Watch The Roots Celebrate a Full-Circle Moment With Billboard Hip-Hop Hall of Fame Induction
"This moment is seminal because this is really just the story of two high-school best friends," Questlove said in his acceptance speech.
The Roots were honored with a spot in Billboard's Hip-Hop Hall of Fame on September 9, 2026. Black Thought and Questlove accepted the prestigious award at New York City's Ludlow House, marking a full-circle moment for the longtime friends. The inductees reflected on their journey as one of the most influential rap groups of all time.
Black Thought recalled how a young Questlove once admired Billboard music reviews on his bedroom walls, noting the beautiful contradiction of American culture. He spoke of how something born on the margins could be put on a billboard and eventually recognized as the center of the story. Questlove shared the story of how he and Black Thought, two high-school best friends in Philadelphia, made the decision to busk on a street corner, an idea that ultimately changed their lives.
For both, this acceptance was a celebration of their legacy and a tribute to every musician who dared to pursue their passion, no matter the odds.
Written by urgent.news from Billboard's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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