Thoughts on Being White | The History of Rap Pt. 3 | Justin Timberlake, Jimmy Fallon, and The Legendary Roots Crew

I remember when the Roots announced that they would be the house band for the new Jimmy Fallon show. Fans of the Roots were split down the middle with one half hailing the announcement as a triumph of quality hip hop over the Nelly's and Diddy's of the world (No diss to Diddy or Nelly... We still wear band aids under or eyes at the WUW? office). The other half fainted in fear that the torch bearers of musical tradition had sold out. 

It seems to us that this partnership has worked out well for both the band and Jimmy Fallon - who has gone from awkward, "how long will this show stay on television to the post- "is rap music good or bad" discussion era's late night reflection of a generation. It's the Arsenio Hall show for a generation in which white parents attend Rob Base concerts and preach to their kids that Soulja Boy is no Sir-Mix-A-Lot. 

Yes much has changed for white people. Rap music can be enjoyed without "trying to be black" and the Roots can perform the history of rap with the ultimate symbol of white, urban coolness and not lose their credibility. 

If only MC Hammer and Vanilla Ice could have released albums in 2011... 

Still Rockin Hammer Pants,

WhatUpWally?