Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson has spent the last three decades honing his skills as a drummer, producer, and writer. Yet before his Grammy wins and high-profile collaborations, Questlove was best known as the drummer for the Philadelphia-based hip-hop band The Roots. Explore the history and sound of the group’s beloved track, “Mellow My Man,” and learn to play some of its iconic patterns.
Organic Hip-Hop
The Roots garnered attention for their unique live-band approach to hip-hop while busking on South Street in Philadelphia. After independently releasing their debut album Organix, a collection of largely on-the-spot jams, the band signed with Geffen Records in 1993 and began work on their debut album.
“Mellow My Man” was one of the earliest songs recorded for the group’s major label debut, Do You Want More?!!!??!. In fact, the track was a holdover from Organix and resembles that album, notably in Questlove’s drumming.
The Approach
Many of the drums on Do You Want More?!!!??! were treated as sampling source material. Producer Kelo Saunders took Questlove’s performances, fed them into hardware, and looped sections. This approach helped the songs feel less like live performances and more in line with the dusty works of producers like DJ Premier, Pete Rock, and Q Tip. “Distortion To Static” and the title track utilize this approach.
By contrast, “Mellow My Man” features natural drum production. Rather than looping sections, the drumming on “Mellow My Man” feels like a complete live take from start to finish. Simple as the track may appear on the surface, Questlove’s playing and arrangement demand a deep dive.
"Rather than looping sections, the drumming on 'Mellow My Man' feels like a complete live take from start to finish."
The Style
Questlove is known for his signature push-pull approach of playing behind the beat. He attributes the style to the drum programming of the late great beatmaker J Dilla. However, in the early days of the Roots, his approach was tighter and more on top of the beat. “Mellow My Man” exemplifies this with a breezy drum part that perfectly complements the laidback mood.
The Sound
Any great recorded drum sound is a result of two factors: outstanding performance and excellent engineering. The band recorded all the tracks at Sigma Sound Studios, a legendary Philadelphia recording studio known as the home of the ’70s Philly sound. Countless legendary soul artists worked here, many with the producer duo Gamble and Huff. In addition, it was also the studio of choice for the likes of David Bowie, Madonna, and ZZ Top.
On “Mellow My Man,” Questlove’s snare and toms are tuned high, like Clyde Stubblefield and John “Jabo” Starks of the JBs. The snare drum has a lively crack and stands out in the mix.
"The Roots’ concept was to take the sample-based style of its heroes and apply it to a live band setting."
Power Mix
After recording, the band sent the tapes to Bob Power for mixing. Power worked with many of The Roots’ biggest influences, notably A Tribe Called Quest. On “Mellow My Man,” Power’s mix provides Questlove’s drums with a booming impact. In keeping with his trademark sound, the recordings have an impressive amount of low-end while maintaining a crisp sheen.
The Main Groove
The Roots’ concept was to take the sample-based style of its heroes and apply it to a live band setting. In the early to mid-’90s, many beatmakers relied on sampling drum breaks from ’60s and ’70s soul and funk records. Like many of the tracks on the album, the “Mellow My Man” drums maintain the spirit of classic breaks.
The song’s introduction features the group’s primary MC, Black Thought, setting the stage while Questlove keeps a sparse, steady pulse. With a simple kick, hi-hat, and snare, Questlove’s initial groove evokes the opening break of Melvin Bliss’ “Synthetic Substitution.” Driving, syncopated, and super stylish, the part delivers a sense of familiarity while keeping things fresh.
The Mutes
At the 33-second mark, the drums drop out for roughly one bar, a nod to sample-based beatmaking. Questlove’s brief pause accents Black Thought’s exclamation at that moment, much like a sampler mute. Details like this aligned The Roots with their inspirations and peers: A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, and Gang Starr.
"Flexing their versatility, the band pivots to a somewhat unexpected hard-bop breakdown as the song moves towards the halfway point."
Middle Section
Flexing their versatility, the band pivots to a somewhat unexpected hard-bop breakdown as the song moves towards the halfway point. Upright bass, flutes, and trumpets accompany Black Thought as his delivery becomes more free-form, with Questlove following. The drumming in this section is the loosest part of the song, but it still retains focus and confidence.
Take Us Home
The break returns to the central groove, and the drums remain relatively similar throughout the rest of the song. A part as good as this is enough to carry a track. As with all his choices, Questlove proves that in the world of drumming, less is more.
How to Play "Mellow My Man"
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"Mellow Out" Kit for TD-17 and TD-27
Modeled on Questlove’s drum sound from the 1995 hip-hop album Do You Want More?!!!??! by The Roots. This kit is designed for playing along with the track “Mellow My Man.”
