Illadelph Halflife
Illadelph Halflife is the Roots’ third studio album, released 24 September 1996 on DGC and Geffen Records. It features a tougher and broader sound than Do You Want More?!!!??! (1995), integrating programmed drums and guest contributions from R&B musicians including Amel Larrieux and D'Angelo, and jazz musicians including David Murray, Steve Coleman, Cassandra Wilson, and Graham Haynes. Its production is grimy and haunting, shaped by Wu-Tang Clan and RZA’s influence, and replete with samples from old jazz and classical music. The multi-track tapes used to mix the album were destroyed in a 2008 fire at the Universal Studios back lot, though the original 1996 master tape remains unaffected. It was the group’s first album to break the Top 40 on the Billboard 200 chart. ‘What They Do’ was their first single to reach the Top 40 (No. 34); ‘Clones’ was their first to reach the top five on the rap charts. Scott Storch left the band and was replaced by Kamal Gray. Collaborators included Common, D'Angelo, and Q-Tip — foundational to the Soulquarians and the neo-soul association.