From Black Lily to Fallon: The Roots’ Philly Revolution

By Ratul Hasan

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Philadelphia-based The Roots have revolutionized hip-hop by blending live jazz instrumentation with rap

—A fusion born in basement jam sessions like the Black Lily and cemented through albums like Do You Want More?!!!??!. As the official house band on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, they’ve brought hip-hop's raw energy and musical sophistication to mainstream audiences nightly

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Drummer and bandleader Questlove continues to push boundaries with projects beyond music

—Directing documentaries on Sly Stone and SNL’s musical legacy, hosting celebrity game nights, and curating massive vinyl collections that anchor Philly's cultural memory

Frontman Black Thought remains one of hip-hop’s most formidable lyricists.

His early Tiktok/YouTube freestyles and recent solos like Streams of Thought Vol. 3 reinforce his mastery of complex, socially aware wordplay—a craft rooted in Philly’s streets and stages Together, The Roots pioneered a path that transformed Philadelphia’s scene into a globally recognized hip-hop powerhouse. Through innovation, authenticity, and relentless creativity, they’ve left an indelible mark on music and culture.

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Explore more on how Philly’s musicians shaped rumors into revolution—dive into deeper stories behind the city’s cultural innovators.

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