The Roots
Philadelphia's live hip-hop institution since the late '80s: Black Thought's marathon verses over Questlove's drums, a band that has never needed a backing track.
Tariq Trotter and Ahmir Thompson met at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, where Thompson played bucket drums and Trotter rapped over them on street corners. Their first organized show came at a 1989 school talent contest under the name Radio Activity, which changed several more times, through Black to the Future and The Square Roots, before settling as The Roots in 1992.
Rapper Malik B. and bassist Leonard "Hub" Hubbard joined before the group's first album. Unable to get traction in Philadelphia, the band moved briefly to London and released its debut, Organix, independently in 1993, building a following in Europe through touring before signing to DGC/Geffen.
Their major-label debut, Do You Want More?!!!??!, arrived in 1995 with beatboxer Rahzel and keyboardist Scott Storch newly added to the lineup. Its opening track described the band's own sound as "organic hip hop jazz," pairing East Coast hip-hop with Storch's Fender Rhodes and guest saxophone.
Albums including Things Fall Apart and Phrenology carried that musicianship-first approach forward. Black Thought's verses are dense and technically exact, delivered without pause for effect, while Questlove's drumming holds the arrangements to a pocket.
Since 2009 the group has served as house band on Jimmy Fallon's late-night shows, backing guests across every genre while continuing to record and tour under their own name.
The Roots at a glance
Where is The Roots from?
The Roots is from Philadelphia, PA.
What kind of music does The Roots play?
The Roots is tagged hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul.
What festivals has The Roots played before?
The Roots has played NC Folk Festival 2026.
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