The Roots
The Roots is a Grammy Award-winning hip-hop band from Philadelphia, distinguished by their use of live instrumentation in a genre dominated by sampling and drum machines. Formed in 1987 by Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter as high school students at the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, the group has achieved both critical acclaim and commercial success while serving since 2009 as the house band for "The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon." The Roots' commitment to musicianship, socially conscious lyrics, and artistic experimentation has made them one of the most respected acts in hip-hop history.[1]
Formation and Early Years
[edit | edit source]The Roots began when drummer Ahmir Thompson met MC Tariq Trotter in the hallways of the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) in the late 1980s. Both students were immersed in hip-hop culture but shared an appreciation for musicianship that distinguished them from peers who relied solely on turntables and samplers. They began performing together, with Thompson playing drums while Trotter rapped, initially busking on Philadelphia streets and performing at local venues willing to book an unconventional act.[2]
The duo gradually assembled the band that would become The Roots, adding musicians who shared their vision of hip-hop performed by a live band. The group's early lineups included bassist Leonard Hubbard, keyboardist Scott Storch (later a successful producer), and MC Malik B. Their sound combined hip-hop's rhythmic sensibility with jazz's improvisational spirit, creating music that hip-hop purists initially viewed skeptically but that eventually earned widespread respect for its artistry and innovation.[1]
Commercial Breakthrough
[edit | edit source]The Roots' commercial breakthrough came with "Things Fall Apart" (1999), which won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album and achieved gold certification. The album's title, borrowed from Chinua Achebe's novel, signaled the group's literary ambitions, while tracks including "You Got Me" (featuring Erykah Badu) demonstrated their ability to create radio-friendly music without compromising artistic integrity. The album established The Roots as critical favorites while proving that their approach could reach mainstream audiences.[2]
Subsequent albums including "Phrenology" (2002), "Game Theory" (2006), and "Rising Down" (2008) continued the group's musical evolution while maintaining the live instrumentation and thoughtful lyrics that defined their sound. Each album explored different sonic territories—from rock influences to electronic experimentation—while retaining the core identity that fans expected. The Roots' willingness to evolve, rather than repeating successful formulas, earned respect from critics even when commercial returns varied.[1]
Tonight Show
[edit | edit source]The Roots became the house band for "Late Night with Jimmy Fallon" in 2009, transitioning with Fallon to "The Tonight Show" in 2014. This position brought unprecedented exposure, with the band performing nightly for millions of viewers while backing the show's musical guests across every genre. The role transformed The Roots from successful recording artists into cultural institution, their versatility demonstrated through performances with artists ranging from Bruce Springsteen to Miley Cyrus.[2]
The Tonight Show position has not prevented continued recording and touring. The band releases albums, performs concerts, and maintains the artistic identity they established before television fame. The dual careers—late night band and touring hip-hop act—require the work ethic that Questlove and Black Thought have demonstrated throughout their careers. Their success in both arenas reflects skills that many artists possess in one domain but few in both.[1]
Philadelphia Identity
[edit | edit source]The Roots have maintained strong connections to Philadelphia despite their national prominence. Their annual Roots Picnic, launched in 2008, brings artists from across genres to perform in Philadelphia, creating a festival that celebrates the city's musical heritage while exposing local audiences to diverse acts. The event has become one of Philadelphia's premier music festivals, attracting visitors from throughout the region and beyond.[2]
The group's Philadelphia identity extends beyond events to their music, which frequently references the city and its culture. Their work with Philadelphia artists, including Jill Scott (who was discovered at a Roots-produced open mic) and other local talents, demonstrates commitment to the musical community that nurtured them. The Roots represent Philadelphia hip-hop on the national stage while supporting the next generation of Philadelphia artists.[1]
Legacy
[edit | edit source]The Roots' influence extends throughout contemporary music, from their demonstration that hip-hop could incorporate live instrumentation to their example of how artists can maintain integrity while achieving commercial success. Their Grammy wins, critical acclaim, and Tonight Show platform have made them among the most visible hip-hop acts in history, while their musical innovations have influenced countless artists who followed. The Roots represent Philadelphia's contribution to hip-hop at its highest level, their success reflecting both individual talent and the city's musical heritage.[2]