De La Soul And The Roots: Stakes Is High | The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon

In the late 90s, De La Soul and The Roots were two of the most influential groups in the world of hip-hop. They were known for their socially conscious lyrics, complex beats, and innovative approach to music. And in 2016, these two legendary groups came together on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon to perform a classic song that still resonates with fans today: “Stakes Is High.”

The performance was a powerful tribute to the legacy of hip-hop and the importance of staying true to your roots. It showcased the incredible talent of these two groups, as well as their ability to collaborate and create something truly unique and memorable.

The Legacy of De La Soul and The Roots

De La Soul first burst onto the scene in the late 80s with their debut album, “3 Feet High and Rising.” The album was a critical and commercial success, thanks to its innovative sampling, playful lyrics, and eclectic style. De La Soul quickly became known for their positive messages and their rejection of the violence and materialism that were becoming prevalent in hip-hop at the time.

The Roots, on the other hand, emerged in the early 90s with a more traditional approach to hip-hop. They were known for their live instrumentation, socially conscious lyrics, and their ability to seamlessly blend different genres of music into their sound. Over the years, The Roots have become one of the most respected and influential groups in the world of hip-hop, earning multiple Grammy Awards and collaborating with artists from a wide range of genres.

“Stakes Is High”: A Song for the Times

“Stakes Is High” was the title track from De La Soul’s 1996 album of the same name. The song was a departure from the group’s earlier, more playful style, and tackled serious issues such as police brutality, political corruption, and the dangers of the music industry.

The song’s chorus is a powerful statement on the state of hip-hop and the world at large:

The stakes is high, you know them stakes is high When we talking ’bout the dues we paying The stakes is high, you know them stakes is high When we dealing with the fallacies of life

The message of “Stakes Is High” still resonates today, as we continue to grapple with issues such as police brutality, political corruption, and the impact of the music industry on artists and fans alike.

A Memorable Performance on The Tonight Show

When De La Soul and The Roots took the stage on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, they brought the same energy and passion that had made them so influential in the world of hip-hop.

The performance began with a spoken-word introduction by Black Thought of The Roots, who set the tone for what was to come:

We are the innovators, they are the imitators We are the master builders, they are the renovators We are the creators, they are the duplicators We are the artists, they are the carbon copies We are the architects, they are the copycats We are the pioneers, they are the plagiarists

The performance then launched into “Stakes Is High,” with De La Soul’s Dave and Posdnuos trading verses over The Roots’ tight, funky groove. The energy in the room was electric, as the two groups fed off each other’s energy and passion.

At the end of the performance, Fallon could be heard exclaiming “Oh my goodness, that’s how you do it!” And he was right – the performance was a masterclass in hip-hop, showcasing the creativity, talent, and passion of two of

the genre’s most respected and innovative groups.

Staying True to Your Roots

One of the most powerful aspects of the De La Soul and The Roots collaboration on “Stakes Is High” is the message of staying true to your roots. Both groups have always been known for their commitment to social justice and their rejection of the materialistic and violent themes that have become all too common in hip-hop.

In a world where the music industry can be harsh and unforgiving, it can be easy for artists to compromise their values in order to achieve success. But “Stakes Is High” is a powerful reminder that there is more to music than just fame and fortune – that it can be a force for positive change in the world.

The collaboration between De La Soul and The Roots on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon was a powerful tribute to the legacy of hip-hop and the importance of staying true to your roots. It was a reminder that, even after all these years, these two legendary groups are still making music that is relevant, important, and inspiring.

In a world that can be chaotic and unpredictable, it is music like “Stakes Is High” that reminds us of the power of art to bring people together, to inspire change, and to make the world a better place. And for that, we should all be grateful to De La Soul, The Roots, and the countless other artists who continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in the world of music.

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