Questlove and The Roots crew are still struggling to find their place on a label accustomed to putting out typical hip hop records. In an interview with Billboard, Quest detailed the ongoing troubles and disconnect between The Roots and Def Jam in relation to their new album "Rising Down".
"He [Def Jam head L.A. Reid] has no idea that 'Birthday Girl' isn't even on the album," Thompson told Billboard. "They don't know we shot the 'Rising Down' video. They just know they approved an (electronic press kit) budget."
The "Birthday Girl" single featured Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump, and although Def Jam Execs loved it the fans hated it. The negative reaction caused Quest to take the track off of the final version of the album. The group has experienced success in the past, but recent albums have suffered low sales.
"At a time, it was safe to be the Roots," Thompson told Billboard. "Now as each album goes by, the risk of annihilation becomes closer and closer. That's why this album is almost our defining moment."
No matter what happens from here on out, Quest says he's happy with the way they've handled their careers.
"If someone asked me, 'Do you want to release two albums and sell over 2 million copies, or do you want a 20-year career but none of your records will sell over 500,000 units?,' that's a tough question. But, looking back, I wouldn't change a thing."
My Trusted MOGs
I'm looking forewords to the colaboration piece with ?uest and Al Green. Should be pretty damn good.
My Trusted MOGs
I was happy to see that there was no Fallout Boy on the album when I picked it up today. I heard that song, I didn't think it was awful... but I also assumed the motivation to make a track like that was not from ?uest, Black Thought, et al but the label. This further establishes ?uestlove & co are in it for their current fans... and not necessarily to gain notoriety among the Top 40 crowd.
My Trusted MOGs
i love judgement just as much as the next guy, but the roots coming to be annihiliated...ummm...collabo?
My Trusted MOGs
Mr. Frost!!!, You are up on everything ,kid. I appreciate you and your mouse-like investigation.
My Trusted MOGs
Frost has got hella g is why
My Trusted MOGs
love them.
My Trusted MOGs
Love 'em, but i don't think there's a choice on the sales question..when it comes to sales of music (not merch or tix) expectations need to be lowered.