    • @archol6596
      @archol6596 2 년 전 +16

      Wouldn't say slept on, many recognize Thought as one of the illest rhyme spitters of all time.

    • @N.3242
      @N.3242 2 년 전 +5

      He is one of the illest 4 sure!

    • @jacksoninc.4062
      @jacksoninc.4062 2 년 전 +2

      He's on my top 3 for sure

  • @FemiJohnson
    @FemiJohnson 5 년 전 +1117

    The Audio engineer did a fucking marvelous job too! Wow!!! Overall, this piece should be preserved in a museum.

    • @Jaburu
      @Jaburu 4 년 전 +9

      I wondered how they get this relativly good sund out of it. the room is actualy much bigger than it seams. One can see more of it in the blue people video

    • @_ANUJ__
      @_ANUJ__ 4 년 전 +18

      And all this is for free... I mean tiny desk wow

    • @stash1306
      @stash1306 4 년 전 +5

      Hell to the yeah

    • @lorenzobaines6222
      @lorenzobaines6222 4 년 전 +12

      Indeed. Sound never peaked or bled. Bravo to the sound engineer.

    • @PaoloC.
      @PaoloC. 4 년 전 +1

      I wonder if the musicians have any monitors, looks like they don't!

  • @BokorugroRR
    @BokorugroRR 4 년 전 +983

    NPR: "Ok guys, this is a quiet, cosy desk please keep the volume down."
    Roots: *marches in with brass band*

  • @JackieBaisa
    @JackieBaisa 년 전 +97

    I literally have buckets of tears streaming down my face. POWER and STRENGTH to the people just simply lookin' for love amidst the hate.

    • @BigCheefaDaOG
      @BigCheefaDaOG 년 전 +5

      Me too Bro💪🏾✊🏾🤝🏾

    • @MichaelTacconi757
      @MichaelTacconi757 9 개월 전 +6

      100% performances like this have always brought me to tears EASY. At 44 years of age I have only recently accepted that it isn’t a weakness that I should hide but a part of me that I should have been embracing my whole life. Its a clear sign that I really haven’t found my true self BUT IM ON MY WAY 🙏🏽

    • @oraclesma4575
      @oraclesma4575 8 개월 전 +2

      @@MichaelTacconi757 light speed!

    • @MichaelTacconi757
      @MichaelTacconi757 7 개월 전 +1

      @@oraclesma4575 appreciate you 🙏🏻

  • @denbunk7815
    @denbunk7815 10 개월 전 +9

    Bilal is dangerous

  • @Sithreis
    @Sithreis 6 년 전 +163

    That tuba sound is so clean holy hell, almost sounds like an actual bass

  • @ibieiniid4240
    @ibieiniid4240 5 년 전 +1724

    I need this tuba line to play whenever I enter a room.

  • @LACROSSECXL
    @LACROSSECXL 2 년 전 +90

    My Gee on the Tuba is setting the pocket! I love how he's the center of the entire groove! Brass dont get enough love outchea! Bilal is always an epic part of anything he lends his voice to. Black Thought is the GREATEST lyricist of our generation. Don't @ me on that. 🤷🏾‍♂️

  • @kiameshasmalls4107
    @kiameshasmalls4107 8 개월 전 +7

    This performance will always be a classic on Tiny Desk Concert and the world.

  • @doctoroctos
    @doctoroctos 5 년 전 +2176

    They should get their own show and have Fallon on as their comedy guest.

    • @boobman773
      @boobman773 5 년 전 +206

      doctoroctos or fallon could just fuck off altogether

    • @fvrs3411
      @fvrs3411 5 년 전 +115

      A transfer to Conan is much needed, a crappy talkshow host like Fallon doesn't deserve a great band like this.

    • @thebigboygun
      @thebigboygun 4 년 전 +39

      The problem is Fallon can't produce comedy

    • @SHUX-A7-13
      @SHUX-A7-13 4 년 전 +4

      doctoroctos I absolutely love that idea

    • @softhausstudio
      @softhausstudio 4 년 전 +9

      @@fvrs3411 Conan?!?!? He as never anything relevant to say AND is boring at the same time. At least Fallon is funny.

  • @martavega2860
    @martavega2860 3 년 전 +1927

    Fact: Covid 19 stands no chance against the tube guy's lungs.

  • @captainplanet5676
    @captainplanet5676 년 전 +34

    I’ve probably played this over 70 times. I want to say more but I don’t want to exaggerate. Pure Magic. Shine Strong 💪🏾 ☀️

    • @Ishbikes
      @Ishbikes 9 개월 전 +1

      Definitely “majik”

  • @izacb07
    @izacb07 3 년 전 +47

    It's been 3 years and I still can't get enough of 9:37. Goose bumps.

  • @teachtime
    @teachtime 5 년 전 +656

    For a minute Bilal had me thinking I was a black American. Then I remembered I'm an Australian with middle eastern parents 🤣🤣. But I felt that. Much love.

  • @alexisf22
    @alexisf22 4 년 전 +1206

    " people swear they woke but they walking in their sleep" preach

  • @khaosASMR
    @khaosASMR 년 전 +39

    I cry every time I hear this masterpiece. it hits your emotions like a train

    • @MichaelTacconi757
      @MichaelTacconi757 10 개월 전

      I feel you. This is pure heart, pure joy, simply amazing 🙏🏻

  • @lisastraker882
    @lisastraker882 2 년 전 +11

    Love the sister on the horn holding her own!!!!!!

  • @dan-in9kc
    @dan-in9kc 5 년 전 +2883

    I don't normally start clapping in front my computer screen.

  • @mariagabbott
    @mariagabbott 4 년 전 +288

    The moment you realise the tuba is one of the coolest instruments ever

  • @gadipurcell2119
    @gadipurcell2119 3 년 전 +35

    This gotta be the most powerful performance in npr history

  • @lilysaxhull6095
    @lilysaxhull6095 3 년 전 +19

    As Prince said ‘real music by real musicians’ . Always the best.

  • @sunnydaysatl
    @sunnydaysatl 4 년 전 +200

    Bilal is so underrated...love him since Soul Sister

  • @Fernos005
    @Fernos005 4 년 전 +345

    I think i just witnessed one of the greatest performances of all time..

  • @byang20
    @byang20 2 년 전 +9

    "Looking for justice, but it's just us." Dayum...that's too real.

  • @fabianterry532
    @fabianterry532 2 년 전 +40

    I don’t know how many times I’ve listened to this set…Bilial’s vocals😢…Black Thought’s lyrics…man I’m in a whole vibe

  • @chimcham6762
    @chimcham6762 5 년 전 +163

    Bilal has been underrated for so damn long. Him and Musiq Soulchild are everything!

    • @heyjoejp
      @heyjoejp 4 년 전 +1

      Chim Cham bilal was Musiq’s voice coach

  • @ardehlnainan3567
    @ardehlnainan3567 3 년 전 +2137

    "Because wolves disguised as sheep patrol our streets."
    Listening in May 2020, the truth in this just hurts.

    • @kahyangni6808
      @kahyangni6808 3 년 전 +26

      Crying.

    • @zackennedy
      @zackennedy 3 년 전 +32

      @@kahyangni6808 thank goodness that cop and his buddies are being prosecuted. Let's come together through music!

    • @orcuttnyc
      @orcuttnyc 3 년 전 +6

      @@zackennedy He'll get to keep his pension.

    • @narfulthegarthak
      @narfulthegarthak 3 년 전 +1

      Bill Orcutt Good, then the civil suit can be funded if he loses

    • @PaulTheBetta
      @PaulTheBetta 3 년 전 +9

      What makes you think that every police officer is a corrupt wolf?

  • @623goingnatural
    @623goingnatural 2 년 전 +15

    I can’t count how many times I have come back to watch this performance.

  • @rhondamiller1192
    @rhondamiller1192 3 년 전 +5

    That tuba player is everything!

  • @Alexxx90ism
    @Alexxx90ism 6 년 전 +1526

    That tuba better be the best paid in the band

  • @MistressOP
    @MistressOP 6 년 전 +702

    if you had told me 8 years ago.. that tiny desk was going to be the place for emerging black culture and classic rap.... id has jaw dropped. by.. lol lil tiny desk has totally become that.

    • @ApocalypseLater8
      @ApocalypseLater8 6 년 전 +8

      Miss O.P. Thank Gawd!

    • @bitterbum1
      @bitterbum1 6 년 전 +84

      Miss O.P. Yeah! The widespread respect held by NPR for different music cultures is really what makes I️t top tier for me

    • @DennisGruetter
      @DennisGruetter 6 년 전 +7

      Top. Tier!

    • @Red4350
      @Red4350 6 년 전 +5

      Npr variety!

    • @dadou7669
      @dadou7669 6 년 전 +9

      I'm french and just discover tiny desk.. Not really aware.. So, I'm curious to know.. What was tiny desk before ?

  • @stephentyler4352
    @stephentyler4352 년 전 +71

    Wow!! It feels like a spiritual experience hearing this all over again today. I needed this more than ever. Shivers went up and down my spine throughout.

  • @Cluv22
    @Cluv22 년 전 +3

    Quest AND Jeff Bradshaw AND Bilal AND Black Thought?? SOOOOOOOO much Black positive energy

  • @oneiam
    @oneiam 4 년 전 +742

    "When your protector is your predator, it ain't fair."

    • @newteetee
      @newteetee 4 년 전 +8

      Resonated

    • @felixicon
      @felixicon 4 년 전 +11

      Chilling

    • @Bydabags
      @Bydabags 4 년 전 +11

      Hit me in my soul!

    • @mizrelmizrel
      @mizrelmizrel 4 년 전 +3

      😪👏

    • @redbrown7355
      @redbrown7355 4 년 전 +15

      @One Iam
      IKR that's a dope lyric because it resonates with truth. And the crazy thing about it is that it could apply to more than just Cops. And that's the sad part.

  • @velmabell9770
    @velmabell9770 4 년 전 +494

    Bilal and the Roots are channeling the ancestors. Tears raining down, aint fair!

    • @cornellhartfield8731
      @cornellhartfield8731 3 년 전 +5

      I hear you sister

    • @grammynomineesbts1086
      @grammynomineesbts1086 3 년 전 +3

      Black thought is channelling them too.

    • @kountzer
      @kountzer 2 년 전

      I'd never heard of Bilal until I saw this video.

    • @lstoryrecords_
      @lstoryrecords_ 2 년 전

      @@kountzer check out 'bilal-soul sista' which was his first single years ago..early 2000s....'bilal-fast lane ft jadakiss' is another big song of his

    • @Monkeybread31
      @Monkeybread31 2 년 전

      @@kountzer I'm so glad you're here!

  • @verapaige7915
    @verapaige7915 년 전 +5

    bilal is a whole freakin mood

  • @tristan8922
    @tristan8922 년 전 +20

    10:44 to 11:24 is one of my favorite slices of music of all time. It’s pure catharsis.

  • @JEGHETTO
    @JEGHETTO 4 년 전 +381

    Bilal said,” AAAaaaaaaaaaaghaaaaaaaaaaghaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaAAAAH!” I feel you bro. I feel you. ✊🏾❤️🖤💚

  • @royalqdash3299
    @royalqdash3299 5 년 전 +104

    This is one of the rawest horn sections I've ever heard. Dude Is killing that Tuba... "it's all about the tuba shawty"

  • @toiaharris1
    @toiaharris1 7 개월 전 +9

    I still can't believe how powerful this whole set was!!!! The roots and Bilal really brought that emotional energy with the music & vocals 💯✊

  • @apples874
    @apples874 2 년 전 +13

    Questlove's dynamic control for playing/room awareness and his ear for the music is amazing

  • @nene5857
    @nene5857 4 년 전 +583

    Black Thought! One of the greatest lyricist ever!
    Quote me on that.

  • @carlbernard7615
    @carlbernard7615 5 년 전 +441

    'The Devil is feeding off hate, so he gaining weight' what a great line from my man Black Thought.

  • @redramjay1416
    @redramjay1416 2 년 전 +10

    I’ve listened to this prolly 97 times over the years. It might be the greatest song period. Like if someone asked me what’s your favorite song I’d show them this right here.

  • @LogHunterKaz
    @LogHunterKaz 년 전 +19

    Tiny Desk’s consistency in delivering live performances that are superior to the song’s respective studio performance is otherworldly.

  • @larryhatchett8383
    @larryhatchett8383 4 년 전 +527

    So we just gone sleep on Bilal? Bruh murdered this song, then resurrected it!!!

    • @limabima77
      @limabima77 4 년 전 +19

      Nope, loved Bilal since he came out early 2000's he is the man!!!

    • @Kevinschart
      @Kevinschart 4 년 전 +15

      who's sleeping on bilal? you?

    • @cyndih8680
      @cyndih8680 4 년 전 +15

      Larry Hatchett I snatched my wig off and wipe this face twice chile 💪🏽🔥

    • @paulwan215
      @paulwan215 4 년 전 +6

      Bilal been the shit. The Roots song water was about him

    • @macchamberlain1091
      @macchamberlain1091 4 년 전 +2

      Killed it!!

  • @msyana80
    @msyana80 6 년 전 +38

    Bilal just made me throw this wig straight at my tv !! Boy you betta sing

    • @dwaynenewsome1223
      @dwaynenewsome1223 5 년 전 +3

      I listen to this at least once a day. Looking for JUSTICE and its JUST US

    • @adg_87
      @adg_87 4 년 전 +1

      Lol!

  • @Exploringthepositive

    I cry every time I listen to It Ain't Fair. Without fail. Every. Single. Time. Unbelievable song performed by unbelievable talents.

  • @tanakaralho
    @tanakaralho 년 전 +12

    simply the best performance that ever happened in this office

  • @kevinanglim4439
    @kevinanglim4439 3 년 전 +733

    I’ve come to the conclusion that this is the greatest tiny desk concert ever. Not only is the song itself deeply meaningful and important for the times were in currently but the performances from each member of the group seems so soulful. You can really see each member put their entire self into this performance. From quest to bilal to black thought and the entire brass section I mean it was really amazing to witness. Truly amazing

    • @mamasnoopy4692
      @mamasnoopy4692 2 년 전 +8

      I agree.

    • @illegaldyo
      @illegaldyo 2 년 전 +15

      I've been coming back to this set every week for a couple years now, there's something well and truly special about it.

    • @bobpatchfr
      @bobpatchfr 2 년 전 +1

      Love is here !

    • @jasiahsfather1
      @jasiahsfather1 2 년 전 +5

      I was rocking wit Mac Miller's "Tiny" being the TALLEST until Bilal graced this stage!

    • @katlegoeluw8556
      @katlegoeluw8556 2 년 전 +1

      @@mamasnoopy4692 Me to

  • @ccjacks3
    @ccjacks3 6 년 전 +43

    Tiny Desk concerts have THE BEST live mixing. And having that many instruments just proves it. The Roots are amazing.

  • @tristan65607
    @tristan65607 년 전 +4

    i’m always most amazed by the horn section

  • @DJAlboogie55
    @DJAlboogie55 2 년 전 +6

    That Tuba player is laying down the foundation for real!!!!!! They Rocked That James Brown and the JB's joint!!!

  • @KylaCharter
    @KylaCharter 6 년 전 +69

    "When your protector is your predator" good GOD that hits hard.

  • @gm692000us
    @gm692000us 6 년 전 +174

    That horn section is nasty🔥🔥

  • @claireoubelaid1496
    @claireoubelaid1496 2 년 전 +17

    This gives me chills no matter how many times I replay...lyrics, Bilals casually electric, gritty voice, the arrangement, the rap, the wind instruments...everything is perfect

  • @ronnie771
    @ronnie771 3 년 전 +13

    It ain't fair that I'm just finding this in February 2021, watching this for the third time, fighting tears at work because of Bilal's voice & the Roots visciousness! LOVE ME SUM THEM!!!

    • @MichaelTacconi757
      @MichaelTacconi757 2 개월 전

      100% it doesn’t matter where I’m at when I end up right here, I cry tears of joy. Idk how many times I’ve been here, maybe 25-30 times. I see the same comments with the same names that I forget as soon as I leave. When I’m here though, I feel like I’m with good people. 🙏🏻

  • @umissedme2
    @umissedme2 6 년 전 +236

    *screaming internally at my desk*...because real screams are frowned upon.

    • @aakilsharif1963
      @aakilsharif1963 6 년 전 +4

      Danielle Cox 😂😂😂😂😂👌🏿

    • @mrs.stewart917
      @mrs.stewart917 6 년 전 +3

      YES! ME TOO. This is powerful.

    • @aakilsharif1963
      @aakilsharif1963 6 년 전 +4

      Mrs. Stewart did you hear black thought lyrics... like damn, he don't miss.

    • @mrs.stewart917
      @mrs.stewart917 6 년 전 +3

      Aakil Sharif He definitely didn't miss with this one.

    • @umissedme2
      @umissedme2 6 년 전 +1

      On point, on time, on topic!

  • @waltbcouncil4786
    @waltbcouncil4786 3 년 전 +412

    Crazy part is that it sounds better than the original to me.
    Top 5 Tiny Desk performance.

    • @coolb8545
      @coolb8545 2 년 전

      Never heard the original but this slaps hard I'm done

    • @MisterQuasar
      @MisterQuasar 2 년 전 +3

      It’s the best performance

    • @parabellum5503
      @parabellum5503 년 전 +4

      I will roll with top 5.

    • @Rootstroubador
      @Rootstroubador 년 전 +4

      Tiny Desk tends to do that with artists. I still hope some of these recordings end up on Spotify or Apple music.

  • @farrellcityking1
    @farrellcityking1 3 년 전 +15

    There’s a point in this performance when Bilal started to glow slightly. He was tapping into his super powers. Amazing!

  • @therainbringerponcho
    @therainbringerponcho 2 년 전 +21

    This performance is so powerful. I saw this many times and still can't watch it without getting watery eyes. This must be Bilal's greatest performance, so precise in his expression and so hartfelt, it's amazing.

  • @rickyguerra954
    @rickyguerra954 5 년 전 +65

    Man, Questlove really fixed his pick while playing the drums without skipping a beat. What a legend.

  • @SUFFDELE
    @SUFFDELE 6 년 전 +47

    Bilal came on like.. "Hello my name is Larry and I'm an Aquarius " lol too smooth

  • @ariebroek2404
    @ariebroek2404 년 전 +17

    I come back to this one again and again…what a performance…and a message🙏🙏🏽

  • @shawnclifton1892
    @shawnclifton1892 2 년 전 +18

    This was put together perfectly!!!!!!!!!!!!! Bilal and Black Thoughts killed it! The horns were Amazing! To do a song that has so Much Meaning in this way is Powerful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    • @shawnclifton1892
      @shawnclifton1892 2 년 전

      It Ain't Fair when Protector is your Predator!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Wow!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  • @RemyBeast
    @RemyBeast 4 년 전 +476

    Thank god there are still artists out there who care about the art form and the message more than the money.

    • @jayray6844
      @jayray6844 4 년 전 +1

      Trust me

    • @BedStuyBro
      @BedStuyBro 4 년 전 +1

      Amen

    • @paulwan215
      @paulwan215 4 년 전 +5

      The Roots are getting plenty money, overseas, where they actually like real music, or were before the tonight show gig. I'm from Philly, my brother who used to DJ saw Black Thought in a maroon Escalade in 1999 at 16th and Chestnut and Thought actually recorded a sound bite for him like "this is Black Thougt chilling with dj K-dub, we out here in Philly, love and peace" I think my brother ejaculated upon himself that very moment lmao. But they're real

    • @BrunoNeureiter
      @BrunoNeureiter 4 년 전

      @@paulwan215 I don't know what you're talking about lol

    • @hottchichi
      @hottchichi 4 년 전

      Paul Wanamaker they getting plenty money here too they play every where and let’s not forget they are on the Jimmy Fallon show as the house band

  • @otegadamagic
    @otegadamagic 3 년 전 +295

    Black thoughts is the most consistently conscious lyricist. i salute

  • @5estesj
    @5estesj 년 전 +18

    Bilal is so underrated.
    I
    Love
    This
    Performance!!!

  • @MichaelTacconi757
    @MichaelTacconi757 2 개월 전 +1

    100% it doesn't matter where l'm at when I end up right here, I cry tears of joy. Yeah ppl cry often, and ppl laugh a lot too but tears of joy come from your soul, they have to be envoked. Beautiful music like this is truly special. Idk how many times I've been here, maybe 25-30 times. I see the same comments with the same names that I forget as soon as I leave. When I'm here though, I feel like I'm with good people. 🙏🏻

  • @MsClutchedPearls
    @MsClutchedPearls 6 년 전 +54

    Bilal vocals on this song are amazing as usual, each time I hear the song it takes me on a journey of emotions!

  • @lyomon9981
    @lyomon9981 5 년 전 +185

    Damn Bilal came straight from the 70 s with that voice woww

  • @terrellmatthews637
    @terrellmatthews637 2 년 전 +6

    still rocking with this joint!!!!

  • @Janaya-fs8iz
    @Janaya-fs8iz 년 전 +6

    There’s cold…then there’s BILAL.
    Dude is subzero level cold.

  • @MsKikiDivine314
    @MsKikiDivine314 4 년 전 +106

    "It Aint Fair" brought me to tears, so much truth.

    • @megamrsoftee
      @megamrsoftee 4 년 전 +9

      When Bilal is pointing around the room belting out, "no," and he almost points right at the camera, it makes me feel like I have the responsibility to pay attention and do something for others in this world. Tears all over my keyboard at work for sure.

  • @l.daniels168
    @l.daniels168 3 년 전 +627

    Man, I literally cried listening to "It Ain't Fair". It's like it was written for this present day. How many times is this going to repeat? How long do we have to live like this? Fear, anger, hatred, excuses, lies, cover-ups, fake sympathy, loss lives, no justice, no peace. Why? God have mercy and help us all.......

    • @frederickwilliams387
      @frederickwilliams387 3 년 전 +18

      The present and the past are synomous

    • @ItsTheNada
      @ItsTheNada 3 년 전 +16

      This was written to reflect the entirety of US history. Not just today.

    • @rotunda40
      @rotunda40 3 년 전 +10

      I cried, screamed from the hurt 😢!!!! I looked in the mirror and saw all that cane before who were never afforded the opportunity to really live and be treated fair and with justice. It hurts!!!!! 😭😭😭

    • @MrBootle
      @MrBootle 3 년 전 +10

      They brought in the all the happiness and joy with their intro and then - BAM! Hit me with a left hook. I was a mess also… tears of deep rooted sadness and dismay 😭😭😭
      It's up to all of us to change society for the better of the many and not the few ✊

    • @OmegaSeraphim
      @OmegaSeraphim 3 년 전 +2

      Amen!

  • @lordofthestrings86
    @lordofthestrings86 4 시간 전

    This is the best "finally getting a look at the audience through sunglasses reflection" Tiny Desk that I've seen!