When rap came out 30 years ago I thought it was just a fad

The Roots are a very talented band; I'd never include them in the category of today's Rap.
They have their roots (pun intended) from Jazz, Soul, R&B, old school Rap/Hip-Hop, Rock with some multi-cultural genres thrown in.

I think the roots would make a great funk band. I hate when they do rap songs!

Agree, taters. I've seen them play here in Philly (their home town), and it's Funk/Jazz fusion.
The rapping is part of the dumbing down of music for the younger generation.

"Dumbing down of music for the younger generation"


That is a really sad comment. Unfortunately you are so right.

Dumbing down...wasn't that the original criticism of rock and roll.  Dumbed down R&B.  Each to their own dumbness.