Happy Anniversary! The Roots’ Album “Things Fall Apart” Turns 15

Yesterday, The Roots’ album Things Fall Apart turned 15 years old. Things Fall Apart was the group’s fourth studio album which was released in February 1999. This album is a landmark moment for The Roots and their collective that included Common, QuestLove, Erykah Badu, and D’Angelo. The album has been considered by music writers as The Root’s breakthrough album, earning praise from major publications and critics. Things Fall Apart includes tracks like “You Got Me” which won the 2000 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by Duo or Group.

“The Next Movement”, “Ain’t Sayin’ Nothin’ New”, and “Act Too (The Love of My Life” are also featured on the album. This also was the first album for the group to sell over 500, 000 copies. Currently, The Roots have just embarked on a new chapter, becoming the house band for The Tonight Show since Jimmy Fallon took over Jay Leno’s spot and moved the show back to New York City. But today we reflect on a piece of their legacy, the album Things Fall Apart. Happy Anniversary to hip-hop pioneers, The Roots!