The Roots

The Roots have emerged as one of the most influential and respected hip-hop acts in the industry, known for their instrumental blend of hip-hop, jazz and neo-soul. The band formed in 1987 when rapper Black Thought and drummer Questlove became friends at their high school in Philadelphia. They began performing together and soon met bassist Hub and rapper Malik B. After achieving national success, the band decided to record their first album in 1993.