The Roots Archives - Rolling Out

Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots is putting his movie director’s cap on once again and will film a documentary on musician Sly Stone. Common is also one of the executive producers of the film which will be released through MRC Non-Fiction. “It goes beyond saying that Sly’s creative legacy is in my DNA. It’s…

Prince Markie Dee of the groundbreaking ’80s hip-hop group The Fat Boys died on Thursday, Feb. 18, at the age of 52 of congestive heart failure. He died one day before his 53rd birthday. Born Mark Morales in Brooklyn, Prince Markie Dee, and his group members, Damon “Kool Rock-Ski” Wimbley, and Darren “Buff Love” Robinson…

Verzuz is switching up the script for their latest music battle. To promote the upcoming competition, they’ve posted a billboard on the Apollo Theater in New York City that mysteriously reads “D’Angelo V. Friends.” While the details haven’t been released, some of his musical friends that he’s collaborated with in the past have included Erykah…

The Roots’ Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson premiered his new movie Summer of Soul (… Or When the Revolution Could Not Be Televised) during Sundance’s virtual screening this pastweekend. The movie takes an in-depth look at the Harlem Cultural Festival which has been described as a pre-Coachella music gathering. The Harlem Cultural Festival, also referred to as…

Hip-hop pioneer Kurtis Blow has been released from the hospital after undergoing a successful heart transplant in December. “Yes I have received a healthy heart – my donor was 34 – and God is still in the miracle business- thank you everyone for your prayers,” Blow announced on Twitter this week. The heart transplant organization,…

The hip-hop community is in mourning today as it was announced that Malik B, one of the founding members of The Roots, has died at the age of 47. His death was confirmed Wednesday, July 29, by family members and music colleagues, including The Roots’ his partner in rhyme Black Thought. The Philly rapper’s cousin,…

As the global pandemic continues, the 2020 Roots Picnic has announced it’s going to host its celebration virtually this year. Although the annual music festival started by the iconic hip-hop group The Roots is typically a highlight of the summertime in Philadelphia, the event will still be impactful. While the event will remain rooted in…

Some of the best moments come from impromptu changes. Common was slated to open for legendary hip-hop band The Roots, Friday, July 27, at Detroit’s Chene Park. But inclement weather grounded lead MC Black Thought’s plane in New York. After an almost two hour delay, Common hit the stage. The emcee, actor and activist, reminded us why we…

Finally, after 25 years in the industry, Black Thought released Stream of Thought Vol. 1, his first solo project with producer 9th Wonder and The Soul Council.

Summer and Chicago are having a hard time finding each other right now, but Jill Scott and The Roots were able to bring some heat with them to Ravinia Friday, June 22. I think I’ve seen The Legendary Roots Crew more than 10 times over the years, and it feels like their show gets stronger with…

The Roots continued hosting their annual Jam Sessions during the week of the Grammy Awards. On Jan. 27, the world’s greatest hip-hop band hosted the finale at The Gramercy in New York. The Jam Sessions featured several prominent artists performing with legendary Roots crew. The evening began with Jussie Smollet and North Carolina emcee, Rapsody.…

The Roots kicked off their 10th annual Roots Picnic at the Festival Pier in Philadelphia. This year’s headlining acts included Jeezy, 21 Savage, Solange, and Pharrell, who rocked his set with the legendary Roots crew. Rolling out was on hand to capture every moment. View exclusive images below: Solange performs “F.U.B.U.” Pharrell and Black Thought.…

Migos stopped by the Tonight Show to perform “Bad and Boujee” with Jimmy Fallon and The Roots using nothing but office supplies. Trust me, it’s worth the watch.

What a perfect ending to SXSW 2017. Bud Light presents, “The Roots and Friends Jam Session” was unquestionably one of the best music showcases of the festival. Fans sonically traveled back in time to the ’90s hip-hop era one artist at a time. The Roots are notorious for having surprise guests at their concerts, but…

AAHH! Fest put an exclamation mark on a historic weekend in Chicago. Chicago was the hub of hip-hop for the weekend and many notable artists made their way to the city to celebrate peace and love. Common, Donda’s House, and The Common Ground Foundation celebrated the second year of AHHH! Fest by raising money for the…

The Roots performed in Chicago at the Taste of Chicago. Taraji P. Henson and Jussie Smollett from the hit show “Empire” enjoyed the show from backstage.

The Roots showed Chicago what a hip-hop band could do at Taste of Chicago by delivering dopeness on the stage of the Petrillo Music Shell in Grant Park. Young and old, Black and White filled the area anticipating the first note from the legendary band. Before that happened Chicagoans got a treat from hometown hero…

The Roots were in concert in Atlanta for the last stop of the Martell Vanguard Experience at the Tabernacle. The Martell Vanguard Experience is a continued platform in partnership with The Roots celebrating success, while highlighting Martell’s exceptional portfolio. Throughout the evening guests enjoyed specialty cocktails on behalf of Martell Cognac, which highlighted the unique…

Questlove of the hip-hop band The Roots is remembering his father, Lee Andrews, who died at the age of 79. Andrews was the lead singer of a Philadelphia doo-wop group, Lee Andrews & the Hearts. Questlove posted a heartfelt message on his Instagram page: The Greatest Teacher in my life, my dad Lee Andrews June 2nd…

Leonard “Hub” Hubbard, former bassist for The Roots, is suing the popular Philadelphia-based band for failure to uphold a contract that allegedly named him co-owner of the band and entitled him to continued pay even after he left the outfit in 2007. Hubbard joined the band in 1992 when they were then known as The Square Roots and remained…