Why The Roots Remain One of Hip-Hop’s Most Groundbreaking Acts: ‘The Curiosity Is Still There’
Billboard ’s 2026 Hip-Hop Hall of Fame honorees on the enduring success of the Roots Picnic, what they’ve learned playing for Jimmy Fallon and why Jay-Z is "a regular guy like us."
Ahmir "Questlove" Thompson and Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter, the co-founders of the hip-hop collective The Roots, have maintained an unwavering bond for over three decades. Their success has seen them host the Roots Picnic, debut at the Montreux Jazz Festival, and serve as Jimmy Fallon's late-night house band. Both artists emphasize that their enduring partnership stems from a shared passion for discovery and creative freedom.
In a recent interview, Thompson expressed his excitement for their upcoming release, Endgame, the first studio album in more than a decade, which he hopes will recapture the spontaneous energy that initially drew him and Trotter together. Despite the challenges and losses they have faced, including Nichols' passing in 2014, The Roots continue to thrive, driven by a deep-rooted curiosity that remains as strong as ever.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
