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The Roots bring 'Phrenology' to the masses
The Roots , known as one of rap's hardest-touring acts, have laid plans to spend much of the winter on the road.
The Philadelphia-based sextet is backing its November 2002 release, "Phrenology," which debuted at No. 28 on the Billboard 200 album chart. Included on the album is the hit "Break You Off," which features R&B singer Musiq.
The "Break You Off" music video is posted at the group's official website.
Unlike most of their rap contemporaries--who rely upon samples, drum tracks and other widely used methods--the Roots play their own instruments. Their musicianship has won them critical praise, particularly for their live performances.
Band drummer ?uestlove addresses in the Roots' record-label biography his group's penchant for playing in front of an audience.
"As you know by now, touring is our bread and butter," he said. "And since we do it so much (250 nights a year are spent devoted to the road), I think that's what gives us an advantage when performing."
"Phrenology" is the follow up to 1999's "Things Fall Apart." The latter album's track "You Got Me," which features R&B singer Erykah Badu, took the 1999 GRAMMY® award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group.
