New ?uest for Roots Drummer
Photography has become a passion for Roots drummer Ahmir “?uestlove” Thompson... read more
Found in: Music, FeaturesThe Roots: Rising Down
When The Roots aren’t coiling slow jams around... read more
Found in: Music, ReviewsThe Roots plot four-month tour, appear everywhere
The Roots, autism awareness, a faux-conservative talk-show host, tax day and picnics. Now there are five things that you likely haven't seen together in one sentence, well, maybe ever. But in this instance, they have more in common than you'd every guess. The Philadelphia hip-hop group that pioneered a live, on-stage backing band to support MC Black Thought's rhymes appeared recently on Comedy Central's "Night of Too Many Stars," a benefit in support of Autism Awareness Month. The Roots love the children. On tax day, The Roots appeared on Stephen Colbert's show as he broadcasted (for the first time ever)... read more
Found in: Music, NewsThe Roots, Gnarls, Deerhoof to picnic in Philly this summer
On June 7, The Roots will host a picnic/music festival extravaganza in their hometown of Philadelphia. Boasting acts like Gnarls Barkley, Deerhoof, Philly native Diplo and Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings, and set on the shores of Delaware River, the picnic is certain to be a huge draw this summer for the City of Brotherly Love. Be sure to check out the Liberty Bell (which should take a few minutes), run up the Rocky stairs (which may take more than a few minutes), and hit up the National Constitution Center (which, appropriately, houses the U.S. Constitution) while you're there.... read more
Found in: Music, NewsTV on the Radio and The Roots collaborate on Soundtrack
In a showdown of iconic ’fros and killer grooves, The Roots vs. TV On The Radio would be quite a contest. OK Player (via Pitchfork) recently reports that TVOTR’s Tunde Adebimpe and Kyp Malone have teamed up in the studio with The Roots crew. The group recorded a track for the forthcoming Soundtrack for a Revolution documentary. The film, which is being produced and directed by Bill Guttentag and Dan Sturman with the help of Blacksmith Corp founder Corey Smyth, will feature contemporary musicians performing Civil Rights era freedom songs, “songs originally sung by civil rights protesters in mass meetings,... read more
Found in: Music, NewsThe Roots announce big-name collaborators for new album
Take a legendary hip-hop group, add one rapper/actor, mix with a popular rock 'n' roll frontman and add a sprinkle more of hip-hop MC/film star, and you what do you get? Why, the forthcoming album from The Roots, of course. Rising Down will include contributions from Mos Def, Common and Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump. The album will mark the first collaboration between the landmark hip-hop group and Stump, whereas Mos Def and Common both appeared on The Roots' breakthrough album, Things Fall Apart, in 1999. Not much else is known about the group's follow-up to 2006's critically... read more
Found in: Music, NewsThe Roots to tour with Big Daddy Kane
Things fall apart, but bands go on tour. And The Roots, currently performing the on the Rock the Bells tour, have announced a bunch of fall shows with Big Daddy Kane and MC Lyte. Also, for those cheeseheads out there so inclined, the Philadelphia hip-hop machine will be playing two Wisconsin shows with Dave Matthews Band at the end of August. Out on the horizon, ?uestlove and the rest of The Roots have been working with soul legend Al Green on a duets album reportedly featuring Anthony Hamilton, D’Angelo, and possibly Joss Stone. Look for the tentatively titled Duets Album... read more
Found in: Music, NewsThe Roots play the streets of South Africa
On their current world tour, The Roots took it to the streets in South Africa. For the first time in their career, the rap group visited South Africa shortly before Christmas. Using a flatbed truck as a stage, they played on the streets of neighborhoods in Johannesburg, Capetown and Durbin. The band’s tour, which will take them to Japan before they hit North America in February, will continue through April. 1/12 Osaka Japan @ Blue Note 1/13 Osaka Japan @ Blue Note 1/15 Tokyo Japan -On Air East 1/16 Tokyo, Japan - On Air East 1/... read more
Found in: Music, NewsRoots Grammy Party Exclusive
Given the legendary pomp, grandiosity, and catty exclusivity of many Grammy parties, The Roots’ now-annual low-key jam session is, in and of itself, welcome for the sheer thoughtfulness of its concept... read more
Found in: Concerts, ReviewsThe Roots to Perform at We the Planet Festival
The Roots, Michelle Shocked, Third Eye Blind, Mickey Hart, The Coup and others still to be confirmed will perform at this year’s second annual We the Planet Music and Activism Festival at the Henry J. Kaiser Convention Center in Oakland, Calif. The event will take place on Nov. 13 and will be organized by Julia Butterfly Hill’s non-profit organization, Circle of Life, which seeks to activate people through education, inspiration and connection to live in a way that honors the diversity and interdependence of all life. This year’s festival grounds will highlight non-profit organizations that demonstrate strong environmental and social... read more
Found in: Music, News
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