The Roots

The Roots are one of the most celebrated and enduring acts in hip-hop history. Founded in Philadelphia in the late 1980s by MC Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter and drummer Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson, the band built their reputation the hard way — through relentless live performance and an uncompromising dedication to musical craft. What set The Roots apart from the very beginning was their commitment to live instrumentation in a genre dominated by samplers and drum machines. That raw, organic energy translated into a sound that was equally at home in underground hip-hop circles and jazz clubs. Over the decades, they released critically acclaimed albums such as *Things Fall Apart*, *Phrenology*, and *undun*, each showcasing their ability to push creative boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in Black musical tradition. Beyond their recording career, The Roots gained a new generation of fans as the house band for *The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon*, where their musical versatility and sharp wit shine nightly. Whether backing pop stars or freestyling with legends, they bring the same passion and precision every time. With multiple Grammy Awards and an influence that stretches across generations and genres, The Roots remain a true cultural institution — a band that never stopped evolving, never stopped performing, and never stopped proving that hip-hop is a living art form.