Green’s Dictionary of Slang

(US black) a sense of personal authenticity.

1968		‘Hy Lit’ Hy Lit’s Unbelievable Dict. of Hip Words 33: roots – This is the next step after soul. Some cats may have soul, but to have roots you are in line for a promotion.
1997		N. Barlay Curvy Lovebox 40: He says its traditional like a roots an’ culture thing.