Top Dawg Entertainment President Terrence “Punch” Henderson Jr. recently addressed The Roots‘ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson’s evolving commentary on Kendrick Lamar, highlighting a complex relationship between the hip-hop luminaries.
Thompson recently expressed gratitude for Lamar’s homage in the new “squabble up” music video, which referenced The Roots’ 2009 “The Next Movement” visual. “I wanna thank Kendrick Lamar for acknowledging something I thought no one saw or cared about,” Thompson shared on Instagram.
The praise marks a shift from Thompson’s earlier critique of Lamar’s high-profile rap battle with Drake in May. Thompson had expressed disappointment in both artists, suggesting their conflict prioritized antagonism over artistry. “Nobody won the war. This wasn’t about skill. This was a wrestling match level mudslinging and takedown by any means necessary,” he stated at the time.
Henderson acknowledged the previous criticism on Nov. 26, responding to Thompson’s latest comments with a pointed observation. Referencing critiques from both Thompson and Isaac Hayes’ son during the rap battle period, Henderson noted, “Boff of’em. We seen them.”
The tribute appears to have energized The Roots’ creative process. Thompson indicated the acknowledgment has motivated the group to complete their upcoming album, playfully noting on Instagram, “D—- now we GOTTA FINISH THIS LP huh? We back BABY,” he posted.
While serving as the house band for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon” over the past decade, The Roots’ members have pursued various projects. Thompson ventured into filmmaking and writing, while Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter focused on solo endeavors. Despite these commitments, the group continues work on their 15th album, drawing inspiration from artists like Common and Pete Rock.
Thompson revealed on his podcast, Questlove Supreme, that recent activity has sparked renewed creativity within the group. Trotter reportedly composed seven songs in a single day, signaling momentum toward the album’s completion. Thompson hinted at a meaningful release date in 2025, suggesting the timing would resonate with fans once revealed.
Lamar’s “squabble up” video celebrates California’s cultural heritage, incorporating elements from both Bay Area and Los Angeles scenes. The visual includes references to iconic album covers and music videos, demonstrating Lamar’s appreciation for hip-hop history while advancing his artistic vision.
The exchange between these influential figures illustrates the dynamic nature of relationships within hip-hop culture. As established artists continue to influence and critique one another while embracing emerging voices, the genre maintains its vitality and evolution.
With The Roots’ upcoming album and ongoing dialogue between generations of hip-hop artists, the community can anticipate significant developments in the coming year. These interactions between veterans and contemporary stars continue to shape the genre’s trajectory while honoring its rich history.
