The Roots

The Roots are an influential Philadelphia-based hip hop group, known for innovative lyrics and live instrumentation. Inspired by the "hip-hop band" concept pioneered by Stetsasonic, the Roots themselves have garnered critical acclaim and influenced later hip-hop and R&B acts.

Members

The Roots' original lineup included Black Thought (MC vocals) and ?uestlove (drums), who were classmates at the Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts. As they began to play at school and on the streets, they added another MC named Malik B. and a bassist named Hub. As the Roots began to play in clubs around Philadelphia, they filled out the band by adding a keyboard player named Kamal and a beatboxer named Rahzel. Malik B. later left the group.

Related Topics:
Black Thought - MC vocals - ?uestlove - Drums - Philadelphia High School for Creative Performing Arts - Malik B. - Hub - Keyboard - Beatboxer - Rahzel

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